go ahead, make fun of me

So I got this plaque. Yep, I am Paramedic of the Year (along with two others at my department). I am flattered, and a little embarrassed. Embarrassed because, well, I was just doing my job. And because my boys relentlessly made fun of me for getting it. I am not sure why they made fun of me - mostly just because that is what they do. The only time they are not picking on one another (and me) is when they are sleeping. It is fine 95% of the time, but seriously, being nice every once in a while wouldn't hurt. Tommy (my Lt.) said I needed to grow thicker skin, but I do not think I should have to. Am I wrong about that?

The reason I am proud of this plaque is not because of the commendation itself. The call (as in 911 call) it was given for was last Thanksgiving morning. The patient died and we were able to bring him back; he walked out of the hospital the next week. It was pretty awesome actually. To know that you can actually save someone's life every once in a while is really fulfilling. We were lucky to be at the patients side around the time that he died, we worked well as a team to provide excellent patient care, and without my preceptor and lieutenant there to help me it could have been a different outcome. So I do not feel like I deserve the award for what it was given to me for. 

The Chief of my fire department (well, his fire department) pulled me aside yesterday before the commendation was given. He said that while he nominated me specifically for that call, he was proud of what I did every day to care for my patients. He appreciated my dedication and passion for emergency medicine and said that is also why he recommended me for the award. It was really nice to hear. And for the Chief's reasons I am proud of this plaque. The plaque makes me happy for what is represents. Now if I could only figure out what to do with it...