Dekkenga Honored with SDEMSA President’s Award

  • November 28, 2016

Ambulance Director Gordon Dekkenga (right) recently received the President’s Award from SDEMSA for his contributions to Emergency Medical Services in South Dakota. He is pictured with SDEMSA President Eric Van Dusen.
Ambulance Director Gordon Dekkenga (right) recently received the President’s Award from SDEMSA for his contributions to Emergency Medical Services in South Dakota. He is pictured with SDEMSA President Eric Van Dusen.

Gordon Dekkenga, ambulance director at Brookings Health System, was recently presented the President’s Award by the South Dakota Emergency Medical Services Association (SDEMSA).

The President’s Award is given annually to a SDEMSA member who, in the opinion of the SDEMSA President, has been instrumental in furthering the goals and objectives of EMS in South Dakota and who is an active member of SDEMSA

“Gordon has been a great influence for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) changes at every level within our state,” said SDEMSA President Eric Van Dusen. “Gordon’s goal is to make EMS better in our state, which requires changes for every service.

“Gordon was also picked for this award for his contributions to the community outside of EMS, supporting single mothers in need of help. He and his wife, Shirley, sold their home to move into a home big enough to give single mothers a place to stay until they get back on their feet.”

Dekkenga began as an EMS volunteer in 1977. He went back to school and became a paramedic in 1984. During his career he has worked as an ambulance paramedic, flight medic and administrator.

Dekkenga has led Brookings Health System’s ambulance team for the past 8 years. As ambulance director, he oversees the day-to-day operations for both basic and advanced life support ambulance transport in emergency and non-emergency situations. More information about Brookings Health System’s ambulance service can be found online at www.brookingshealth.org/Ambulance.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, and medical clinics in Arlington, White and Volga, South Dakota. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.