Warren County Emergency Medical Services is best in the state and has the award to prove it.

The Bob Thomas ALS Service of the Year Award was presented to Warren County EMS for excellence in emergency medical services. It was selected out of more than 160 departments.

Warren County EMS director Preston Denney was presented the recognition during the Tennessee Ambulance Service Association Conference.

“It was a humbling experience,” said Denney. “I really didn’t expect it. We have been working really hard over the last four to five years to offer additional training. A lot of services have only two to three critical care paramedics, but about 60% of our staff are critical care paramedics.”

The award also recognizes the department’s outreach efforts by participating in local charity events, providing first aid training and visiting schools.

“It’s important for us to give back,” said Denney, of the department’s community connection efforts. “Hopefully we can recruit more people over the next few years and get them to help do the same.”

Denney said the award credits the department’s work at all levels. “It’s definitely a team effort and then even back to the county. The county supports us and we couldn’t do any of it without any of the parts.”

Tennessee Ambulance Service Association nominated Warren County EMS for the award. Additionally, letters of support were provided by Warren County government, Saint Thomas River Park Hospital, Saint Thomas Cardiac Services, District Attorney Lisa Zavogiannis, and the medical investigators of the DA’s office.