Mitta Mitta ambulance officer honoured with community award
February 7, 2024in Community News
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) Sam Beggs has been awarded the 2024 Community Award at the Mitta Valley Australia Day Awards.
Sam was presented with his award for his service to the Mitta Mitta community where he has worked as an ACO for the past five years.
Sam Beggs (centre) with current and previous AV employees
ACOs are first responders, employed by Ambulance Victoria on a casual basis to work on call and support qualified paramedics in rural and regional communities. Prior to the formation of Ambulance Victoria in 2008, ACOs worked on a volunteer basis.
Sam said he joined as an ACO because he saw the need in the community and wanted to step in and help.
“A friend of the family had been an ACO and tapped me on the shoulder for the role because they needed more people to help out,” Sam said.
“It’s been a rewarding role – every job you respond to is different, but you’re always there helping someone in their time of need.”
Jo Brookes Towong Paramedic Community Support Coordinator said that Sam is a highly respected member of the Mitta Mitta ACO team.
“It was great to see Sam being recognised for the many roles he has in the Mitta Valley Community,” Jo said.
Sam said that while it was nice to receive the recognition it’s not the reason, he does the job.
“I joined to help the community and that’s the most important thing to me.
“It’s a rewarding role, and I recommend anyone who is interested to consider joining.”
Find out more about Ambulance Community Officers.