2023 Paramedic of The Year Award

Hale Trailer is proud to announce that Brian O’Connor, son of our Little Rock branch manager Pat O’Connor, has been named the 2023 Paramedic of the Year by Conway County Emergency Services.

The award was presented to Brian during a 9/11 memorial ceremony for police, fire and rescue and emergency medical technicians on September 11, 2023. In his speech, Adam Bledsoe from THV11 stated, “Tonight, we pay tribute to a truly outstanding individual. This person who has emerged as our paramedic/EMT-P of the year embodies unwavering commitment to his profession and what truly distinguishes him is his exceptional approach to comforting the friends and families of those in distress. It’s a quality that transcends textbooks and a compassionate habit that sets him apart. Furthermore, this person’s compassion extends to his fellow colleagues and fellow emergency responders offering solace and support during challenging times. Ladies and gentlemen, the Paramedic of the Year- Brian O’Connor.”

Brian has been a dedicated and compassionate Paramedic for seven years, six and a half of which were with MEMS Ambulance in Little Rock Pulaski County where he was one of six EMT’s in the state of Arkansas to be awarded the Star of Life by the Arkansas Ambulance Association earlier this year. The Arkansas Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities and the EMS profession.  Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.

Brian is known for his calm demeanor and his ability to put patients and their families at ease. He is also a valuable asset to his team, always willing to go the extra mile to help his colleagues. “I have always told my children that our purpose in life is to help make the next generation better than the last.” said Pat O’Connor. ” Moments like this, seeing the dedicated honorable Man, Husband and Father Brian has become makes me so proud and blessed to call him my son.”

In addition to receiving the Paramedic of the Year Award, Brian also garnered the American Heart Association Heartsaver Hero Award in recognition of his heroic intervention in saving Mr. Bowman, pictured below with his spouse and Brian. When Mr. Bowman experienced a medical emergency, Brian O’Connor was approximately ten minutes away from the location. A volunteer first responder contacted Brian seeking guidance on the optimal approach to aid Mr. Bowman.

As he expedited his response to the scene, Brian methodically provided instructions to the initial responder on how to effectively assist Mr. Bowman until his own arrival. Upon reaching the scene, Mr. Bowman had entered a critical medical state. Brian swiftly assumed control of life-saving procedures. Brian persevered in his determination to assist Mr. Bowman, ultimately succeeding in saving his life.

Their reunion at the ceremony marked the first time Mr. Bowman and Brian had encountered each other since that fateful day. Both expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to embrace and reflect on their respective perspectives of the event. Hale Trailer is proud to support Brian and his work as a Paramedic and we congratulate him on his well-deserved awards!