Clearwater, Florida (March 23, 2018)  Sunstar Paramedic Jason Bihlajama Received the 2018 Commissioner John Morroni Award for excellence in Public Safety at the 23rd annual Appreciation Luncheon for Emergency Personnel.

Jason was recognized for his quick reaction to a suicidal patient that pulled a gun on the scene of an emergency call. According to responding police officer Taurean E. Mathis Sr., “Paramedic Bihlajama potentially saved the lives of the patient, the officers and other responders by throwing himself on top of the patient and placing his thumb between the hammer and firing pin of the gun to keep this violent patient from pulling the trigger.” Jason stayed on top of the thrashing violent patient until the officers could disarm him.

Jason Bihlajama has worked as a paramedic at Sunstar since 2008 and recently became a Field Training Officer. In addition, Jason has also been recognized twice for his excellent patient care and heroics with the Sunstar Star Care award.

The Commissioner Morroni Award of Excellence in EMS is presented annually to EMS professionals who display exceptional dedication above and beyond the call of duty. More than 500 people attended the luncheon in March at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park to honor Pinellas County’s emergency service providers.