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KENANSVILLE — Duplin County recently honored the dedicated men and women of Emergency Medical Services with a heartfelt celebration during EMS Week, May 18–24. As a show of gratitude, the public safety administrative team prepared meals for every EMS shift. The appreciation continued with the county’s first-ever EMS Community Day on Saturday, providing families with an opportunity to connect with their local heroes.
During EMS Week, Brandon McMahon, EMS director, and Dr. Jon Kornegay, EMS medical director, along with shift supervisors, worked diligently to coordinate meals for each shift, ensuring that every crew member felt seen and appreciated. The community’s appreciation also showed through meaningful gestures, such as handwritten notes, thank-you cards, and donations of food, including a 12-layer chocolate cake.
“The reaction from the staff was incredibly heartfelt. Many of them were surprised,” McMahon told Duplin Journal. “They’re so used to focusing on the job at hand, they rarely pause to receive thanks.”
For McMahon, witnessing his team receive gratitude was deeply moving.
“To see their dedication acknowledged so openly was incredibly affirming, not just for them, but for me as well,” McMahon explained. “When gratitude comes from the very people you serve, it carries a special weight. It’s a reminder that every call, every sacrifice, every long night — it all matters.”
McMahon shared that these gestures of appreciation reminded everyone, including leadership, that the hard work, the emotional toll, and the quiet sacrifices made every day do not go unnoticed. Receiving gifts, sweets, and kind words from the community held significant meaning because they were more than just tokens; they were acknowledgments from those whose lives have been touched by EMS.
“I wanted each team member to feel that their dedication does not go unnoticed — not by leadership, and certainly not by the people whose lives they touch,” said McMahon. He explained that sometimes the demands of the job can overshadow the impact of their work, especially as shifts blur together and the emotional toll quietly accumulates.
EMS Week provided an opportunity to remind the teams that what they do truly matters.
“They are the backbone of a system that countless people rely on in their worst moments. And for that, they deserve not only gratitude but unwavering support,” said McMahon.
During EMS Week, a moment that stood out particularly for McMahon was when the shift crews had a rare opportunity to come together and fellowship as a group. In the fast-paced world of emergency response, such moments are both rare and fleeting.
Throughout the week, there were quiet moments that provided space for reflection on what the EMS team has endured over the past year, serving as a powerful reminder of the human strength and compassion that define the team.
“They’ve responded to some of the toughest calls imaginable — medical crises, car accidents, overdoses, moments of loss and panic,” recounted McMahon.
He noted that the team faced grueling challenges, sacrificing personal time, and enduring physical and emotional fatigue. “And through it all, they’ve remained steady, compassionate, and committed.”
A key message McMahon shared for the EMS team was, “You’ve carried not only patients but entire communities through uncertainty, fear, and pain. You’ve comforted strangers, saved lives, and stood strong when others couldn’t. That matters more than words can fully express. I’m proud of you — not just for what you do, but for who you are.”
McMahon shared that the hope for EMS Week is that every member was reminded of their profound importance and that their contributions do not go unnoticed. Most importantly, leadership and community stand with them in gratitude and support.
“The resilience, teamwork, and quiet courage you’ve shown inspire everyone around you. Never doubt the impact you have. And most importantly, you are not alone. We see you. We support you. And we are endlessly grateful for you,” McMahon emphasized.
The week of appreciation aimed to remind EMS teams that their efforts are recognized and valued. “I hope they carry forward the understanding that they are not just responders — they are healers, protectors, and trusted pillars in people’s darkest moments. Emotionally, I want them to feel proud. Not just proud of their technical skills or fast response times, but proud of the compassion they bring,” McMahon expressed.
Community Day, held at the Duplin Events Center, provided a special opportunity to bring families together for a day of fun, and break down fears around emergency responders by offering hands-on experiences with ambulances, fire trucks, and even a medical helicopter.
“This special event is a chance for our community to connect with local EMS professionals, learn about the vital work they do every day, and discover how we all can play a part in responding to time-sensitive emergencies like strokes, heart attacks, and trauma situations,” McMahon told Duplin Journal.
“We want them to get hands-on so they’re not scared whenever we respond to the real thing,” said Luis Arellano, Duplin County EMS member and one of the event organizers.
Arellano indicated that he hopes that the event will spark interest in public safety and EMS as a profession and expressed their aim of establishing EMS Community Day as an annual occurrence. “Our hope for this year is kicking off our annual thing and making it bigger and better.”
More than just a celebration, the day offered a powerful reminder of the vital role EMS plays in emergencies like strokes, heart attacks, and trauma situations. It also allowed for first responders to interact with the community outside of crisis situations.
McMahon told Duplin Journal he hopes EMS staff feels recharged and reminded of their purpose in choosing this path. He wants his staff to feel not only appreciated but valued, seen, and deeply respected.
Editor’s note: K.D. Beard contributed to this story.
