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American Legion Department of Wisconsin – Third District Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Award Recipient – Cross Plains Area EMS Safety Officer Katrina McKee

In December 2024 Legionnaire SFC Emily Cash nominated Katrina McKee to be a candidate at the American Legion Kerl – Endres – Brannan Post 245 for the Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Award. The motion for Post 245 to sponsor Katrina for the EMT Award passed, all Yes votes. Katrina received letters of support from the Legion Post and Chief Ellickson to place with the candidate application which was approved by Post 245 and sent to the 3rd District level for consideration. On April 17th, 2025, Katrina received a Certificate of Commendation from Post 245 in recognition of receiving the award as American Legion 3rd District Emergency Medical Technician of the Year.

In her letters of recommendation, it is cited frequently her dedication to her community through her commitment to Cross Plains EMS in leadership as Association President from 2016-2024, Training Director 2020-2023, preceptor to new members, and mentor to new members. Katrina has focused on the community by establishing outreach activities for EMS to become involved, assisting with National Night Out, Community CPR programs, School Visits, coordinating Memorial Day appearances and interacting with the public at the chicken barbeque. Katrina has also supported the St Francis Youth Football Program, volunteering her time to be medical support at various games as well as the annual summer camps. In 2018, when the Village flooded, Katrina was on the front lines assisting in any way she could with managing two sites for flood victims as well as allocating supplies to send out to the firefighters who were out all night helping those stuck in flood waters and at the house fire.

Katrina is also a long-time member of American Legion Auxiliary Kerl – Endres – Brannan Unit 245; and this last year was sworn in as the Vice President. She can often times be found at the Legion Post helping wherever needed. This past year Katrina had recommended to the Legion that an AED would be a great piece of equipment to have in the Post since so many different community groups utilize the Post as well as private functions. Katrina was able to help the Legion get the information needed to purchase an AED in 2025. She has also been helping get Post and Unit members trained on how to use the AED.

Katrina has done all of this while working full time as an Emergency Department Nurse and a mother and wife. Cross Plains Area EMS is grateful to have Katrina as a dedicated member of our Department and congratulate her on this Award.