Central Valley Fire District is EMS Service of the Year

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) honored the Central Valley Fire District (CVFD) with the EMS Service of the Year award at a recent ceremony in Helena.

CVFD received the award last week at the State Capitol in part based on a May 2025 incident in which one of its captains had a heart attack in the apparatus bay. Fire district staff provided resuscitation and transport during the incident.

“This complex resuscitation required decisive action and skill far beyond standard expectations,” reads a Tuesday DPHHS release. “Thanks to their rapid intervention, the captain achieved a return of spontaneous circulation and was able to go back to work only months later with no neurological or physical deficits.”

The CVFD responders who successfully resuscitated their captain were Briana Scherrer, paramedic; William Kutylo, EMT; Nicholas Tucker, paramedic; Ashley Coulthard, paramedic; and Joe Doidge, paramedic.

“This incident highlights the exceptional quality of these providers, who deliver Montana’s highest level of EMS care every shift,” reads the release. “While these individuals deserve immense praise for saving one of their own, their success also stands as a testament to the Central Valley Fire District's elite standard of service.”

In addition to 911 emergency response, CVFD supports interfacility transports, flight team coordination, community education, CPR training, special event EMS planning, regional response coordination, and backup ambulance coverage during peak system demand.

“CVFD’s EMS program reflects a strong commitment to clinical quality, operational readiness, regional collaboration, and compassionate care for the communities we serve,” CVFD Chief Jay Wittwer said in the release. “This award is a direct reflection of the work being done every day by our crews, leadership team, medical director, and labor partners.”

“The EMS Service of the Year recipient exhibits dedication to improving patient care through education, injury prevention, community awareness, medical director involvement, and collaboration with surrounding EMS services,” reads a DPHHS press release.

The Belgrade-based agency was among entities and individuals recognized during a May 19 ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda. Other awardees were from Gardiner, Hamilton, Kalispell, and Lewistown.

“Every day, emergency medical providers across Montana step up to deliver life-saving care exactly when our citizens need it most,” Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras said in the release. “I am honored to recognize these professionals and their families for their incredible dedication to EMS and the personal sacrifices they make to keep us safe.”