VFW Post 4090 Names Andrew Rivard EMT/Paramedic of the Year

On Monday night June 17, VFW Post 4090 presented Andrew Rivard with the award for “EMT/Paramedic of the Year”.

Before the award was presented, Commander Bill Almy read a brief biography of Andrew.

Andrew has been with the Portland Ambulance Service for seven years. His supervisor writes; “Andrew enjoys doing extra work at the fire station as well as helping others with any task that pops up daily. Andrew is willing to help cover extra shifts and additional ambulance runs. He has achieved commendations for assisting in multiple lifesaving calls in and around the Portland community.”

EMT Rivard is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (American Heart Association) and is a Basic Life Support Instructor.

His duties do not end with the ambulance service though. Andrew has devoted over 19 years to the United States Army. With tours in Iraq 2006 -2007 (Operation Iraqi Freedom), Evje, Norway (International Peach keeping Exercise) May of 2000 – June 2000. Andrew served as an Honor Guard Team Member from 6/2005 – 5/2006 and as team leader as an additional duty from 9/2007 – 6/2008, Credited with performing over 425 military Funeral Honors.

He is currently serving with the 177 REGT (RTI),), Ft. Custer, Michigan National Guard Unit. Andrew holds the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Sergeant Rivard’s military career started with Basic Training in 1999 to Heavy Equipment Transport courses, many leadership courses, several NCO advancement programs, Unit Readiness, Training NCO and many other related courses through this current year.

Currently working on his 4th yr. of Bachelor of Science-EMS Administration from Columbia Southern University, currently have 99 credits with a 4.00 GPA. Received Associates of Applied Sciences-Medical Assisting from Baker College of Clinton Township in 2004, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Andrew’s dedication and achievements are unmatched. His loyalty and honor to his country, his community and the veterans make him a unanimous choice for Post 4090 “EMT of the year”.

Pictured from left to right are, Post 4090 commander Bill Almy, Andrew Rivard, Post Community service chair Mike Meyers, Portland Ambulance Service director Phil Gensterblum.