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Unsung Heroes: Bay Pines VA EMS Staff Uphold Operations

Collage of four photos: man in red shirt with tarp, man in excavator, three people planting tree, and man with blue tarp.
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System’s Environmental Management Service contributes greatly to the maintenance, cleanliness, and safety of the C.W.Y. VA Campus, as well as the outlying sites of care. The service – more than half of whom are Veterans themselves – works 24/7 to deliver on the promise of providing America’s heroes with the world-class health care they deserve.

By Medina Ayala-Lo, Public Affairs Officer

If asked to name which professions are crucial to the successful provision of health care, most people might quickly respond “Doctors and nurses!” While they’d be correct, there is a broader scope of professionals who contribute to the success of a healthcare system.

One such group are the dedicated professionals from Bay Pines VA Healthcare System’s Environmental Management Service (EMS).

“EMS employees need to be recognized because a lot of times, they're doing the jobs that are physically demanding and labor intensive,” said Bay Pines VA Chief of EMS and U.S. Army Veteran Jerry Dunmore. “We do our work with pride no matter what it is, and we put our best foot forward.” 

Within Bay Pines VA’s EMS section, the team is responsible for housekeeping, groundskeeping, waste management, minor maintenance, the laundry plant, pest control, and fleet management. They work 24/7 to ensure cleanliness – and in turn the health and safety standards – are upheld at each building on the C.W.Y. VA Campus and at all our sites of care. Additionally, staff are responsible for the beautification and maintenance of the approximately 330 acres of land that comprise the Bay Pines VA Campus.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had because I get to serve the Veterans, and I have a great team with me,” said Bay Pines VA Work Leader for Grounds and U.S. Air Force Veteran Granville “Buddy” Williams. “When I see a Veteran just sitting there admiring the views on our campus, I get that feeling of pride.”

Members of Bay Pines VA’s EMS must often contend with the complications presented by the campus’ aging infrastructure and coastal location, both of which become especially significant during hurricane season. Despite these unique challenges, the team – 60% of whom are Veterans themselves – remain dedicated to working in the service of those who’ve served.

“I’m on an inpatient ward so I’m responsible for completely disinfecting and prepping the room when a Veteran is discharged,” said EMS Technician and U.S. Army Veteran David Chick. “I really get to know the Veterans. Some of them don’t have any loved ones, so talking to them and showing that I’m there to take care of them, I know it helps. It’s such an honor and privilege to get to do what I do.”

During FY25 EMS contributed to several modernization projects, which include but are not limited to: updating the chemical cleaning delivery system to bolster disinfection processes, and creating a process for tracking inspections of mattress and stretcher pads, both of which support infection control standards and enhance patient safety. The team also prepared office and parking accommodations for the return of approximately 1,000 employees who had previously worked from home.

“EMS workers are vital because they play critical roles as far as infection prevention, patient safety, and the Veteran experience,” Dunmore shared. “On any given day, there are approximately 200 employees from the service, across both the grounds and housekeeping sections, who are working to maintain our standard of care and meet the needs of the Veteran.”