Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz proclaimed the week of May 20-26 as EMS Week in Westminster.

The mayor, who was a paramedic himself, said in the proclamation that the city appreciates the efforts and dedication of local paramedics and EMS personnel.

Westminster Fire Company President Bob Cumberland accepted the award on behalf of the EMS personnel.

"It takes a lot of time and dedication for volunteers to continue to be paramedics," Cumberland said.  "It’s a great honor to be able to represent them."

The Westminster Fire Company will host a luncheon on Tuesday to recognize its emergency medical respondents.

President Gerald Ford declared November 3-10, 1974 as the first “National Emergency Medical Services Week.” This annual observance continued for four more years and was then reinstituted in 1982. It was eventually moved to May so that it would not conflict with Fire Prevention Week in October.

Patch will highlight the efforts and accomplishments of local paramedics throughout the week.

To learn more about EMS Week, visit www.emsweek.org.