MICHAEL Holden is proud to serve with Ambulance Victoria.
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Mr Holden is the Heathcote team manager and was last month recognised for 25 years' long service to the organisation.
"It's good to be recognised," he said.
"It's nice."
Mr Holden was just one of many central Victorian residents presented with long service awards at a ceremony in Bendigo.
More than 240 years of combined service to communities in Bendigo and the Loddon Mallee was recognised at the Ambulance Victoria Staff Service Awards.
Paramedics received their awards in front of colleagues and their families.
Chief executive Greg Sassella said the presentations were a great opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts of Ambulance Victoria staff and celebrate with their families.
"Every day we help people throughout Victoria at times of their greatest need, putting paramedics in a privileged position which carries associated responsibility,” Mr Sassella said.
"By presenting these awards, we are thanking our skilled and professional paramedics and support staff for their commitment to Ambulance Victoria and to the communities we serve.
"While our award nights have a formal presentation of medals, it’s also a great opportunity to get together to celebrate the achievements of our people with their families in a social environment and catch up with old friends."
The longest serving staff members to be recognised were Echuca team manager Philip Herd, who received 40 Years Long Service and 40 Years Safe Driving medals, and Campaspe general manager Kerry Strachan, who received his 35 Years Long Service and 35 Years Safe Driving medals.
Also receiving awards for 25 Years Long Service were Wayne Pearce, Richard Marchingo and Dale Prentice.
Among the other recipients were Community Emergency Response Teams members Vikki Couper and Tamara Boyd from the Boort team, who were presented with 10 Year Certificates of Service.