Governor General recognizes two Peel paramedics for 30 years of exemplary service

BRAMPTON, ON (Nov. 26, 2025) – Peel paramedics Bill Bernath and Commander Patrick Forgie received a Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal bar at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto on Nov. 19. This honour is awarded to paramedics who have demonstrated at least 20 years of exemplary service, marked by good conduct, industry and efficiency. Importantly, at least 10 of the years must have been spent actively serving in the field, facing potential risks while protecting and caring for the community.

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“I’m extremely honoured and humbled to receive my 30-year bar. I’ve had a long and rewarding career,” said Commander Forgie.

Patrick and Bill began their careers in Peel more than three decades ago. Patrick spent 16 years on the road as a PCP (Primary Care Paramedic), ACP (Advanced Care Paramedic) and lead clinical instructor for the ACP Program before moving into leadership roles as a superintendent and commander.

“My job as a paramedic was to take care of the people in Peel region. When I became a superintendent, my job was to take care of the paramedics,” Patrick shared.

Bill decided to stay on the frontline his entire career, embracing the variety of life on the road as a paramedic as well as the camaraderie of his colleagues.

“Being a paramedic is different all the time. It’s the same situation but with a different person, and that person is going to have their own story. I have always found that interesting,” said Bill. “I’ve met some amazing people — war veterans, Holocaust survivors. I once had a patient in the back of my ambulance who worked on the Avro Arrow.”

Among their many career highlights include the 10 babies they helped deliver (Patrick even had one named after him), the patients they’ve brought back to life, and the incredible people they’ve met and worked with along the way.

“If you ever wanted to learn about a person, do a transfer from Peel to Muskoka and just talk to them the entire way. The stories people tell you are unbelievable,” said Patrick.

Both credit the people they’ve worked with for their long-lasting careers.

“This is not an easy profession to stay in, but I’ve been blessed to work with the right people, and I continue to work with good people who have helped prolong my career,” said Bill. “They’re the people who still care about the job after all these years; the ones who care about the patients. The ones who treat the lower acuity calls with the same amount of compassion as the higher ones. I’ve had some really good partners and have been very fortunate.”

Together, Patrick and Bill exemplify the highest standards at Peel Regional Paramedic Services. Peel Region celebrates their achievement and is proud to recognize their extraordinary careers.