Sherri Frachiseur was presented with the VFW’s Advanced EMT of the Year Award on Monday, November 25, by Southwest EMS Base Manager Christy Hattabaugh. The honor, given on behalf of Mena’s VFW Post 4451, recognizes Frachiseur’s 35 years of service and dedication to emergency medical care.
On hand to congratulate her were her in-laws, Frank and Kathy Frachiseur, along with members of her Southwest EMS family. “She has been with Southwest EMS for 35 years and has never been recognized,” Hattabaugh shared, noting the significance of the long-overdue honor
SWEMS’ Danny Jones also emphasized Frachiseur’s impact on the agency, stating that without her—and fellow EMS professional Monty Davis—the company would not have been able to retain service in Sevier County, Arkansas.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars recognizes outstanding EMS personnel with its Public Servant Awards. Candidates are selected based on recognition by peers or the community, consistent excellence in duty performance, and long-term dedication marked by growing responsibility and continued professional development.
The Public Servant Citation is awarded to individuals who actively provide emergency medical treatment, rescue services, or civil disaster assistance as part of a public or volunteer organization committed to protecting citizens.
Following the presentation, Frachiseur was celebrated with a home-cooked breakfast prepared by her EMS colleagues—an expression of appreciation for her decades of commitment to the profession and the community she serves.
