GREENVILLE – Spirit EMS lit up State Route 49 on Thursday, with a powerful and heartfelt celebration honoring both National EMS Week and a major organizational milestone: being named Ohio EMS Agency of the Year.
The event drew community members from across the region to join in the festivities, recognize the dedication of EMS professionals, and pay tribute to the legacy of those who have shaped Spirit’s journey.
In front of the building, you could see a spectacular lineup of ambulances, lights flashing brightly. The display served as a symbol of the hard work and heroism of EMS workers, offering the public an up-close look at the tools and teams that serve them every day.
A highlight for attendees—especially families—was the Kona Ice truck, which was free to attendees, courtesy of Spirit EMS co-owners Brian Hathaway and Aaron Guthrie. The icy treats added a refreshing touch to the warm community atmosphere.
Inside the Spirit building, a memorial honored Hathaway’s late mother, Deborah Hathaway, a former junior high teacher at Greenville City Schools and a passionate supporter and employee of the organization. Her influence remains deeply embedded in the fabric of Spirit EMS.
Spirit pulled out all the stops for the celebration. Staff handed out giveaway boxes shaped like miniature ambulances, filled with fun and useful items including pens, sticky notes, candy, chapstick, and more. Employees were honored with thoughtful gifts as well: employees who run the squad received durable heavy-duty clipboards, office staff got branded tumblers, and everyone was provided new t-shirts for their uniforms.
A hearty meal was prepared by the staff for both the public and Spirit employees, showcasing the company’s commitment to community care not just in emergencies, but in everyday moments as well.
Local law enforcement also played a key role in the day’s activities. Greenville Police Department provided educational engagement for attendees, while the Darke County Sheriff’s Office thrilled the crowd with a K-9 demonstration at 5 p.m.
Children had plenty to enjoy too, with bounce houses, a DJ, and fun giveaways from the Greenville Police Department, including frisbees, bags, and water bottles. There was also a coloring station that encouraged young visitors to create thank-you notes and drawings for EMS providers, with a note stating that completed artwork would be displayed on Spirit’s digital message boards as a public show of appreciation.
Capping off the celebration was a special moment of recognition as Trinity Apparatus presented Spirit EMS with a Certificate of Achievement for their EMS Agency of the Year award. The dual celebration underscored the passion and professionalism of Spirit’s team—and their unwavering dedication to both saving lives and building lasting community bonds.
From the bright lights on the ambulances to the smiles of families enjoying the festivities, the event was a moving reminder of what EMS Week is all about: honoring the people behind the sirens who give their all every day.
