Cranberry Township EMS has been named the 2020 Pennsylvania Small EMS Agency of the Year. Ted Fessides, above, EMS chief and executive director, called the award “a profound recognition of CTEMS' commitment to helping keep our communities safe.”

Cranberry Township EMS’ commitment to serving the community was rewarded this week by being named the 2020 Pennsylvania Small EMS Agency of the Year.

The award was given through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of EMS and the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council.

Cranberry Township EMS earned the award over more than 1,200 EMS agencies in Pennsylvania.

“This award is a direct reflection of our dedicated personnel who work tirelessly day in and day out to provide the best prehospital emergency medical care possible,” said Ted Fessides, EMS chief and executive director. “It’s also a profound recognition of CTEMS’ commitment to helping keep our communities safe.”

In 2019, the service answered 4,012 calls serving the communities of Cranberry Township, Seven Fields and New Sewickley Township in southwest Butler and east-central Beaver County.

In November 2019 during the annual Save-A-Life Saturday event, three cardiac arrest patients who were saved through the efforts of CTEMS had a chance to meet the responders who helped them.

This prestigious award also recognized what the organization does beyond answering calls.

More than 380 individuals were trained in both certified and hands-only CPR, and 259 parents were assisted in installing child car seats correctly.

The team performed 32 Safe Landings visits for new parents, and attended 102 community events.

“CTEMS is an exemplary example that an EMS agency should be more than just taking people to the hospital,” said Jerry Andree, township manger. “We are proud of their efforts and thankful for the excellent service they have provided to the township for more than 50 years.”