ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joined Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) Director Antonio Stevens and other government and emergency response officials on Monday for a significant ceremony marking the donation of 15 pallets of emergency medical supplies from Pafford Emergency Medical Services to the Territory.
The event, held at the Omar Brown Fire Station on St. Thomas and livestreamed for public viewing, underscored the critical importance of preparedness as the Territory moves through the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
“Most people only remember Pafford because the name came up during COVID,” said Governor Bryan. “But they were actually here since the hurricanes—Irma and Maria—and as we quickly approach those anniversaries, we have to go back and be grateful for the response we had. Whether they were getting paid or not, they responded and never lost faith in us. Their commitment shows well beyond five pallets of equipment.”
Governor Bryan commended Pafford EMS not just for its continued partnership but for its demonstrated resilience and reliability.
“You can never, ever be too prepared for any eventuality,” he added. “Jamie, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Some people are fair-weather friends—but y’all aren’t. Whether the weather is good or bad, you show up.”
The donation from Pafford EMS—consisting of life-saving emergency medical supplies—builds on an eight-year partnership between the private emergency medical service provider and the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Pafford EMS played a key role during past storm responses and was instrumental in bolstering the Territory’s emergency medical readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today’s ceremony marks an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to enhancing emergency medical services across the Virgin Islands,” said VIFEMS Territorial Lead Lisle Evelyn. “Through the generosity and partnership of Pafford EMS, we are advancing our capabilities and supporting our teams on the front lines. This donation is more than material support—it’s a demonstration of shared responsibility, vision, and dedication to public safety.”
Evelyn also thanked Governor Bryan, Director Stevens, and the entire Government House team for their steadfast support of VIFEMS and its mission.
In her remarks, Pafford EMS Chief Executive Officer Jamie Pafford-Gresham reflected on the strong bond between her organization and the Virgin Islands.
“Our people were touched, day one, by your workforce that needed more and had to work with less,” Pafford-Gresham said. “But through partnerships and opportunities that your administration and others found, Pafford was able to help you excel in healthcare across the islands. We are here to help and we’ll work side-by-side to make sure that you can continue bringing high-level emergency medical care to your territories.”
VIFEMS Director Antonio Stevens recalled past support from Pafford EMS, noting that the organization’s generosity has been consistent and impactful.
“This is not the first donation,” Stevens said. “When we were building out the Frederiksted Fire Station and trying to make it more comfortable for our staff, Pafford was there—providing recliners and a number of other items. My heart is filled with gratitude.”
Junior Fire Chief of the St. Thomas-St. John District Eustace Grant served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
With hurricane season underway, the donation comes at a critical time, reinforcing the Territory’s preparedness and its strong public-private partnerships that help protect the health and safety of Virgin Islands residents.
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