Ranee Randby from the Optimist Club, Rick Harrington, EMT-P award recipient, and sponsor Asst. Chief Ed Cate, Knoxville Volunteer Emergency Rescue Squad, Inc.

Rick Harrington, LIFESTAR Flight Paramedic, recently was recognized by the Optimist Club of Knoxville, receiving the “American Hero of the Year” award for his outstanding contributions to the EMS community for the past 40 years.

Harrington has been a pivotal member within the EMS and rescue community for nearly 40 years. As a graduate from the very first paramedic class in the State of Tennessee, Rick continues to be a leader within the community for existing and new EMS/Rescue personnel.

In addition to working full-time for the University of Tennessee Medical Center Aeromedical Program, LIFESTAR, Rick continues to donate hundreds of hours of service annually for the Knoxville Volunteer Emergency Rescue Squad, Inc. and serves on the Knoxville E911 Board.