Senator Susan Collins Receives National Award for Her Work to Benefit Fire and Ambulance Services Statewide

Scarborough, ME—U.S. Senator Susan Collins received the Legislator of the Year Award from the American Ambulance Association this morning.  The President of the Maine Ambulance Association, Tim Beals, presented the award, which was given in recognition of Senator Collins’ tireless work on behalf of the fire service.

The event was hosted by North East Mobile Health Services (NEMHS) at its headquarters in Scarborough.  As the State’s largest ambulance provider, transporting more than 150,000 people per year, NEMHS is an active participant in both the American Ambulance Association and the Maine Ambulance Association.

During her time in the Senate, Senator Collins has advocated for EMS and fire departments, working to ensure that they have the resources, training, and equipment they need. 

“I am grateful for this recognition by the American Ambulance Association and for the efforts of first responders in Maine and across the country who help keep our nation safe,” said Senator Collins.  “When disaster strikes, emergency personnel are there in those first critical minutes when courage, skill, and compassion are most needed.  I will continue to support the brave men and women who work around the clock to protect our communities.”    

Senator Collins has championed the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which has awarded more than $60 million to public safety departments across Maine, as well as the USDA Rural Development grant program.  These programs assist fire and EMS departments in the purchase of equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to better protect the public and emergency personnel.  

Senator Collins has also sponsored legislation to strengthen Length of Service Award programs, which will help recruit and retain our essential volunteer first responders, and she has worked to secure adequate reimbursement rates for ambulance services, especially in rural areas where providers have to travel longer distances.