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Celine Larson Peer Support Award 

This award was created to honor an individual or team of Kansas first responders for their diligence and perseverance in serving others. The award recognizes individuals or teams whose service exceeds what is normally expected, providing the utmost Peer Support. This award not only honors outstanding contributions but also perpetuates Celine's legacy of compassion and dedication to her community. The Celine Larson Peer Support Award is the first and only Peer Support award for First Responders in Kansas. It is also one of only two Peer Support awards for First Responders in the

nation.


The Celine Larson Peer Support Award remembers the legacy of Celine Larson, who passed away in December 2019 at the age of 35 after a multi-year battle with melanoma. As part of the original founding of Kansas-based Grandpa’s Best, a Bestifor Company, and one of its greatest promoters, it only seemed fitting to use Grandpa’s Best as the pathway to create and fund a foundation benefitting EMS/First Responders and other impactful, local community projects. A portion of each sale of Grandpa’s Best products goes to fund the Hop for Heroes Foundation in memory of Celine, and to provide financial support to a wonderful, well-deserving group of individuals. KEMSA works in conjunction with the Hop for Heroes Foundation and Grandpa's Best to assist in the nomination process. The Celine Larson Peer Support Award recipient is chosen by a selection committee appointed by the Hop for Heroes Foundation and

Grandpa's Best.

Award Information:

  • All award nominations for 2025 must be submitted electronically by June 25 using this form.
  • The Award recipient(s) will be honored at the KEMSA Awards Banquet in Manhattan, Kansas on August 9, 2025 in conjunction with the annual KEMSA Conference. 
  • Award selection will be made by a special committee formed by the Hop for Heroes Foundation and Grandpa's Best

Award Criteria:

  • Individual or team of first responders in Kansas 
  • Demonstration of how the individual or team has gone above and beyond what is normally required or expected of someone providing Peer Support. 

If you have questions, contact Kari Presley with KEMSA.

KEMSA • 4011 SW 29th St., PMB 359 • Topeka, KS 66614 • Phone: 785-580-3459Copyright © Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association

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