BELLEVILLE — The Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Association or (WEMSA) has named Patrick McDonnell as the state’s top paramedic for 2024. McDonnell has served as a long-time volunteer for Belleville Area Emergency Services, assisting the department in a number of capacities from direct patient care to budget development along with quality assurance and other organizational and operational responsibilities. McDonnell has been a member of Belleville Area EMS for almost nine years as he first joined the service back in 2016.

“Patrick’s contributions to our community, our ambulance service, and our team are immeasurable,” Belleville Area EMS Director Chris Backes said. “His approach, guidance and experience benefit all of us in emergency services and we are all incredibly grateful for the time he continues to give to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”

For McDonnell, accepting the honor next week won’t come naturally as he’s probably known best for his quiet demeanor and humility. Over the years, McDonnell has helped several Dane County EMS agencies and on any given day he may be wearing one of many EMS uniforms he’s put on over the years. In addition to Belleville Area EMS, he also runs currently with Oregon, Monona, and Deer Grove EMS. McDonnell served as a paramedic for the Town of Madison Fire Department from 2011 to 2020, when the department was dissolved due to annexation into the City of Madison.

“EMS is about helping people and I’ve been fortunate to work with so many good people through the years,” McDonnell said. “I appreciate being nominated for and receiving this award and look forward to continuing to help Belleville and all the communities who have helped provide me with the opportunity to be a part of their teams. It’s much easier to go to work in EMS for this long when you are surrounded by a team full of dedicated, hard-working, compassionate, and generally awesome co-workers.”

McDonnell will receive his award on Thursday, January 23rd as part of a ceremony at the 2025 annual WEMSA Conference and Expo in Green Bay.