There are many people who have made SLU EMS what it is today. The leaders of the past have crafted a stable foundation on which SLU EMS sits today. I have had the pleasure of serving under two leaders and working beside one. Matt Maynard, '07, defined what much of SLU EMS has become. His work to expand our scope, to establish a recognizable name, and create an agency that is reputable and respected was crucial to where we are today.

In the summer of 2007, three very dedicated SLU EMS members worked far more than I am sure they expected to craft some of the most important improvements that SLU EMS has had in a long while. Firstly, I have to thank EMT-B Paul Metzler, '08, SLU EMS's Assistant Director. I charged Paul with countless, mind numbing tasks that were necessary but also required whomever would tackle them to be on-campus. Paul was willing to take time while on-campus this summer to go well above and beyond what was asked of him. Paul is also primarily responsible for the synthesis of SLU EMS's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These procedures are essential in defining how we operate, are structured, and to act as guides to maintain a smoothly-running agency.

I must also recognize EMT-B Ben Burdet, '08, for his enthusiasm and commitment this summer in creating this website. Although SLU EMS has always had a website, it was neither publicly available nor current. Ben's broad computer skill and clear vision for a website was key to creating such a beautiful and professional resource that currently serves us well and will continue to long after we have left St Lawrence. Ben, your hard work has not only been noticed and appreciated by our members and by the administration, but also by each visitor to our website. Thank you!

EMT-B Chris Prener, '08, is also most deserving of recognition. Chris, we are forever in debt to you for your artistic talent. Chris is responsible for many of the newest changes SLU EMS has go through. His extensive experience in the pre-hospital setting has helped Chris become an invaluable asset to our team and the agency's aggressive modernization. Chris, I am thrilled to say, is primarily responsible for SLU EMS's new look. With a few ideas crudely presented to him, he has crafted many of the SLU EMS logos, patches, letterheads, and electronic paperwork. Without Chris, our agency may never have gotten the facelift that it deserves!

Any agency such as ours cannot survive without the continual support of other individuals and departments in and outside of the University. People such as Patrick Gagnon, Director of SLU Safety and Security; Wesley Hissong, Assistant Director of SLU Safety and Security; Roxanne Cliff, SLU Safety and Security Officer and Advisor to SLU EMS; and Linda Bascom, SLU Safety and Security Secretary are key to our organization's daily operation. These individuals have been supportive of each new step SLU EMS has taken and are always willing to provide insight whenever we need it. I, personally, would like to thank you for always taking time to talk with me about the most serious of questions and for taking time to joke with me. Thank you for your continual support both on and off scene.

It is important to also point out Associate Vice President of University Communications Lisa Cania for her support this summer in helping craft our new logo so that it tastefully and appropriately reflects our service and the University effectively. Dean of Student Life Joseph Tolliver's Office also plays a major role in our daily operation. Thank you both for your continued support in our campus operations. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Patricia Ellis, FNP, Director of Health and Counseling Services, Daniel Palmateer, M.D., SLU EMS's Medical Director, and the entire Health Center staff are extremely important resources on campus for both our own members and the greater campus community. Thank you for keeping your door open for me when I have had questions or needed advice on the services SLU EMS offers.

The continuing support of Information Technolgies has been crucial in helping troubleshoot and build this website. Adam Gordon, Jamie Richardson, Chris Lafty, and Rhett Thatcher spent a great deal of time and effort to help us not only with basic needs, but spent numerous hours with Ben and Paul working on countless issues that arose during this whole process. Without their support and effort we would still be at the drawing board, and for this we thank you!

Of course there are many people outside of the University that have been extremely supportive of SLU EMS and our operation. Canton Fire Department and Rescue Squad are vitally important to the services we provide to SLU. Any time, day or night, Canton Fire and Rescue's volunteer members respond to our needs as a campus and community. Thank you for your partnership, dedication, and time. Our agencies have worked and continue to work so well together. Thank you, Chief Michael Dalton and President Peter Feickert, for always being willing to talk with me about making our departments continue to work better together and for helping to provide our patients and communities with the best services available.

Thank you to Ann Smith, Director of North Country Regional Medical Advisory Committee, for all of the Q and A that I bounce off of you. You have willingly answered many of my questions regarding where SLU EMS stands, how we can improve, and how we can ensure our patients receive the best treatment available.

I also find it important to recognize the SUNY Canton EMT training program, especially Donald D. Thompson, CIC. The training program serves as our members' primary means of EMT education. Don, your enthusiasm for EMS is contagious. Thank you for your comments and suggestions, for your excellent instruction, and for the assistance that you have given our agency-as well as me personally-in time and equipment.

Similarly, our agency must extend a grateful thank you to Canton-Potsdam Hospital's Emergency Department staff who, all too often, care for our patients long after we have cleared scene. Your care is never unnoticed. Thank you for the vital service you provide SLU Students and our greater communities.

Certainly there are many more people who have played or currently play huge parts in the way SLU EMS runs. You help to sustain our services, to answer questions, and give suggestions. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

C. Woody Parker, '09 AEMT-CC

Director, St Lawrence University Emergency Medical Services