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A. E. Hertzler Knox , M.D. was the Medical Director for the Hartford Fire Insurance (later known as The Hartford Group) in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Giving up a successful medical practice in West Hartford, Dr. Knox used his professional ability in the insurance industry to maximize the availability and minimize the cost of health and accident insurance. He recognized the importance of physician-directed medical input into the drafting of insurance policies.
In his capacity as The Hartford’s Medical Director, Dr. Knox was appointed to the Ad-Hoc Connecticut Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services. This group published a report of recommendations to the Governor of Connecticut entitled, “Emergency Medical Services in Connecticut, a Blueprint for Change”. Dr. Knox served on the council until his retirement from The Hartford in 1977.
At the time of his retirement, the Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) was in turmoil having lost successive directors of the agency. In 1978, Health Department Deputy Commissioner Dennis Kerrigan tapped Dr. Knox to assume the position of Acting Director. Kerrigan’s principle charge to his new EMS overseer was to conduct a national search for a permanent director.
With the hiring of a full time director in October of 1978, Dr. Knox continued to serve the State Agency. He was instrumental in reformatting the Advisory Council including establishment of a State Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. Knox served as the first chairman of the committee.
In 1980, the position of Medical Director for OEMS was established. It was only natural that Dr. Knox be assigned to the position where he provided physician input and coordination for the agency. Supplemented by the political insight he developed in the insurance industry, Dr. Knox was able to bring the emergency medical program to the forefront of many political and medical agendas.
Few can match the contribution of Dr. A. E. Hertzler Knox to Connecticut’s Emergency Medical Services program. For his involvement, we honor him by recognizing others who have made significant contributions to the program by granting this award in his name.
This award was established in 1986.
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