Firefighter cited for career as leader
Paul Hawkins
Paul Hawkins of the Hermosa Beach Fire Department will receive a Sustained Superiority Award at the 36th annual South Bay Medal of Valor ceremony today, for three decades of outstanding service as a firefighter, a mentor, and a tireless leader in a program to train paramedics in Hermosa’s Mexican sister city.
The award will be presented to Hawkins by Hermosa Beach Fire Chief David Lantzer at a noon luncheon ceremony at the Torrance Marriott hotel.
For 30 years Hawkins has “consistently exceeded the expectations of his supervisors. Always willing to train new paramedics and firefighters, Hawkins is constantly striving to improve paramedic and fire services for the citizens and visitors of Hermosa Beach,” read a statement from the Medal of Valor committee.
“Hawkins has excellent paramedic skills and serves as a prime example for young firefighters and paramedics of quality leadership under the stress of treating critically ill and injured patients in the field,” the committee wrote.
“Along with his regular assignments, Hawkins is quick to create and participate in programs to promote emergency medical services,” the statement read.
“Some of these accomplishments have included assisting in physician CPR re-certification as well as coordinating ‘Super CPR Days’ that include training hundreds of local residents in life-saving techniques,” the committee wrote.
“In addition, Hawkins is one of the founders of the Sister City Paramedic Program in Loreto, Baja Mexico. For the last 11 years, Hawkins and two other members of the Hermosa Beach Fire Department have traveled to Loreto twice a year to provide a week-long training for new paramedics and to help improve their program. This is the only Advanced Life Support Program of its type in Baja California.
“Hawkins has also been the paramedic coordinator for the Hermosa Beach Fire Department for 25 years. In this capacity, he has been a leader in researching and implementing new technology and equipment to serve the needs of the citizens of Hermosa Beach and the entire South Bay.” ER