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Orlando, FL<\/strong> – July 13, 2016 – The Florida Department of Health has selected Orange County Fire Rescue Firefighter\/EMT Ryan Allen as the 2016 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the Year.<\/p>\n The State EMS Award recognizes an EMT who has demonstrated extraordinary qualities in patient care, medical control, as well as someone who has performed \u201cabove and beyond the call of duty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are honored to have one of our own firefighter\/EMTs selected to receive this award,\u201d said Fire Chief Otto Drozd III. \u201cFirefighter\/EMT Allen is an exceptional example of our department\u2019s commitment to serving our community when it matters most, and we thank the Florida Department of Health for the recognition.\u201d<\/p>\n Firefighter\/EMT Ryan was awarded with the Medal of Valor by Orange County Fire Rescue and the Orange County Sheriff\u2019s Office earlier this year. He was also named the 2015 Firefighter of the Year by the American Legion.<\/p>\n \u201cIn November, firefighter\/EMT Allen risked his life to rescue a patient who was trapped in an upside-down vehicle that was partially submerged in water,\u201d said Drozd. \u201cHe is a true hero who demonstrated service before self and exemplifies our core values of Duty, Respect and Integrity.\u201d<\/p>\n Without an established air supply, Allen dove underwater in an attempt to locate the patient. Allen identified an air pocket and gasped for one last breath as he dove down into the submerged portion of the car. He rescued the trapped patient by removing the seatbelt and swam the patient to shore. His efforts enabled first responders to restore the patient\u2019s vitals en route to the hospital.<\/p>\n The 26th Annual Excellence in EMS Awards ceremony will be held on July 13, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton at 5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819.<\/p>\n