After 41 years of dedicated service, including over 25 years as the Chief of Dufferin County Paramedic Service (DCPS), Tom Reid announces his retirement as a Paramedic Services Professional with DCPS and Headwaters Health Care Centre.
Throughout his tenure, Tom has been a beacon of leadership, combining his unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care with a passion for serving the community. His visionary approach has led to the implementation of numerous groundbreaking projects and earned him recognition both locally and provincially.
Among his many achievements, Tom spearheaded the transformation of community paramedicine in the province, initiated Public Access Defibrillators in Dufferin County, Advanced Life Support training, oversaw the award-winning Telecheck volunteer program, and served on the Ministry of Health Ambulance Services review team for over three decades.
His dedication earned him accolades such as the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal for Emergency Medical Services and the Dr. David Scott Award from Headwaters Health Care Centre. In 2023, in recognition of his outstanding contributions, Tom was awarded the prestigious provincial Richard J. Armstrong Leadership award.
Tom’s last day with DCPS and Headwaters Health Care Centre is April 30, 2024.
Dufferin County Paramedic Service is a team of over 60 paramedics and support staff at stations in Orangeville, Shelburne, and Grand Valley. DCPS is one of only a few paramedic services across Ontario whose members are hospital employees.
Quotes:
Tom Reid, Chief, Dufferin Paramedic Service
“It has been my honour to serve with such an amazing team for my entire career. I would like to thank the Paramedic team, Headwaters, Dufferin County and our Community partners for their unwavering support. As difficult it is to leave I do it with the knowledge that our community is left in good and caring hands!!”
Kim Delahunt, President & CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre
“Tom has been a trusted colleague, and I am immensely grateful for the exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication that Tom has brought to our community as Chief of Paramedic Services. His visionary guidance has not only elevated patient care standards but has also forged invaluable partnerships that have strengthened our emergency response efforts. Tom's retirement marks the end of an era. His legacy of excellence will continue to inspire us as we carry forward his commitment to serving those in need.”
Sonya Pritchard, Chief Administrative Officer, Dufferin County
“On behalf of Dufferin County and its residents, I extended my sincerest thanks to Tom for his tireless dedication and commitment to quality care over his 41-year career in Paramedic Emergency Services, 25 of which were spent as Chief of Dufferin County Paramedic Service. Tom is widely known as a compassionate, thoughtful, and innovative leader, not only in our community, but throughout his profession. Over the years, he could always be counted on to provide valuable guidance in emergency situations, and continuously sought to improve and transform care in Dufferin for all. Tom will be missed at the County, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Tom Reid, Chief of Dufferin Paramedic Service for his unwavering dedication and exemplary service as a leader in our paramedic community. His tireless commitment to public safety has left an indelible mark on Dufferin County and our province, touching countless lives throughout his career. Tom’s selflessness, professionalism, and steadfast leadership will no doubt continue to inspire excellence within our emergency response teams for years to come."
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About Dufferin County
The County of Dufferin is an upper-tier municipality that sits on the fringe of the Greater Toronto Area, about 100 kilometres northwest of Toronto. Dufferin is largely a rural county with three urban settlement areas. The region is well known for its rivers, rolling hills and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. The UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Niagara Escarpment and world-famous Bruce Trail all run through Dufferin offering spectacular vistas and hiking opportunities. Home to over 67,000 residents, Dufferin County boasts fabulous restaurants, shopping and amenities. Connect with the County on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more at www.dufferincounty.ca.
About Headwaters Health Care Centre
Headwaters Health Care Centre is an innovative hospital located in Orangeville, Ontario dedicated to quality patient-centred care together with our community in Dufferin County-Caledon. In addition to providing acute and complex continuing care with a 24/7 Emergency Department, and extensive Ambulatory Care outpatient services, Headwaters is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada, certified as a Breast Assessment Centre by the Ontario Breast Screening Program, and will be offering MRI services in 2024.Headwaters is a cornerstone of health and wellness for the communities it serves. It is one of the area's largest employers with over 800 staff, 200 physicians and six midwives and benefits from the dedication of over 200 volunteers. Headwaters is also a proud partner in
the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team. Learn more at
headwatershealth.ca and support the hospital at
hhccfoundation.com
Media Contacts:
Megan Ball, Communications Manager, County of Dufferin
mball@dufferincounty.ca 519-941-2816 Ext. 2513
Jennifer Hamilton, Director, Communication & Stakeholder Relations, HHCC
jhamilton@headwatershealth.ca 519-278-5085