2025 KEMSA Award

2025 KEMSA Award Winner

On August 9th, KEMSA (Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association) hosted an award ceremony to honor the remarkable contributions of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals. 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 year’s recipient is Stuart Funk, Paramedic, Public Outreach and Education Director, Butler County Peer Support Team Coordinator. Stuart Funk has been a valued member of Butler County EMS since 2006, bringing nearly two decades of unwavering dedication to Emergency Medical Services. Since 2017, he has served as an integral part of the Butler County EMS Peer Support Team and, in 2024, expanded his impact by joining the Kansas EMS Association Peer Support Society.

In both roles, Stuart exemplifies compassion, reliability, and an unshakable commitment to helping others- qualities he gratefully attributes to the lifelong example of his parents. He thanks them for modeling a life of love, generosity, and faith for over 50 years.

A passionate educator and advocate for public safety, Stuart teaches a wide array of life-saving courses, including Stop the Bleed, Hands-Only CPR, AHA First Aid/CPR, Stepping On Fall Prevention, Safe Sleep Instruction, and Child Passenger Safety Car Seat Installation. He also plays a vital role in organizing the Annual Life Save Banquet. In recognition of his outstanding service, Stuart was named EMS Paramedic of the Year in 2019.

Before beginning his career in EMS, Stuart served in the United States Navy. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, sailing, fishing, and serving on the Leadership Team at Hope Covenant Church. Whether he’s responding to a call, teaching a class, or offering encouragement in his community or church, Stuart brings with him a spirit of joy, humor, and hope.

Guided by the words of Matthew 20:28—“the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”—Stuart views his work not just as a profession, but as a calling. He believes his name, derived from “steward,” is no accident. His mission is simple but profound: “to be a source of hope when others feel overwhelmed, and to walk alongside them when they need it most.”

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.