Natchez — Rosa Newman and Thomas Perry, paramedics with American Medical Response ambulance service, were recently recognized by the board of directors of the National Registry of Emergency Technicians for achieving 20 consecutive years each as national registered emergency medical technicians. This distinction is an honor held by few EMTs.

To maintain their status as nationally registered EMTs, Newman and Perry have completed the most comprehensive recertification program for EMTs in the country every two years.

This included completing courses to refresh their fundamental knowledge and skills and also a minimum of two hours per month of additional continuing education courses to advance their knowledge of new lifesaving skills.