Barrow EMS worker recognized

WINDER - Barrow County Emergency Services had one of its own recently recognized as Paramedic of the Year.

Lt. Michael Barnes received the award at the annual Georgia Emergency Medical Services Region 10 Awards Banquet. He was also one of several employees recognized at Tuesday night's Board of Commissioners' meeting.

Barnes joined Barrow County Emergency Services in 2003 as a firefighter and emergency medical technician and was named Rookie of the Year and he received a Hero Award in 2005 for his "outstanding" treatment to a trauma patient.

Barnes is also one of the original members of the Barrow County Sheriff's Office SWAT team as a tactical medic.

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

"Lieutenant Barnes was nominated by his peers and is well deserving of this award," said Chief Dennis Merrifield. "He has worked hard for our team and is a true asset to the citizens of this county."

He and his wife Kristi are the parents of a son named Jackson, who is 6, and a daughter named Brooklynn who is 19-months-old.