County Emergency Services Employee Honored As Region 10 Paramedic of the Year

Lieutenant Michael Barnes with Barrow County Emergency Services was honored Tuesday, May 14, during a board of commissioners meeting. 

Barnes was recently recognized at the annual Georgia Emergency Medical Services Region 10 Awards Banquet as Paramedic of the Year.  

“Lieutenant Barnes is and has been a vital part of our organization and truly puts his heart and soul into public safety as a whole,” Barrow County Emergency Services Chief Dennis Merrifield said in a news release. “His countless hours of dedication and commitment to our service make him well deserving to be recognized as our paramedic of the year.” 

Barnes began his service with Barrow County in 2003 as a firefighter and emergency medical technician and was named rookie of the Year for his hard work and dedication. He also received a Hero Award in 2005 for his outstanding treatment for a trauma patient. Barnes serves as an instructor for numerous fire and EMS classes. As lieutenant, he is responsible for his crew and station, including ensuring sure crew members receive all required training. He was one of the original members of the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, serving as a tactical medic.   

“I became a paramedic because no day is the same,” Barnes said in the release. “You never know what kind of call you will run and you can really make a difference in people’s lives.”

Barnes and his wife Kristi have a 6-year-old son named Jackson a daughter, Brooklynn, who is 19 months old.