Myriam “Aundrea” Bonilla is the recipient of the 2021 Richard A. McAvoy EMS Service Award.

Bonilla joined OWL VFD joined February 2016. She served as an ambulance driver and ambulance driver trainer, then earned her National Registry EMT certification and Virginia State EMT certification in February 2020. She immediately began the PWC Operational Medical Director’s internship, earning the endorsement in May 2021, followed by becoming a Lead EMT and assuming a Crew Leader position in July 2021.

When a task is assigned, Bonilla takes responsibility for it and completes it willingly.  She is a role model for other members and demonstrates great leadership skills. 

Between calls on every duty shift, Bonilla leads her crew and many junior members in training. During training sessions, she observes members, identifies areas for improvement, then works with them to improve their skills as well as encourages them to seek additional training to continue to increase their EMS knowledge and abilities. While on calls, she encourages members to actively participate in patient care. 

Her professionalism, dedication, and devotion is recognized by anyone who interacts with her. She displays unparalleled skill and compassion when interacting with patients, putting them at ease, and quickly providing interventions. 

OWL VFD’s EMS Service Award is named in honor of Richard A. McAvoy, a former member who was known for his dedication of service. McAvoy was awarded the William H. Spicer, Sr. Firefighter of the Year award in 1975. This is a Fire Valor award that recognizes individual achievement or meritorious action while in the line of duty.