Meadows Scholarship Grant
updated: Jan 28, 2013, 5:38 PM

Source: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office

Local EMT and paramedic student, Patrick Patton has been selected as the 2013 recipient of the Christopher Meadows Memorial Paramedic Education Scholarship. Patton is currently enrolled in the Central Coast Paramedic Program at Cuesta College and works as an emergency medical technician at San Luis Ambulance Service.

Patton and other local paramedic students applied for the $3,000 memorial scholarship, which is awarded annually to Central Coast EMS workers pursuing paramedicine careers. This is the fourth year that the scholarship has been awarded. "Patrick impressed us with his caring attitude and his passion for helping others," said Chris Anderson, interview committee member and long-time area paramedic. "His dedication to emergency medicine also extends to helping those in disaster areas, wherever there is a need," added Anderson.

A graduate of Paso Robles High School in 2004, Patton has been an EMT since 2009 with San Luis Ambulance. Patrick attended Unitek Education, where he earned his EMT credential.

"Winning this scholarship is amazing to me, and I couldn't be happier", said Patton upon receiving word of his award. "While I didn't know Chris personally, I certainly know of his legacy and it is a great privilege to carry on in his honor", added Patton.

"I have held a variety of positions over the years from video producer, to youth counselor, to steel fabricator, and nothing has ever been as personally rewarding as my emergency medical career, said Patton. While I plan to be a paramedic for many years, I see paramedicine as a gateway to so many different ways I could help people in need", added Patton . The Christopher Meadows Memorial Paramedic Education Fund was established by Taylor and Heather Tucker, co-workers of Meadows' at San Luis Ambulance after his tragic death. Meadows was killed May 24, 2009, while volunteering at Oceano Dunes for the Sheriff's Department's Search and Rescue Team. Meadows had planned to attend paramedic school in the fall of 2009. The scholarship is awarded annually, and the fund's primary fundraiser, the 4th Annual Christopher Meadows Memorial Wine Tasting & Silent Auction, will be held Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 3-6 pm at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero.

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