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Gardner named Paramedic of the Year
Captain Paramedic Derrick Gardner named Paramedic of the Year in Vicksburg. Discover his inspiring story and dedication.
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Exchange Club of Vicksburg honored Captain Paramedic Derrick Gardner by naming him 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 Gardner, Demond Patton and Jason Harshbarger. Harshbarger was not in attendance because he responding to a call during the lunch.
Gardner, a Vicksburg native who attended Warren Central High School, began his career with the Vicksburg Fire Department in 2004 and has served 18 years as a paramedic with the city.
“It means a lot to be recognized for doing your job. But that’s one of my big things with the younger guys that’s coming in and everything. You know, if you do your job, the recognition comes later,” said Gardner. “If you do your job, and do the hard work, others will see it.”
Garder is married to Ebony Gardner and the couple has one son.
Vicksburg Fire Chief Trey Martin said Gardner works at the central office and has a hand in nearly every call received.
“He does a lot and really does a great job,” said Martin.
Deputy Chief of EMS Jessica Cade said all of the nominees deserved recognition.
“I’m extremely proud of all the paramedics who were nominated for this year’s Paramedic of the Year award. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving our community deserve to be recognized. We’re grateful to the Exchange Club for taking the time to honor our paramedics and recognize the important work they do every day,” said Cade.
The Exchange Club of Vicksburg said the club has a pillar of service dedicated to honoring first responders and often paramedics do not receive the recognition they deserve.
