The Celine Larson PEER Support Award was created to recognize individuals or teams whose service exceeds what is normally expected, providing the utmost PEER support, exemplifying Strength and Honor. This award not only honors outstanding contributions but also perpetuates Celine’s legacy of compassion and dedication to her community.

 Celine was instrumental in founding Grandpa’s Best and so it was used as the pathway to create a foundation benefiting EMS following Celine’s vision. A portion of each sale of Grandpa’s Best products goes to fund the Hop for Heroes Foundation in memory of Celine’s legacy, and to provide financial support to a well deserving group of individuals.

This year there were two award recipients – Republic County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) and Kari Presley. RCEMS has carried out the values of PEER Support through their company culture and a variety of classes and courses. The team checks on one another and anyone involved in the critical call to ensure their physical and mental well-being is looked after. They offer classes to the public including Critical Stress Management to encourage the education of important topics. RCEMS cultivates inspiration and is recognized in their community for their focus on physical and psychological health.

Kari Presley is the Chief Operations Officer for KEMSA and has been instrumental in the organization’s success. Kari constantly provides support to all KEMSA members and especially the leadership team. This includes her hard work ensuring the KEMSA PEER Support Society has the resources needed to serve our Kansas EMS Community. Kari was instrumental in turning the vision of the Celine Larson PEER Support Award into reality.

Present at the awards banquet was Celine’s loving family – her husband, Chase; their four daughters Tess, Wynn, Sadie, and Fern; Celine’s parents Russell and Lindsey Carlson; and Chase’s parents Thayne and Jeanne Larson.

The KEMSA conference is available for EMS providers of all levels, educators, managers/supervisors, service directors, medical directors, nurses, and others involved in the EMS profession. The conference took place August 8-11, 2024.