DSHS recognizes excellence at Texas EMS & Trauma Awards

The Texas Department of State Health Services presented awards Tuesday for excellence among emergency medical services providers. This year’s Texas EMS & Trauma Awards, given as part of the state Emergency Medical Services Conference in Fort Worth, recognized the contributions of four individuals and six organizations for the work they do to support the trauma system and respond to emergencies across Texas. In addition, Marble Falls Fire Chief Michael Phillips, who lost his life in the line of duty while responding to the July 4 Hill Country floods, was inducted into the Texas EMS Hall of Honor.

As part of the awards presentation, DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, paid tribute to the professionals who respond day in and day out to help their fellow Texans in the most dire circumstances.

“Every day, you bring skill, courage, and compassion to your work,” said Shuford. “You are there in the most critical moments, when seconds matter and lives depend on your calm presence and quick action. That passion for helping others is what defines Texas.”

Shuford also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the EMS workforce. In the last three years, DSHS has awarded more than 3,000 scholarships for EMS education and training, helping increase the number of certified EMS professionals by more than 11,000.

The list of EMS & Trauma Awards honorees is below.

EMS Community Recognition Award
Addison Fire Department 
Addison

EMS Education Program/Educator of the Year
Temple College EMS
Temple

Interfacility Collaboration Award
Ben Taub Emergency Center 
Houston

Rural Healthcare Award
Kerrville Fire Department
Kerrville

Designated Facility of the Year
JPS Health Network
Fort Worth

EMS Leader of the Year
Steven Dralle, LP
Arlington

EMS Professional of the Year
Daniel McDonnell, LP
Hutto

EMS Response of the Year
Bexar County ESD No. 2
San Antonio

GETAC Journey of Excellence
Sara Jensen
San Antonio

GETAC Journey of Excellence
Jim Speier NREMT-P, CMTE
Tyler

Hall of Honor
for line of duty deaths
Chief Michael Phillips, EMT
July 5, 2025
Marble Falls

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(News Media Contact: Chris Van Deusen, Director of Media Relations, 512-776-7119)