York Region Paramedics Honoured with Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal

November 20, 2025

Ten York Region Paramedics were awarded prestigious medals for dedicated service.

On Thursday, September 25, the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) awarded ten York Region paramedics the prestigious Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Exemplary Service Medal.

This national honour recognizes paramedics who have demonstrated 20 years of dedicated service, including at least 10 years in roles involving potential risk. Every day, York Region paramedics go above and beyond to protect and care for our communities, and this award reflects their unwavering commitment.

We are proud to announce the 2025 Governor General’s EMS Exemplary Service Medal recipients:

Stephanie Arnaldo
Manuel Arnaldo
Cory Basso
Michael Davis
Sierra Gobeil
Dean Grima
Carrie Harder
Shawn Hurst (Medal + Bar – 30 Years)
Christina Lanzilotta
Mark Vallesteros

A special congratulations to Shawn Hurst and Karen Banks, who received their first bar in recognition of 30 years of service and were formally honoured at a ceremony on November 19, 2025.