Toronto Paramedic Services (TPS) welcomed 55 new frontline recruits at its graduation and awards ceremony on Tuesday.
The graduates include 38 primary care paramedics and 17 emergency telecommunicators.
"We are thrilled to welcome today’s graduates," TPS' Chief Bikram Chawla said in a release.
"They join our team of skilled and dedicated professionals providing essential pre-hospital emergency care to residents and visitors every day."
The ceremony honoured existing TPS staff with awards for long service and bravery. Seven staff received service awards, which are given to those who have served a minimum of 12 years. Seven of the long service award recipients also received bars that were added to their medals — each bar representing an additional 10 years of service.
Chawla commended the awardees for "their unwavering service to Torontonians.”
Mayor Olivia Chow echoed his statement, saying, the city "deeply" appreciates their "dedication to the health and safety of our residents and visitors."
The ceremony also celebrated 11 recipients of the new Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery, an award that recognizes individual acts of outstanding courage performed by members of Ontario's paramedic services.
All set for this afternoon's Graduation and Awards Ceremony! It’s going to be a full house as we celebrate our amazing @TorontoMedics staff. 🎓#StayTuned for more from the ceremony! 🎖️ pic.twitter.com/k0Misiiujx
— Toronto Paramedic Services (@TorontoMedics) November 26, 2024
