VALENTINE, Neb. - A Cherry County husband and wife have been awarded EMS of the Year from the Nebraska Emergency Medical Services Association. Doug and Shirley Kroeger have volunteered and worked for Cherry County Hospital Ambulance for more than 50 years.

“Living outside of city limits, they often first respond to scenes. Using their own vehicles, equipment and supplies, they are able to provide the services needed until more help arrives. They are great about communicating with other members and responding services to keep them up to date on the situation,” said Cherry County Hospital Ambulance in a statement.

The couple remains actively involved in EMS beyond emergency calls. They regularly attend monthly meetings, training sessions, and equipment inspections, even when the drive to town takes longer than the meeting itself. They also frequently help with standby events throughout the year.

“You don’t usually see one without the other, and they make the perfect team,” said Cherry County Hospital Ambulance.

Their recognition comes at a time when EMS services across the country are facing staffing shortages. According to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, the annual turnover rate for EMS professionals ranges from 20 to 30 percent, and more than 86 percent of EMS departments nationwide have reported staffing challenges in the past three years.