Honors for Retiring Fla. EMS Chief
July 26--Okaloosa County's longtime Emergency Medical Services chief has received a prestigious state award for his work overseeing the division.
Al Herndon was given the award in Orlando last week, less than two months before he is set to retire after almost 40 years in the field.
"I'm very pleased and proud," said Dino Villani, the county's public safety director. "He's very deserving of this award. He's had quite a bit of accomplishments over many years in EMS and has really made a great impact in the field, especially in Florida."
The Florida Association of County EMS chose Herndon for its Mark Fingeret Administrative Leadership and Excellence Award this year. It recognizes his leadership and contributions to pre-hospital care in Okaloosa County and across the state, according to a news release.
Herndon took over as Okaloosa's EMS chief in 2000. He oversees more than 100 employees and an almost $8 million budget.
He said some of his major accomplishments have included bringing the latest innovations to the division and implementing cost-saving measures.
He oversaw EMS' switch to medium-duty ambulances, which can be refurbished for $12,000 to $15,000 versus the $95,000 it costs to remount previous trucks.
"That saves a tremendous amount of money," he said.
The division now uses automatic pro-lift battery-powered stretchers to help relieve some of the physical strain on EMS personnel. Crews also use advanced airway equipment that saves on the number of times patients have to be intubated, which reduces costs for insurers, hospitals and families, Herndon said.
"That's a really innovative thing we've been doing here for some time," he said.
Villani said Herndon's demeanor and extensive knowledge of the EMS field have been invaluable.
"He's very personable and knows how to deal with people, and he's also extremely knowledgeable not only with medical issues but the EMS industry itself," he said. "With that kind of pedigree and background, he's able to contribute in ways that the average person wouldn't."
Herndon is set to retire in September. His youngest child is just starting college and the house is paid off, so it's a good time, he said.
The man who likes hot rods plans to take some road trips, including one along Route 66.
"I just want to get out on the road and see America," he said.
Villani said it is going to be hard to fill Herndon's shoes.
"We wish we could have him a few more years," he said.
Copyright 2013 - Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach
