This scholarship is made available through the Reading Emergency Unit, in conjunction with the Hillsdale County Community Foundation

This scholarship has been created in honor of my late fiance Paul G. Dickens, who dedicated his life to the world of EMS and its education. Paul worked as a paramedic and an instructor for more than 30 years with his most recent location serving in Hillsdale County working for Reading Emergency Unit. He had worked for many departments over the years as well as interhospital. He held the position of Executive Director of Reading Emergency Unit for 4 years then took the position of Region II EMS Coordinator for 8 years. Regional Coordinators review and approve EMS Education and Continuing Education programs, schedule and conduct the EMS state licensing exams, inspect EMS vehicles, and provide technical assistance for EMS personnel, Instructors/Coordinators, Agencies, Medical Control Authorities, and municipalities.

Upon his return to REU, he eagerly accepted the position of Education Coordinator where he held Basic and Specialist programs, CEU’s, community CPR certification and First Aid classes. In addition to that, Paul has been the lead ACLS instructor at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo for more then 10 years, working hand in hand with physicians and nurses alike. He recently became a PALS instructor so that he could better himself once again. Paul also held a certification as an Advanced Tactical Medic which he utilized in his position with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Department on the Emergency Response Team. For Paul, any job doing, was worth doing well. He strived for excellence in all that he did; as an instructor, a paramedic, a husband, and a father. He also demanded the same from his students, and taught them to demand it from themselves.

Contact information:

Paul G. Dickens Scholarship

P.O. Box 331

Reading, MI 49274