The 2020 Pinellas County EMS Professionals of the Year Award
Sunstar Paramedics employees, Emergency Medical Services Dispatcher/Paramedic Christopher Kannenberg and Emergency Medical Technician Jason Melzer are among the recipients of the 2020 Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Professionals of the Year. This award is presented to public safety professionals who stand out because of their outstanding contributions to EMS or for heroic actions.
Paramedic Christopher Kannenberg has been with Sunstar since 2002 and had worked as an EMT and paramedic before he transitioned to the communications center as a dispatcher in 2014. While working in the Communications Center, Chris has advanced in his profession to Communications Training Officer, and is currently responsible for training new EMT’s and Paramedics in the Dispatch Center. As a Telecommunicator, Chris’s customer service is superior and he is often seen helping other dispatchers with difficult situations. He is recognized for his work on developing a high efficiency dispatch deployment plan, for the Sunstar basic life support transport program in Pinellas County. Chris was also recognized for his customer service, teamwork, and knowledge, as well as his training expertise. He has received praise from many of his co-workers for his pleasant and understanding demeanor.
EMT Jason Melzer began his EMS career in 2002 in Ohio, before moving to Florida. Jason has worked for Sunstar for the past 17 years and will be completing his paramedic education later in this year. Jason’s commitment to public safety is one of the many reasons he has received this award. He is an EMT Preceptor, Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor and Child Passenger Safety Technician. Jason’s student evaluations reflect his excellent training and friendly nature. Jason was also recognized this year by a citizen who he helped to resuscitate when the patient went into cardiac arrest while participating in a road race.
About the Award
The EMS Professional of the Year awards are presented by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners in May of each year, while commemorating Emergency Medical Services Week which honors EMS professionals working within the Pinellas County's emergency medical services system.
