Todd E. Giles Memorial Scholarship Established

The family of Todd Giles gathered at Walters State to establish a scholarship honoring the late paramedic. Seated from left are daughter Alex Giles; wife Danielle Giles; Dr. Tony Miksa, Walters State president; and son Chris Giles. Standing from left are Chris Cates, associate vice president of Walters State; brother Scott Giles; Chad Bryant, dean of public safety at Walters State; John Reeves, director of fire science and paramedic programs at Walters State; close family friend Stephanie Harville; nephew Cody Giles; and Kelly Bowen, advancement services specialist.

Todd E. Giles Memorial Scholarship Established

The Todd E. Giles Memorial Scholarship has been established by his family through the Walters State Foundation. Giles, who worked as a paramedic for Morristown-Hamblen Emergency Medical Service for 36 years, died earlier this year after suffering a heart attack while on a call. The scholarship is intended for students pursuing a paramedic certificate or degree.
             
“Todd Giles embodied the standards for all first responders,” said Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State. “He dedicated his life to serving his community and was a valued member of the Walters State family. We are grateful to his family for this endowment. Todd’s life and this scholarship will both serve as inspirations for our future paramedic students.”
             
Giles’ career in public safety began as a teenager when he joined the Explorer Post at the Morristown Rescue Squad in 1980. After serving in the U.S. Army, he earned his EMT license in 1987 and his paramedic license in 1992. In addition to working at Morristown-Hamblen EMS, over the years Giles also worked at Dollywood in public safety, became a preceptor for Walters State students, and worked as a chief flight paramedic. He also served as a medical death investigator for the Hamblen County Medical Examiner’s office. 
             
“His heart was in teaching future emergency medical technicians and paramedics,” said Danielle Giles, Todd’s wife. “He was very hands-on as a preceptor, training and mentoring so many who have gone through the program at Walters State. Todd was also passionate about community outreach, teaching CPR, first aid, and bloodborne pathogen classes to individuals and businesses in the local area.”
           
The scholarship may be used for tuition or expenses incurred as a paramedic student. If you would like to assist students in Giles’ memory, please contact Chris Cates, assistant vice president for college advancement, at 423-585-2618 or at foundationFREEWS.