Karen Morris, an employee of Beaufort County EMS since 1987, has been chosen by The Exchange Club of Beaufort as the 2012 Medical Person of the Year. This is the first time the club has given the award to an EMS employee.

Morris started with Beaufort County EMS as a volunteer but soon became full time and today is a shift crew chief.

“Her patient care is outstanding. She treats her patients as she would want her family to be treated. If she has a patient that she knows is truly needy, she will go the extra mile even if that means helping the patient off duty,” said Beaufort County EMS Director Donna Ownby.

During a meeting at The Golden Corral on Thursday, Nov. 8, The Exchange Club of Beaufort also recognized the Port Royal Neighborhood Enhancement team, and Inspector Stephen Baske was named firefighter of the year.

This program is designed to honor men and women who serve as law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS workers. The award serves as a magnifying glass that enables the public to have a clearer view of what these dedicated individuals do for our community. For more information, visit www.exchangeclubofbeaufort.org.