Lea Lemky from the Hazelton Ambulance Service received her 25 years of service recognition, although it was three years late, due to COVID-19.
“She’s actually just finishing her 27th year as a paramedic. I met Lea when she was the Unit Chief in Hazelton around 2000, and we participated with a team of four others in the WCB (Workers Compensation Board), OFA 3 (Level 3 First aid), competition,” Lemky’s long-time friend and colleague Julia Strain said.
“Lea is a hard worker, and is totally dedicated to her patients and to the crew members at her station. She loves to cook and bake, and often brings treats to the crew.”
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Lemky started her paramedic career in Hazelton in 1995, and became a part-time unit chief in that station. In 2002, she accepted a full-time position in Vancouver, and worked throughout the Lower Mainland as a paramedic, mentor, preceptor and in various supervisory positions.
In 2019, Lemky had the opportunity to come home to Hazelton as a full-time unit chief. She happily accepted, since her daughter (also a paramedic) and grandchildren live there.
In the seven and a half years that Lemky has held the unit chief position, she has hired approximately 30 - 40 paramedics, and mentored or was a preceptor for many more.
“I have loved being a paramedic chief, and preceptor. It’s been a very satisfying career, helping people,” Lemky said.
“To say Lea Lemky has made a difference in the lives of many, many people — both patients and paramedics, is to understate the impact that she has made. Never doubt the difference one person from a small, rural town can make in the lives of the people they serve. Congratulations Lea on a well-deserved award,” said Strain.
deb.meissner@interior-news.com
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