Buell named Paramedic of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Exchange Club of Vicksburg honored Kelcy Buell by naming her Paramedic of the Year.

Each year the club accepts nominations of paramedics in Vicksburg from the Vicksburg Fire Department, VFD, and Emergency Medical Services, EMS. This year the department had three finalists nominated and chosen within the club.

The finalists were chosen to attend a luncheon with the club at Billy’s Italian Restaurant located at 4000 S Frontage Rd # 112B, Vicksburg, MS 39180. The finalists were Buell, Troy Scott and Kimani Ratliff. Ratliff was not in attendance.

Deputy Chief of EMS Jessica Cade said, “I am thankful to the Exchange Club of Vicksburg for acknowledging the difficult and important service that our ambulance crews provide. All three nominees are exceptional paramedics and assets to the City of Vicksburg.”

Buell said she was honored and thrilled to just be nominated.

“I’d didn’t even know I would be nominated,” said Buell. Her husband, Alex Buell, said he couldn’t be more proud.

“She certainly carries us through,” he said.

Buell became a paramedic in Vicksburg in August of 2024. She serves the city out of Station two on Indiana Avenue. Prior to being a paramedic, Buell served as an EMT since 2021.

VFD Chief Trey Martin said Vicksburg is a safer place having Buell on duty.

“Paramedic Buell completed the Paramedic Program in August 2024 and has been the primary provider for Firemedic 40 on C-Shift. Over the last year Paramedic Buell has faced several demanding medical calls and each time she rises to the occasion providing exceptional care for her patients. Vicksburg Fire Department is grateful to have Buell as part of our team. Vicksburg and Warren County should feel safer knowing Paramedic Buell will be responding to medical emergencies in their time of need,” said Martin.

Previous recipients of the award were Anna Meeks in 2023 and Jeremy Cooper in 2024.