Lanark County paramedic chief Travis Mellema honoured with Richard J. Armstrong Leadership Award
Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) Chief Travis Mellema was recognized with the distinguished Richard J. Armstrong Leadership Award at this year’s Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) Honours and Awards Gala.
The award was established in 2008, and is recognized as one of the highest honours in Ontario’s paramedic profession. Presented annually, the award recognizes paramedic leaders who exemplify outstanding leadership while driving progress and innovation within emergency medical services. Recipients include chiefs, deputy chiefs, and managers whose influence reaches beyond their own service to advance the entire profession.
A media release from the Mississippi River Health Alliance says that throughout Chief Mellema’s tenure as a leader, he has championed advancements that enhance the quality of care in Lanark County, including introducing Autonomous Intravenous (AIV) certification for Primary Care Paramedics and expanding the Advanced Care Paramedic program, enabling paramedics to deliver more advanced medical interventions when necessary.
Under his leadership, LCPS also successfully implemented the Paramedics Providing Palliative Care program, addressing a critical healthcare gap for patients in Lanark County. This initiative, initially launched as a pilot program, now enables paramedics to provide specialized care to improve the quality of life for patients facing end-of-life conditions.
Mellema also served as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs from 2019 to 2024, and sits on various OAPC committees—including the Psychological Health and Wellness Committee, the Governance Committee, and the Ontario Base Hospital Group Steering Committe. He participates in advocacy days with different levels of government to discuss issues and work towards province-wide advancements in paramedic care and workforce well-being.
In addition to his leadership within the community, Chief Mellema has prioritized the safety and well-being of his paramedics, enrolling LCPS in the External Violence Against Paramedics (EVAP) study, which advocates for stronger provincial protections against on-duty violence. In partnership with the Ontario Paramedic Association and Mark’s Work Wearhouse, LCPS is also trialing high-visibility uniforms to improve paramedic safety on emergency calls.
Furthermore, Chief Mellema established direct access to a registered Clinical Psychologist for paramedics, with costs covered by LCPS, to ensure mental health support is readily available. Additionally, he enhanced LCPS’s Peer Support Team, fostering a positive organizational culture and a resilient workforce.
Information taken from Mississippi River Health Alliance