The Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician of the year were honored at the annual General Membership Meeting of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) in Atlanta on Monday night during the EMS Expo 2009.

Chris M. Honda, of Hilo, Hawaii, was presented the Paramedic of the Year award while Linda Smith of Phillip, South Dakota was honored with EMT of the Year. Both awards were presented to the recipients by Patrick Moore, president of the NAEMT.

The NAEMT also presented The Rocco V. Morando Lifetime Achievement Award to Executive Director Bill Brown and paid tribute to Martin Stillman, Esq., the organization's legal counsel who died of cancer in July after serving NAEMT for 15 years.

Paramedic of the Year

Paramedic Honda works as a firefighter and a mobile intensive care technician with the Hawaii Fire Department. He was given the award for his role in maintaining his department's EMT training program when it was going to be delayed by a lack of EMT instructors available through the community college.

To make sure the program continued without delay, Honda instructed the department's 36th recruit class. During the subsequent six months, Honda devoted hundreds of hours to the training, including personal time, to assure his students received the instructions they need. His commitment caused a loss of pay due to coming off the 24-hour fire line as well as temporarily suspending his passion in the career -- providing advanced life support care for patients.

Honda was nominated for the award by Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira who recognized his personal sacrifices for the good of the department.

Captain Lance Uchida, Honda's company officer, says Honda is a dedicated, hardworking employee who continually demonstrates a genuine interest in his profession by improving his knowledge of medical advancement an improving his skills by attending classes, and training.

"Chris is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty and takes great pride in his profession," Uchida said in a news release about the award. "He has an excellent work attitude which radiates to his fellow employees and colleagues."

Honda is a member of various committees and is active in community service, including raising money for the American Cancer Society and serving as a community CPR and first aid instructor.