Penn Township Ambulance 'overwhelmed, gratified' by statewide EMS award

Overwhelming. Gratifying.

Those were the words Operations Director Ed Grant used to quantify his emotions May 8 as Penn Township Ambulance was named the EMS Agency of the Year by a statewide organization.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, an advisory board with more than 200 members, recognized the ambulance station for its medical expertise, community engagement and sustainability.

“It’s the greatest pat on the back to say ‘Job well done,’” Grant said of the award.

Penn Township Ambulance was recognized in the small volume category, open to agencies that respond to less than 5,000 emergency calls per year. Founded in 1972, Penn Township Ambulance responded to 3,500 calls in 2024, arriving at the scene in 9 minutes on average and taking 2,300 patients to local hospitals.

The agency is run by a staff of one pre-hospital nurse, 13 paramedics and 18 emergency medical technicians, said Alvin Wang, president of the state Emergency Health Services Council.

“Despite its small size, Penn Township Ambulance creates a significant and large impact within the EMS community as a whole,” said Wang, addressing the crowd of paramedics, police officers, local government officials and residents who gathered in the ambulance station Thursday.

Rep. Brian Rasel, R-Penn Township, commended the ambulance station staff for their service to the community.

“You are all more deserving than any other group I can possibly think of,” he said.

Mutual Aid Medical Director William Jenkins was also recognized by the council on May 8. He received the Dr. George Moerkirk Memorial Contribution to EMS Award, which is given annually to a person who provides a significant contribution to the state’s EMS system.