BARRON COUNTY — Too often, first responders come together following incidents that end in tragedy. Far less frequently do they have the opportunity to be recognized for the successful outcomes that result from rapid response, teamwork, and exceptional professional skill. To honor those lifesaving efforts, Barron County has established the Phoenix Award Program.
The Phoenix Award takes its name from the mythical bird that rises renewed from its own ashes, symbolizing recovery, resilience, and a second chance at life. The Barron County Sheriff’s Department has adopted this symbol to recognize emergency responders whose actions directly contribute to the successful resuscitation of a patient experiencing cardiac arrest.
The prestigious Phoenix Award is presented to emergency responders and dispatchers involved in incidents where a patient was clinically deceased, successfully resuscitated through emergency intervention, survived hospitalization, and ultimately returned home. This award recognizes the collective efforts of those whose training, professionalism, and dedication made a positive outcome possible.
Phoenix Awards may also be accompanied by Responder Commendation Awards, which recognize individuals who played an important supporting role in the continuity of patient care. These may include dispatchers, transport personnel, and other responders whose contributions were essential to the overall success of the incident, even if they did not directly perform lifesaving interventions such as CPR, defibrillation, or advanced airway management.
In addition, a Citizen Lifesaving Award may be presented to members of the public who take decisive action during an emergency and make a direct contribution to preserving life prior to the arrival of emergency services. This award recognizes the vital role that prepared and courageous citizens can play during critical incidents.
Through the Phoenix Award Program, Barron County proudly recognizes the extraordinary efforts of
both emergency responders and community members whose actions help turn moments of crisis into
stories of survival.
AWARD PRESENTATION
Recipients of the Barron County Phoenix Award shall be presented with a Phoenix Award Medal and a Certificate of Commendation in recognition of their lifesaving efforts. Award presentations will be conducted during a Special Group Meeting, which will be open to the public and members of the media.
Whenever possible, the patient and their family will be invited to attend and participate in the recognition ceremony. Award recipients are requested to attend the presentation in their department-issued uniform or other approved duty attire to appropriately honor the significance of the occasion.
QUALIFIERS
To qualify as a “life save”, the following criteria must be met:
- Patient confirmed as pulseless on scene
- CPR initiated or continued by emergency responders
- Patient regained pulse (ROSC)
- Patient recovered from incident and released from the hospital
- Patient must agree to participate in the Phoenix Award Program, with call response
- information being released in a public setting.
- Or any incident where a responder performs life-saving measures on scene
PROGRAM PROCESS
When a responder becomes aware of a potential field lifesaving event, they are encouraged to notify the ESBC Phoenix Award Program Manager for follow-up and evaluation. Due to patient privacy considerations and HIPAA regulations, EMS personnel may be restricted from directly sharing patient-specific information for award consideration. Therefore, initial referrals should be submitted by dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, or other individuals who are aware of the incident and its outcome.
Upon receiving a referral, the Program Manager shall coordinate with the patient, responding agencies, and the receiving medical facility to determine whether the incident meets the established criteria for a Phoenix Award. If a qualifying field lifesaving event is confirmed, the Program Manager shall obtain the patient's consent before publicly recognizing the responders or sharing any details of the incident.
Following patient approval, the Program Manager shall schedule an award presentation and invite all individuals involved in the response, including emergency responders, dispatch personnel, the patient and their family members, local media representatives, and elected officials. An open invitation may also be extended to emergency responders throughout the county.
Whenever practical, the program will strive to recognize all qualifying Phoenix Award recipients during a single annual ceremony. This event will serve as an opportunity to celebrate successful patient outcomes, honor the dedication and professionalism of emergency responders, and highlight the positive impact that coordinated emergency response has within our communities.
We are proud to support the Phoenix Award Program and to recognize the exceptional individuals whose commitment, skill, and compassion contribute to saving lives and improving patient outcomes throughout our region.
Last Update: Jun 22, 2026 11:38 am CDT
