Harris Emergency Medical Services (EMS), part of Harris Regional Hospital, has been acknowledged for its contributions to the EMS field and dedication to education. The department received the 2025 Paramedic Class “Service of the Year” award from Southwestern Community College (SCC). This award is given to an EMS service where SCC’s paramedic students gain clinical experience, highlighting Harris EMS’s professionalism and training quality.
Christian Ropp, a paramedic and preceptor at Harris EMS, was named Preceptor of the Year by SCC’s Public Safety Training Center in Franklin. This accolade recognizes Ropp’s mentorship and influence on developing future emergency medical professionals.
Additionally, three EMTs from Harris—Chelsea Chandler, Eva Miller, and Hailee Moss—graduated from SCC’s paramedic program. George Whisnant completed his training with the Cherokee Tribal EMS program and now works full-time as a paramedic with Harris EMS. These graduates have earned their North Carolina Paramedic certifications.
Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals, expressed pride in the team’s achievements: “These awards are a reflection of the dedication, skill, and compassion that our EMS team demonstrates each day.”
Harris EMS continues to partner with educational institutions to ensure ongoing staff development in line with best practices in emergency medical services.
For more information about Harris EMS services, visit MyHarrisRegional.com.
