A Princeton man has been named the top Emergency Medical Technician in the state.
Phillip Franklin of Deerfield Drive was honored at the 2004 Kentucky Ambulance Provider Association’s (KAPA) annual awards banquet Sept. 17 as 2004 EMT of the Year.
“I was definitely surprised when I heard my name called,” said Franklin, who has been working as an EMT the past 19 years.
Franklin and other nominees from across the state were recommended for the award through anonymous nominations.
After a KAPA nomination committee reviewed the candidates, they decided Franklin should receive the award, which is given to an EMT in recognition of “extraordinary contributions and care … provided in the field of Emergency Medical Services to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Franklin said he was attracted to a career in the emergency medical field after joining the Caldwell County Rescue Squad in 1984.
“I started studying to become an EMT and received my license in 1985,” he said.
Franklin worked part-time as an EMT for Caldwell County EMS after receiving his license. Then in 1987 he started working for the local service as a full-time employee.
Franklin added to his local emergency response duties in 1988 by joining the Princeton Fire Department (now known as Princeton Fire and Rescue). He is now a captain with that department and is also a State Fire and Rescue Level 2 Training Instructor.
Franklin is currently an EMT with Marshall County EMS. “I’ve been with them the past seven years,” he said. “I really enjoy my work, and plan to stay there until I retire.”
KAPA annually recognizes an outstanding EMT, paramedic, dispatcher and ambulance service during its conference.
