Williamson County commissioners recognized its Emergency Medical Services at their regular meeting Dec. 9 after the organization received statewide recognition for its services.

Williamson County EMS Director John Sneed said two EMS staff members took home awards during the Texas Department of State Health Services' annual EMS Conference in Fort Worth on Nov. 25.

"For Williamson County it was a great day, and I'm very proud of these men and the individuals that they represent," Sneed said. "We are very fortunate to have a quality EMS system in Williamson County."

Sneed said each award honors a person or organization that exemplifies the best that EMS has to offer.

"Since I've had the opportunity to watch the careers of these young men—I've actually had the opportunity to watch them grow up in their careers—it's always a wonderful day when others recognize what I already know to be true," he said.

Kenny Schnell, director of the Williamson County EMS System, was honored as the Texas EMS Administrator of the Year, an award that recognizes an administrator who has made a positive contribution to EMS and is committed to building a strong team.

"When you surround yourself with great people and you empower them to do their job, great things happen," Schnell said. "Part of this nomination was for team building so the team building was not only in Williamson County EMS, but it's within all the other agencies that work with us daily."

Jeff Jarvis, Williamson County EMS medical director, was named the Texas EMS Medical Director of the Year.

The award honors a physician who continually demonstrates a commitment to excellent patient care while serving as medical director for an EMS organization.

In addition, the Round Rock Fire Department was named the Texas First Responder of the Year.

"Providing EMS services is truly a community partnership, and we're very fortunate that as we move forward with our fire department in Williamson County to provide enhanced services not only for the citizens of Round Rock but all of Williamson County, we have a great partnership when working with Williamson County [EMS]," Round Rock Fire Chief David Coatney said. "We don't always agree, but we always come to a common goal of taking care of the citizens."

Round Rock won the award for demonstrating leadership in medical first response in patient care and training.