Eaton E. Freeman Award

Robert Hopkins of Chicopee, Assistant Professor of the Emergency Medical Services Management department was honored as the 2006 Dr. Eaton E. Freeman Award recipient by the Region 1 Emergency Medical Services Council this April. Robert Hopkins is seen here with Louise Goyette, past Director of the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Hopkins was honored for his contributions to EMS over thirty years of service as a paramedic, professor, and federal disaster worker. The Chicopee native began his public service career as a volunteer firefighter EMT in Amherst, and as a summer police officer on Cape Cod. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from UMASS and his Master of Science degree at Springfield College.

He currently is an assistant professor at Springfield College where he founded the Bachelor’s degree program in EMS Management, and served as its first Chairperson. Bob still works part time as a field paramedic and deputy sheriff in Hampden County.

Hopkins also serves as Deputy Commander of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Massachusetts-2 for the Department of Homeland Security, National Disaster Medical System, and has served at Hurricane Hugo in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hurricane Andrew in Florida, World Trade Center Disaster and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

This award is given only to individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of EMS in Western Massachusetts. The award is named for Dr. Eaton E. Freeman, who was the first full time director of the Emergency Department at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and was a pioneer in prehospital medicine. He provided training and support to EMT's and others interested in EMS.

Updated: 06/21/2006