Kinney earns state award
Kraig Kinney, executive director of Greencastle's Operation Life, received the David J. Edwards Memorial Award on Friday.
The award is bestowed upon one Indiana emergency medical service primary instructor each year. It is awarded by the Indiana EMS Commission, which is a branch of the Homeland Security Department.
"I'm obviously very appreciative," Kinney said. "I certainly try to do my best, and I appreciate that they considered me."
Kinney serves as lead instructor for EMS classes at DePauw University and Area 30 Career Center. He has been an instructor for 12 years.
Kinney was nominated for the award by Jenny Lien, EMT-paramedic training coordinator at Operation Life.
"It should be noted that Kraig's primary duties are as executive director of Putnam County Operation Life, which is a full-time position itself," Lien wrote in her nomination letter. "Yet, Kraig finds time to further educate the EMS community and our employees. It seems that most EMS personnel either fall into a field track, instructor track or administration track. Kraig is unique in that he able to successfully do all three. Simply put, I believe that Kraig has been a role model for EMS instructors in Indiana and he should be recognized for his continuing efforts."
Kinney received letters of recommendation from several people, including Area 30 assistant director Lora Wood.
"Kraig donated his time and knowledge to Area 30 staff by training all staff members on the operation of our two new AED machines," she wrote. "His instructional skills and knowledge were greatly appreciated by all trainees."
Kinney also got support from Chet Fornari, DePauw's institutional training officer.
"In every instance, for every detail of strategy and tactics, Kraig has worked tirelessly, comprehensively and intensely to make our EMT course one of the most effective, and, I might add, the most popular winter term course on campus."
Kinney received his award during the annual Indiana EMS Conference.
The award is named for David J. Edwards, who was a paramedic and firefighter who was also a primary instructor actively involved in EMS education. Edwards was killed was fighting a house fire on Feb. 3, 1988. He worked for the Lawrence Township Fire Department in Indianapolis.
To be considered for the award, "The candidate must be actively involved in EMS education and be certified by the EMS Commission as a primary instructor," information from the State of Indiana Web site said. "The candidate should not only demonstrate a willingness to teach but an eagerness to learn. The candidate should be an active member of the community involved in public education and public service which goes beyond normal day-to-day EMS responsibilities."