LANSING - Meridian Township EMS Firefighter, TJ Booms, was honored Monday, May 19th for his outstanding excellence in serving the community.

The ceremony took place at the Lansing Fire Department, Station 1. TJ has been with the Meridian Township Fire Department for almost nine years.

The EMS appreciation award was given to him by Sparrow Health systems. The Sparrow EMS Appreciation Awards are given on an annual basis to pre-hospital care providers for their high-quality care.

"Every time we go on a call, I try to provide the best care I can for the individual I'm taking care of and treat them like I would my own family," Booms said.

Many representatives from Sparrow Hospital attended the event, along with colleagues of Firefighter Booms.

"I have to say, it's not a surprise to us that TJ would win such a prestigious award," Fire Chief, Fred Cowper said. "it's quite an honor that they picked TJ as the paramedic of the year and we applaud that."

Firefighter Booms is also a instructor in the EMS Department at Lansing Community College. In addition to that, he plays a role in the Meridian Township Firefighters Association.