CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to raise awareness of and show appreciation to paramedics.

Each day of the week will emphasize the important roles of EMS medics. Monday is education, Tuesday is safety, Wednesday is children's day, Thursday is save a life day, and Friday is recognition day.

“We save lives on a regular basis. We hopefully, as we move forward, are going to be taking an even more integral role in the health care system. Community paramedicine is on the rise,” said Benjamin Weidinger, Captain Medic for Charlottesville EMS. 

Weidinger says his favorite part of the job is being a caretaker for those in his community. 

He adds that as much as they love receiving food from the community, the best way to appreciate them is by speaking up on their behalf to others and recognizing all they do.