Michael Burns — president of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service — could nominate many folks as Unsung Heroes.
But he’s chosen one: paramedic Kevin Doherty. Michael writes:
Beyond Kevin’s regular duties, he puts in a great deal of effort teaching people at EMS the basics and advanced skills of a paramedic.
But in addition to Kevin’s day-to-day duties on the ambulance, he has been the infection control officer for Westport’s 3 emergency services for nearly 10 years.
During the pandemic, Kevin’s ICO responsibility has expanded to include all town employees. He is effectively on call 24/7.
Kevin Doherty
He has taken on an especially critical role as co-safety officer for the town’s Emergency Operations Center Command Group. Kevin is responsible for not only tracking and advising any sick employees in town, but also working with the selectmen’s office and town department heads, setting policies ensuring the safety of all employees.
He is also responsible for 1-on-1 instruction with each new or returning EMS member in COVID-specific safety (for example, fit-testing N95s, and the safe donning and doffing of all PPE) and equipment decontamination procedures.
Kevin selects and procures (with the town’s Logistics, Purchasing, and Finance Departmenets) all COVID-related PPE and supplies.
During all this, he has continued to function as lead advisor for the Youth Corps
He goes above and beyond the call of duty in so many ways. Kevin is on top of it all. That’s why he is so respected and loved by everyone he works with at EMS.
He does a hell of a job. And he is just a nice guy!
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)
Thanks Kevin!
I think all of the EMS personnel are unsung heroes. Had the experience of needing the ambulance last Monday. EMS staff were terrific!