Ten Peel paramedics honoured for exemplary service

BRAMPTON, ON (October 22, 2025) - Peel Region is proud to announce that 10 Peel paramedics have received the 2025 Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Exemplary Service Medal.

This distinguished medal recognizes 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 of service must have been spent actively serving in the field, facing potential risks while protecting and caring for the community.

On Sept. 25, these dedicated individuals were formally honoured at the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs annual conference in London, Ontario.

"These individuals are shining examples of the strength and commitment within our paramedic service," says Paramedic Chief Brian Gibson. "They have demonstrated exceptional dedication, not only through advancing the paramedic profession and the medical care they provide to our communities, but also through their kindness and compassion. Peel residents can take comfort knowing that when they call 911, the people who arrive at their door are some of the finest paramedics in the field."

The recipients recognized for their exemplary service are as follows:

EMS Exemplary Service Medal recipients

Shawn Desrosiers
Jamie Gonsalves
Brian Herd
Heather Jackson
Katie Lamarre
Marianne Lindemann-Michel
Alex Mordfield
Lawrence Saindon
Matthew Simon
Brandon Wiedemann

In addition, the following two Peel paramedics will be recognized for 30 years of exemplary service. They will receive their 30-year bar at a ceremony at the Canadian Forces College in November.

EMS Exemplary Service Medal 30-year bar recipients

Bill Bernath
Patrick Forgie

For more information about the award, visit the Governor General of Canada's web site.

This exemplary service medal is an exceptional and well-deserved honour for these outstanding paramedics. But it’s also a collective achievement because this length of service speaks to continual and shared effort in creating a safe, supportive environment for paramedics to practice their vocation. This work, like our service to the community, never ends.
Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner, Health Services, Peel Region

To serve for 20 years as a paramedic in Peel, one of Ontario's largest and most diverse communities, is to have impacted thousands of lives - and supported hundreds of one’s fellow paramedics. We deeply appreciate the Governor General's recognition of this dedication to life-saving work for the millions of people who live, work and visit Peel.
Nando Iannicca, Chair and CEO, Peel Region

From left to right: Chief Warrant Officer Cheryl Belanger, Deputy Chief Cory Tkatch, Paramedic Marianne Lindemann-Michel, Superintendent Lawrence Saindon, Superintendent Matthew Simon, Paramedic Brandon Wiedemann, Chief Brian Gibson and Brigadier General William Rideout.

From left to right: Chief Warrant Officer Cheryl Belanger, Deputy Chief Cory Tkatch, Paramedic Shawn Desrosiers, Paramedic Jamie Gonsalves, Paramedic Brian Herd, Paramedic Heather Jackson, Paramedic Katie Lamarre, Chief Brian Gibson and Brigadier General William Rideout.

(Higher quality images available upon request)

About Peel Region

Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.6 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

Media contact

Monica Misra-Lui
Communications Specialist
Peel Region