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VICTORIA – Wayne Hoover has spent decades working as a firefighter and paramedic with Victoria Fire & Rescue. Now he’s being recognized for his work, honored by a national operation. According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, Hoover has kept his emergency medical service certification active for 30 straight years. 

“My grandpa and father were members, so it runs in the family,” Hoover said. “Now my two sons and daughter volunteer, along with some friends. It’s a great way to serve and give back to the community.”

Officials from the group point out that this distinction is an honor held by few EMS professionals. To maintain his status as a nationally registered paramedic, Hoover had to complete what the group calls “the most comprehensive recertification program for EMS professionals in America,” doing this every two years.  

“By maintaining his national EMS certification and completing regular continuing education courses, Hoover has demonstrated his commitment to providing exceptional pre-hospital emergency medical care,” the group said in a statement. 

Background on Wayne Hoover

Hoover was nationally registered as a paramedic in 1993 and has been serving the citizens of Victoria and Lunenburg County in general since 1984, as a public safety volunteer. Hoover also represents the Plymouth District citizens on the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors.

“I never expected to be doing it this long,” Hoover said, talking about helping in public safety. “I started in 1984 and it just never ran out. I have no plans of stopping anytime soon.”

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians serves as the National EMS Certification organization by providing a valid, uniform process, to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals throughout their careers and by maintaining a registry of certification status. 

Hoover said he loves the work and just being able to help his fellow Lunenburg County residents. 

“It’s a small county where everybody knows each other,” Hoover said. “Just being able to give back in some way is very rewarding.”