Our Priorites
Programs & Initiatives
Pink T-Shirts for LCEMS Staff
We purchased and distributed pink t-shirts to every Lee County EMS employee to wear on shift. The shirts serve dual purposes: boosting morale by showing staff they are supported, and raising public awareness. Comfortable and meaningful, they are a visible sign of community pride in our first responders.
Autism Awareness TShirts
Friends of LCEMS launched an Autism Awareness t-shirt campaign inspired by one of the department’s own employees. A portion of the proceeds from shirt sales goes directly to purchasing life jackets for local children — helping keep kids safe around water while spreading an important message of inclusion and acceptance
Branded Teddy Bears
We provided Friends of LCEMS branded teddy bears — custom-printed with our logo — to be kept on ambulances and given to frightened children encountered on emergency calls. A small gesture that makes a big difference when a child needs comfort in a scary moment.
Staff Meeting Meals
LCEMS government budgets do not allow for food at staff meetings and training gatherings. Friends of LCEMS coordinates meals and refreshments for quarterly staff meetings, ensuring the team can eat together, connect, and feel appreciated during long meeting days.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
We organized a fun, anonymous pumpkin carving, painting, and decorating contest open to all LCEMS employees. Friends of LCEMS supplied the pumpkins. Entries were judged anonymously for fairness. Events like these help build camaraderie and remind the team there is life and laughter beyond the hard calls.
EMT & Paramedic of the Year Awards
We celebrated Lee County EMS’s 2025 award recipients — EMT of the Year and Paramedic of the Year — by publicly recognizing their achievements. Recognizing excellence within the department is core to our mission of appreciation and retention
Show Choir Invitational Sponsorship
Friends of LCEMS sponsored the 2026 Central Lee Show Choir Invitational, providing trophies for 2nd and 3rd place finishers. Community sponsorship builds goodwill, raises our profile, and connects us to local schools and families.
Women of LCEMS Recognition
On International Women’s Day, we highlighted and celebrated the women of Lee County EMS — from the ambulance to the office — for their strength, compassion, skill, and leadership. Supporting all members of the team means recognizing every individual’s contribution.
Holiday Recognition
We recognize LCEMS employees on major holidays — including Thanksgiving — reminding the public and the team that these professionals work through every holiday to keep our community safe.
New Facility Support
Lee County EMS is moving to a new combined EMS and Health Department facility in Fort Madison — a major step forward. Friends of LCEMS supports visibility and awareness around this milestone, and stands ready to help equip and celebrate the new space as it comes online