Metro Ambulance recognized by Meridian City Council

The Meridian City Council on Tuesday congratulated Metro Ambulance personnel for receiving awards for outstanding service to the Meridian and Lauderdale County community.

Emergency Medical Technician James Joseph and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Mushula Tubby were named EMT of the Year and AEMT of the Year earlier this year at the annual EMS Gala hosted by the Mississippi Center for Advancement of Prehospital Medicine.

“That says a lot because it’s coming from the entire state, and people who knew them in other places voted for them because they know how hard these two guys work,” said Kevin Smith, executive director of Metro Ambulance.

Smith said both men were previously chosen by their peers as EMT of the Year and AEMT of the year for Metro as well.

Joseph, who has worked at Metro for more than 19 years, is known for his dedication and compassion. He always has a positive attitude and is calm no matter how bad the situation gets, Smith said.

“James is a trusted team member who always puts the needs of others first,” he said.

Joseph is also instrumental in training new Metro employees, bringing patience and understanding that others can’t provide.

Tubby is known for his servant leadership, Smith said, with a passion for the job and his patients showing in his work. An advanced EMT, Tubby is currently enrolled in paramedic school, where he was elected class president by his peers.

“As a mentor and an advocate for EMS he encourages recruits and future providers while representing the profession with pride and professionalism,” Smith said.

Both Joseph and Tubby are highly respected by their patients, peers and supervisors, and both have proven to have a strong work ethic and dedication to their craft. Smith said the two can be counted on to do what they need to do when they need to do it.

“If we could clone these two guys up here, their immediate supervisors would love every day because they know they’re going to be there,” he said. “They don’t call out.”

Joseph said he’s honored to be named EMT of the Year and appreciates the almost two decades he has been able to serve the Lauderdale County community through Metro.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve this great community,” he said.

While the award has his name on it, Tubby said there is a crowd of people who played a part in him being named AEMT of the Year.

“I’m truly humbled, honored, proud, everything, but we wouldn’t be able to do this job without the Metro team, the Meridian Police Department, Meridian Fire Department and everybody that’s involved in patient care,” he said.