Depot Firefighter awarded Tooele County EMT of the Year

Tooele Army Depot (TEAD) Fire Department firefighter, Josh Karabatsos, received the Tooele County Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the Year award from the Tooele County Emergency Medical Services Council, during a luncheon on May 22, at Mountain West Medical Center in Tooele, Utah.

This is the first time a TEAD FD firefighter has received this award.

"Receiving this was pretty cool," said Karabatsos. "I didn't know I was getting it until this morning."

Karabatsos, an Air Force veteran, firefighter and EMT at TEAD, also works part-time with another local fire department, North Tooele County Fire Department, when he is not on duty on the Depot.

"While working with mutual-aid partners, [Josh] is respected and praised by his peers," said Bradley Tippetts, assistant fire chief, TEAD.

At medical incidents, Josh remains calm, professional and compassionate, emphasized Tippetts.

Karabatsos started his career at TEAD five years ago in ammunition operations, following a career in military security forces and special operations. After working for two years in ammo, he decided to serve in the first responder field like his family has done for generations.

"I have a lot of family history in fire service," said Karabatsos. "Even my great-grandfather was on a volunteer fire department."

Karabatsos believed after his specific military experience there were a few career options that made sense, either law enforcement or firefighter.

"I thought it was awesome to get paid to do this since all my family were on volunteer departments."

The free luncheon, during Emergency Medical Service Week, honored local first responders and recognized several individuals and agencies for outstanding service to the community.