Three members of the Pinellas County EMS community are the recipients of the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services' 18th Annual Excellence in EMS Awards program. The awards honor outstanding Florida EMS organizations and individuals who have made a postive impact on EMS throughout the state. Awards were issued in 14 areas of achievement.

Debbie Vass, director of clinical services for Pinellas County's Sunstar paramedic ambulance service won EMS Nurse of the Year. The EMS nursing award honors that individual who has demonstrated independent initiative in the areas of education, clinical care, community service or disaster management.

Jodie Coffee was named Florida EMT of the Year. Coffee works on the All Children's Hospital transport team, is a licensed massage therapist and plans to enter medical school.

Sunstar's Charlene Cobb received the Injury Prevention Award. Cobb is a paramedic field training officer specializing in installing infant and child car seats for parents among other safety programs.