Local paramedic awarded for 30 years of exemplary service

DUNNVILLE — Brian Postma of Dunnville was among 73 paramedics from across Ontario awarded a Governor General Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. Postma received the award for his 30-plus years of exemplary service as part of a ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto on November 20, 2024.

The awards, presented by Associate Minister of Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo, were given to recipients who have reached the 30-, 40-, and 50-year milestone of their careers. Each successive milestone adds a bar to the medal.

TORONTO—Dunnville paramedic Brian Postma poses with his Exemplary Service Award celebrating 30 years of outstanding service to his community. —Submitted photo.


An Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs release says the awards recognize paramedics who have provided “the highest standard of care and conduct. To qualify, at least 10 years of service must have been in the field, on duty, involving potential risk.”

Postma grew up in Dunnville and resides there currently with his wife of 27 years; he is a father to two adult sons. His father introduced him to paramedicine, having served as a paramedic in Haldimand for 25 years.

“The variety of daily duties has always been the attraction to the job. Knowing that you can make a difference in another person’s life is definitely motivation when you show up a for a shift,” said Postma on what’s driven him over the years. “The role of a paramedic has changed immensely since I started in the field. Every year the level of responsibility increases with added skills and knowledge.”

He credited all paramedics for remaining at the “forefront of research and pilot programs to deliver care more efficiently and effectively in a very challenging healthcare industry.”

Postma also had high praise for those who helped guide him.

“I have friends in the field who are outstanding medics and deliver care to the highest level, but this job requires a well-rounded person and people like my father, coworkers like Mark Schweyer, Paul Otterman, and Lisa D’Archi, have taught me things beyond field craft,” he said. “It’s not all about procedures and policies. They’ve taught me how to be compassionate, caring, and a better human being.”

He elaborated on his 21-year full-time partnership with D’Archi.

“We’ve shared so many triumphs and a few losses together. My stomach has hurt from laughing so hard after some of our epic adventures and I couldn’t image having made it to this point in my career without her,” he shared. “The most rewarding part of my career to this point is not so much as what I’ve done while on the job, it’s what I’ve gotten from the job. Some of my closest friends are people that I wouldn’t have met without this job.”

For Postma, maintaining a firm grasp on the various mental and physical challenges that come with his job starts at home with an amazing support system.

“My wife is a saint and knows that there are days that I’m quiet when I come from work (which is odd for me) and she gives me space to decompress from a rough day,” he said. “She, along with my sons, didn’t bat an eye at times when we had to celebrate holidays or birthdays on ‘off days’ because I was scheduled to work on the calendar day.”

He continued, “My coworkers are a huge part of processing emotions. At the drop of a hat, I know that I can call a co-worker who will be willing to grab a coffee or lose some golf balls to just get out and help process some stress.”

Postma feels honoured to have earned his 30-year exemplary service medal.

“To know that my management team believed that I was at a level where they could nominate me for the award means a lot. This career has taught me to never take anything for granted. Each day is a gift, even the crappy ones. Life is too short and there are no guarantees,” he added. “This career has taught me to slow down and see the world. Enjoy the people around you and the experiences you make for yourself. You are not entitled to anything – make the most of every day and be nice to people.”

As for what’s next?

“I’d like to say retirement,” concluded Postma. “I know I’ll get there one day, but for right now, I still like the job. I hope to continue on in this profession with these amazing people for a while yet.”

We salute Postma on his accomplishment and exemplary service to his community.