Representative Ron Stephens and Senator Eric Johnson were both recently honored with the Star of Life Legislative Award, presented by the Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Services. The award recognizes these Bryan County legislative representatives as two of a select few honored for the 2008 Legislative Session.

Bryan County EMS Director Jim Anderson said Stephens and Johnson have become big advocates for EMS professionals throughout the state.

"EMTs in Georgia regularly put their lives on the line every day, and they do so out of dedication, compassion and a sincere commitment to making a difference in the communities they serve," Anderson said. "We are sincerely grateful for Representative Stephens’ and Senator Johnson’s support and for also showing these same qualities and attributes."

The award is named for the EMS symbol, a blue, six-pointed star with the Rod of Asclepius in the center. Each of the bars of the blue Star of Life represents the six functions of emergency medical services: detection, reporting, response, on scene care, care in transit and transfer to definitive care.