Benny Atkins, Chief Operating Officer with National EMS, was recently named EMS Director of the Year in both the state and region by the Georgia Association of EMS. National EMS was also recognized as the Region 3 EMS Service of the Year. 

The two awards honored Benny Atkins not only for the contributions he has made in EMS, but also for his active role within the community.

During his leadership, National EMS doubled in size from Rockdale and Morgan Counties, to also to providing 911 service to Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties through a contract with Athens Regional Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital. 

In addition to being the Chief Operating Officer for National EMS, Atkins is also the president of the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation for breast cancer, which has already raised over $186,000 for Breast Cancer care. He is also an active member of several civic organizations within the community and serves as a member of the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County.

In presenting the State Director of the Year Award at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Lee Oliver, President of Director’s Division of the Georgia Association of EMS, said, “Benny’s dedication to EMS and his community makes him very deserving to receive this annual prestigious award."

The ceremonies to present the awards were held during EMS Week, which honors professionals from around the state for their achievements in EMS. The Atlanta Region 3 Banquet was held at St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, with the State EMS Banquet held in Forsyth at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

National EMS was previously recognized as the Georgia EMS Service of the Year in 1993 and the Atlanta Region 3 EMS Service of the Year in 1997.