INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Sebastian residents Paul Button and Cory Richter have received statewide awards from the Florida EMS Advisory Council.
Batallion Chief Cory Richter, who has worked for the Indian River County Fire Rescue Division for 16 years as a firefighter and paramedic, received the State EMS Injury Prevention Award for 2009. In addition to being in charge of training for the County’s firefighters and paramedics, Richter serves on the State of Florida’s Emergency Medical Review Committee and is also chairman of the City of Sebastian Recreation Advisory Committee, founder of the Sebastian Area Soccer Foundation, referee with the U.S. Soccer Federation and a league umpire with the Sebastian Area Little League. As part of a recognition ceremony before the County Commission, it was said of Richter:”Cory’s leadership skills are evidenced by the success of his subordinates as they handle emergency situations professionally and with applicable knowledge.”Eleven-year Indian River Sheriff’s Office employee Paul Button currently serves as a dispatcher, but he has also worked as a road deputy. Button received the State EMS Dispatcher Award for 2009. This annual award recognizes the efforts of the men and women who serve their commuities through EMS prevention and educational activities. In the past, Button has also received the Honorable Service Award, Exemplary Service Award, Going the Extra Mile and a Life-Saving Awards from the IRSO. He serves as a den leader with a Sebastian Cub Scout troop and makes sure the scouts learn first aid, CPR and emergency skills. Button also provides first aid, CPR and 911 inforamation sessions for Crossroads Church. Button is credited with saving the life of a Sebastian man in 2008 by directing his wife to perform CPR until the Sebastian Police and fire rescue personnel arrived.
