In a moving ceremony at their recent Leonardtown meeting, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County recognized a team of local first responders with the Maryland Star of Life award for their heroic actions in saving a teenager’s life. The award, presented by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), celebrates St. Mary’s County first responders who demonstrate exceptional skill and bravery under extreme conditions. On November 6, 2024, these individuals responded to a critical motor vehicle collision, showcasing the teamwork and dedication that define emergency services in Southern Maryland.
A Critical Response on November 6
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on November 6, 2024, St. Mary’s and Charles County Fire Rescue and EMS units were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision with entrapment. Off-duty Mechanicsville Rescue Squad member Jimmy Breeden and Mechanicsville Fire Department member T.J. Fonce heard the call and rushed to the scene. They found a single vehicle that had veered off the roadway and struck a tree, leaving a 16-year-old male passenger heavily entrapped with severe multi-system trauma. The crash’s force had compromised the vehicle’s structural steel, creating immediate life-threatening conditions.
Breeden and Fonce acted swiftly, applying direct pressure to a serious wound and activating Maryland State Police aviation for advanced support. Mechanicsville Squad 2 and Hughesville Squad 2 arrived soon after, working to extricate the unconscious teenager. The EMS crew, including Lieutenant Heather Forrest, Paramedic Amy Miller, Paramedic Intern Ellie Mason, and EMTs Brian Bowen, Ashley Corley, Kaylee Moore, and Bethany Higgs, conducted a rapid trauma assessment. After freeing the patient, the team stabilized his critical injuries. Trooper 7, the Maryland State Police aviation unit, administered whole blood during transport, enabling the teen to regain consciousness en route to the R. Adams Kelly Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Thanks to these efforts, the patient has returned home to continue his recovery
The Maryland Star of Life Award
The Maryland Star of Life award, presented annually by MIEMSS, recognizes EMS personnel for outstanding contributions, particularly in high-stakes rescues. This year’s recipients from St. Mary’s County first responders exemplify clinical excellence and teamwork. The honored team includes Jimmy Breeden, T.J. Fonce, Lieutenant Heather Forrest, Paramedic Amy Miller, Paramedic Intern Ellie Mason, EMTs Brian Bowen, Ashley Corley, Kaylee Moore, Bethany Higgs, and others such as Ryan Raley, Keith Hemming, Delonte Herbert, Kaylin Thompson, and Mark Trowbridge, some of whom could not attend the ceremony. The Commissioners, meeting in the Chesapeake Building, presented commendations to these St. Mary’s County first responders, highlighting their role in saving a life under extreme pressure.
The ceremony also included introductions of newly designated Judge Kevin Hill and Magistrate Sue Ann Armitage, reflecting the Commissioners’ broader focus on community leadership. However, the spotlight remained on the EMS team’s extraordinary efforts, which underscored the critical role of St. Mary’s County first responders in emergency care.
The Vital Role of EMS in Southern Maryland
Rural communities like St. Mary’s County rely heavily on skilled first responders to provide immediate life-saving care, especially given the distance to advanced medical facilities. The November 6 incident highlights the seamless coordination among St. Mary’s County first responders, including fire, EMS, and aviation units, which ensured rapid transport to a trauma center. This teamwork is essential in Southern Maryland, where timely access to specialized care can be a matter of life and death.
The successful outcome of this rescue— the teenager’s return to the community— demonstrates the profound impact of St. Mary’s County first responders. Their ability to stabilize a critically injured patient under challenging conditions reflects the training and dedication that define Maryland’s EMS system. The Commissioners’ recognition not only honors these individuals but also reinforces the importance of supporting emergency services in St. Mary’s County.
Community Gratitude and Ongoing Support
The St. Mary’s County Commissioners’ ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the everyday heroes who protect Southern Maryland. By honoring these St. Mary’s County first responders, the Commissioners acknowledge their selfless service and the critical role they play in community safety. The Maryland Star of Life award celebrates not just individual bravery but the collective effort of EMS teams working together to save lives.
As St. Mary’s County continues to grow, the dedication of its first responders remains a cornerstone of public safety. The Commissioners and the community extend their gratitude to these individuals for their unwavering commitment and wish the young patient a full recovery. This recognition underscores the strength of St. Mary’s County first responders and their vital contribution to Southern Maryland’s well-being.
