NS Healthcare Hero: Dwayne Semple

“It is with great pleasure that I nominate Dwayne Semple for this very special award. I have spoken with many that know Dwayne and people that I know that he has assisted over the years, within the line of duty. There were many personal stories, especially of people who he has helped that I cannot share but will say that they are grateful for Dwayne being there in moments that many cannot fathom.

Dwayne has been a dedicated paramedic since 1983 through many changes to Emergency Health over the years. He progressed through the ranks and joined paramedic management in EHS in 2003 and is currently a District Support Supervisor in the Northern zone. He is now in his 39th year as a paramedic.

Dwayne has also been a dedicated community member his entire life and these are some of his achievements:

  • Member, Critical Stress Management Team, Fire Services Nova Scotia (2007 – present)
  • Associate Member, Tatamagouche Fire Department (2008 – present)
  • Ambassador, Paramedic Ride Association (2015 – present)
  • Coordinator, Regional Bike Week, Municipality of the County of Colchester (2011 – present)
  • Commissaire, Category B Mountain Bike, Bicycle Nova Scotia (2013 – present)
  • Member, Halifax Cycling Coalition (2013 – present)
  • Member, International Bike Association, Canada (2014 – present)
  • Bicycle Mechanic, Kids for Bikes Program, United Way (2014 – present)
  • Fundraising Volunteer, Neighbours Helping Neighbours Foodbank (2014)
  • Coordinator, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (2012 – 2017)
  • Medical Satellite Site Coordinator, Canada Games Nova Scotia (2011)
  • Development Coordinator, Hockey Nova Scotia (2008 – 2018)
  • Safety Committee Chair, Hockey Canada (2008 – 2014)
  • Accreditation Manager, World Men’s Hockey, Hockey Canada (2008)
  • Therapy Staff, Senior Women’s Esso National Sports (2001 – 2008)
  • Coaching Staff, Program of Excellence, Hockey Nova Scotia (2000 – 2008)
  • Therapy Staff, World Under 17 (2004 – 2007)
  • Deputy Chief, Tatamagouche Fire Department (1991-2001)
  • Captain, Tatamagouche Fire Department (1988)
  • Volunteer Fire Fighter, Tatamagouche Fire Department (1983)

Jack Coulter, pictured with Dwayne receiving his 35-year Provincial Service Award, is who started Dwayne on this career. In the early days, Jack had Coulter’s Funeral and Ambulance Service, took Dwayne under his wing having him work with him on the Ambulance. Dwayne dedication started early in life, as it is remembered by many how he would receive a call and the ambulance would show up at the school as Dwayne had an emergency call to go on. Jack mentored Dwayne and taught him lessons concerning his career path, as well as many life lessons about life. George, Dwayne’s father, was the Tatamagouche Fire Department Fire chief for many years. Dwayne was also a volunteer in the Tatamagouche Fire Department. Helping others is in his blood as well as in his heart.

Dwayne over the years became like a son to Jack. One very important lesson that Jack taught Dwayne and that was to slow down and listen; that you never know a person’s story until you listen. What sounds so simple was a huge impact to Dwayne. Dwayne loves to sing and often sang at funerals and weddings. Dwayne loves to change up the words of songs to suit the situation/person he is singing for making it a lot of fun! When he married his high school sweetheart last year, he sang her down the aisle to one of her favourite songs. His high school sweetheart is Jack’s granddaughter.

Dwayne is a Maritimer through and through and took up playing the bodran drum and loves to play along with anyone who will have him! Always a love of music and a great kitchen party! Dwayne has travelled extensively over the last number of years and has immersed himself in the culture of each place he has gone and with the local people he has met. Every single person made an impression on him, and it is people and the interactions with people from all walks of life, that lights Dwayne up. Human nature and how different people communicate has a special place with Dwayne. So much so that his big focus right now is the mental health and wellbeing of all first responders and well, truly anyone who asks him for help. He never turns anyone away and seeks out all possible resources to help.

Dwayne is an avid cyclist and loves to be on his bikes, fixing bikes, talking bikes, helping his grandkids, and neighbors’ kids ride bikes. He’s been involved in so many bike events over the years. Dwayne has a soft spot for Wounded Warriors, Paramedic Rides, and anything to do with kids and getting them active. Mental Health in today’s hectic world and in this industry can be overwhelming, Dwayne has very strong focus and works tirelessly to help and establish better ways for Paramedics to cope.

Dwayne has an awesome sense of humour and a ready smile that knows no bounds, and a hearty belly laugh that is contagious. I believe that Dwayne should receive this award as he had dedicated his whole life to serving people as well Dwayne brings an in depth understanding of the importance of the gift of hope to families in despair; and the gentle calm when injured individual is holding onto nothing but terror, and a kind and tender voice is saying everything is going to be alright.

Dwayne is an amazing soul that has been a gift to many. In this industry there are many who deserve this award, but my heart says that Dwayne really does as he has never backed away from helping anyone…. His lifelong dedication to learning, teaching, and saving lives, as well as being a beautiful and humble human being is why I feel that Dwayne should receive this award.

I truly hope that this gives you a bit of a better understanding of Dwayne dedication to his profession as well as a little look of who Dwayne really is, a lover of life, spreading joy and laughter wherever he goes, his passion for assisting and serving to make this world a better place… one person at a time.”

  • This nomination was sent in by Rhonda Langille

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