CHRIS WIRTZ A veteran of almost 15 years with Fairfield Emergency Medical Service, Chris Wirtz of Streetman, has been awarded the first annual “Star of the Year” award given by the service.

The award was presented earlier this month and he received a separate award Friday night from Fairfield VFW Post 5872.

“Chris truly deserves this award. He has been a staple of Fairfield Ambulance Service for many years,” FEMS manager Billy Perez says.

“We see many EMS workers come and go, but Chris has always been dependable and trustworthy. He is always hardworking and loves caring for people of this community,” Perez adds.

Wirtz started working with FEMS in 1995 as a volunteer emergency care attendant and in 1998 earned certification as a paramedic and went on the payroll. He also is a shift supervisor.

The “Star of the Year” award is based on a vote of peers to recognize service throughout the year.

The honoree and his wife, Patsy, live in Streetman with granddaughter Amy Steel. They are parents to Kathy Henderson, married to Tommy Henderson, and grandparents of Justin “Boy” Henderson.

He is the son of Sara Smith of Fairfield.

FEMS has served Freestone county and the City of Fairfield for more than 30 years, growing from a volunteer operation to a paid service.

The service has seven fulltime and 18 part-time employees, staffing an ambulance with two certified personnel 24 hours a day.

A second ambulance is available as needed with two on-call certified personnel.

FEMS provides ambulance coverage for high school football games, rodeos and other events in the community.