At the annual Indiana Emergency Response Conference (IERC) Awards Banquet on Sept. 20, Zionsville Fire Chief James VanGorder and Zionsville Firefighter Paramedic Abdullakh Abamislimov were both among the deserving award winners.
Chief VanGorder received Co-fire Chief of the Year (Career) where he was recognized for his many accomplishments over his past 23 years as Fire Chief, including coordinating the creation of a safety committee, establishing fire gear isolation guidelines, issuing each firefighter two sets of fire gear and more.
Abdullakh Abamislimov received Paramedic of the Year for his display of calmness, confidence and the same quality of care as a seasoned clinician early in his career as a Paramedic.
IERC serves as the annual gathering for firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, emergency management agencies, hazardous materials professionals, special operations personnel and telecommunicators. It includes educational sessions, innovative presentations and discussions about some of the most pressing issues facing the emergency response community in Indiana.
This event honors the best and brightest among Indiana first responders and public safety officials. Award recipients may be nominated by other emergency responders, as well as individuals they may have assisted.