Melissa Westphal, Bonita F. Joseph 2021 EMS Crew Member of the Year

Melissa Westphal was the recipient of the 2021 Bonita F. Joseph EMS Crew Member of the Year award.

Westphal joined OWL VFD in July 2015. She’s often willing to swap shifts or just fill in for other members to keep our ambulance staffed.

She also diligently tracks new members in training to ensure that they do not fall behind, but also provides positive feedback and encourages them to strive to set and complete higher goals.

Westphal works additional shifts to staff another ambulance, which allows new members to gain more experience running calls while meeting the needs of their on-call training objectives. If she’s not staffing an ambulance, she’s at the station leading training sessions. 

Westphal’s certifications include:

•National Registry of EMTs (Basic)

•Virginia State EMT-Basic

•Emergency Vehicle Operator I and II

•OWL Ambulance Driver

•Basic Life Support Protocols

•Operational Medical Director’s Endorsement

•OWL Lead EMT

•Field Training Officer

Westphal upholds the values of OWL VFD through her selfless service and dedication to the department. She sets an example of what service is and does it without any expectation of recognition.

In January 2022, Westphal was elected as the department’s Rescue Captain. 

This award is named in honor of Bonnie F. Joseph, who is a former Rescue Chief and Life Member.