Riggs Egolf is being recognized for his unwavering dedication as a healthcare provider and his remarkable ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. His cool, professional demeanor serves as an inspiration to other first responders who admire his ability to stay focused regardless of the challenges he faces while providing care.
A notable example of Riggs’ exceptional attention to detail occurred in early 2023 during a routine hospital discharge to a skilled nursing facility. Despite the patient claiming they felt fine, Riggs detected subtle changes in their vitals and sensed something was wrong. Ten minutes from the receiving facility, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Riggs immediately instructed his partner to pull over and assist with care while he called for additional EMS resources. His quick thinking and composed response helped save the patient’s life.
Riggs routinely demonstrates this high level of awareness and confidence in his skills, embodying the professionalism and competence that all EMS professionals should aspire to. His ability to stay calm in critical situations and his commitment to providing exceptional care make him an exemplary first responder.
Josh Frierson has dedicated 16 years of his life to serving the Texarkana community as a compassionate and ambitious EMS professional. His journey into emergency services began in 2007 after joining a local volunteer fire department, which led him to the fire academy and eventually to EMT school, where he fell in love with the medical side of helping others. Josh has been with LifeNet since November 2007, and his career has been marked by his dedication to patient care and his commitment to continuous learning. In 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by earning his Paramedic license after completing LifeNet’s accelerated Paramedic course.
In addition to his work in the field, Josh has recently stepped into a leadership role as an Operations Manager at LifeNet, a goal he has long aspired to. He is excited to contribute to the growth and betterment of the company while continuing to serve his community. Josh believes that EMS is a rewarding, though challenging, career and advises anyone entering the field to never stop learning, as the medical field is constantly evolving.
Being recognized as the Texas Star of Life for 2024 is a tremendous honor for Josh. Knowing that his coworkers nominated him for this award is a source of immense pride, as he strives every day to do what is best for his patients and to support his fellow team members. He is proud to be part of an amazing staff that consistently goes above and beyond for the community.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife, Morgan, who many in the medical field know from her role at a community hospital. Married since December 2021, they have three children: Aiden, 17, Emori, 3, and Knox, 1. Family is a central part of Josh’s life, and he cherishes moments spent on the back porch with friends and family, watching the kids play in the yard.
Josh’s three defining qualities—compassion, trustworthiness, and ambition—shine through in every aspect of his work. He hopes to make a positive impact on his community, one patient at a time, and is grateful for the opportunity to do so through LifeNet.
Nathaniel “Nate” Dutt, born and raised in Fargo, ND, has been an integral part of Sanford Ambulance since 2009, demonstrating dedication and excellence in both pre-hospital care and emergency telecommunications. His journey in EMS began in high school, where he developed a passion for law enforcement and medicine through the Fargo Police and F-M Ambulance Explorers programs. A scholarship from F-M Ambulance allowed Nate to attend EMT training after graduating high school in 2007, and by 2008, he was enrolled in paramedic school at Bismarck State College.
Nate’s commitment to EMS led him to join F-M Ambulance (now Sanford Ambulance) as an EMT in 2009, where he was quickly promoted to Paramedic after completing his certification. Over the past 15 years, Nate has taken on multiple roles, becoming a full-time dispatcher in 2021 while continuing to maintain his Paramedic certification and proficiency by picking up ambulance shifts.
Throughout his career, Nate has been an active member of the Disaster Response Team, Honor Guard, and the Peer Assistance Crisis Team (PACT), which he helped develop in 2019. As a Communications Training Officer (CTO) and Charge Dispatcher, Nate plays a vital role in training new dispatchers and overseeing operations. His leadership in these roles, coupled with his involvement in the Communications and Operations Steering and Oversight Committee, has greatly enhanced the efficiency and quality of emergency communications at Sanford Ambulance.
In addition to his professional achievements, Nate has volunteered in search and rescue for six years with his K9s, Ziva and Sully, assisting in locating lost and missing persons. He is now training his dog Valor to be a Facility Therapy Dog. Outside of work, Nate enjoys spending time with his family, watching his nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events, and camping at the lake.
Nate is a compassionate and skilled provider who consistently goes the extra mile for his patients and colleagues. His extensive experience in both fieldwork and dispatch makes him a standout candidate for the 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life Award. Nate’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to improving EMS operations make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Dianna Drake has been an EMT with Hunter’s Ambulance Service, now part of the Hartford HealthCare EMS Network, since earning her certification in 2021. She became a Field Training Officer in 2023 and is currently pursuing her Paramedic certification. Dianna’s exceptional dedication and excellence in her role have earned her recognition as one of the most highly rated FTOs, consistently exceeding expectations in clinical quality and serving as a model of professionalism and competence.
Her commitment to advancing her career through paramedic school highlights her passion for patient care and personal growth. Dianna’s drive to continually improve makes her an ideal candidate for the 2024 Star of Life Award, and she exemplifies the values of dedication and excellence in EMS.
Hunter’s Ambulance Service is proud to nominate Dianna Drake for this prestigious recognition.
Michael Dobrosky has been an Advanced Scope Paramedic with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio since 2021. In a relatively short time, Michael has distinguished himself as a Field Training Officer (FTO), reflecting his strong commitment to mentoring and developing new EMS professionals.
Michael’s EMS career began in 2010 as an EMT with First Care Ambulance, where he advanced to Operations Manager. In 2024, while working at Superior, he earned his Paramedic certification, achieving the highest score in the history of the paramedic program at the University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC)—a testament to his dedication and expertise.
Michael’s perseverance through personal and professional challenges makes him an exceptional candidate for the Star of Life Award. He has faced significant adversity, including the loss of his father, the birth of his daughter with health complications, and his own battle with cancer. Despite these hardships, Michael consistently maintains a positive attitude, demonstrates an outstanding work ethic, and exercises sound clinical judgment. He is highly regarded by his peers for his professionalism and his ability to inspire high standards in those around him.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending quality time with his daughter and family, racing cars, and working on hands-on projects that showcase his skill and creativity. His resilience and dedication to both his profession and his family are truly inspiring.
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio is proud to honor Michael Dobrosky as a 2024 Star of Life for his exceptional contributions to EMS and his community.
Dwight Derby, an EMT-Basic with Advanced Life Systems in Yakima, Washington, began his EMS career in 2001 as part of a worker retraining program after a local manufacturing plant closure. At the age of 28, he returned to school and earned an associate degree in Fire Science, which led to his EMT certification.
Motivated to give back to the community, Dwight became a volunteer firefighter in Union Gap, Washington, in 2001 while also starting his work with Advanced Life Systems. After transferring to Selah, Washington, in 2013, he recently celebrated 23 years of service in fire and EMS.
At Advanced Life Systems, Dwight has been promoted to Field Training Officer, where he helps train new employees. This year, he proudly witnessed two of his EMT-Basic trainees advance to become Paramedics, a testament to the impact of his mentorship. Trusted by his Operations Manager to train both new and experienced EMTs and Paramedics, Dwight takes great pride in his role and consistently goes above and beyond for his patients, partners, and community.
Dwight is also a devoted father to three daughters, ages 21, 10, and 5, who are his greatest motivation for continuing to serve his community.
Advanced Life Systems is proud to recognize Dwight Derby for his dedication, expertise, and 23 years of service to EMS and his community.
Andrew Davalos, a Paramedic with American Medical Response in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is being recognized for his remarkable courage and expertise during a critical motor vehicle crash. Arriving as the first responder to a wrong-way collision involving six patients, some in cardiac arrest, Andrew faced overwhelming circumstances with limited resources. His quick thinking and decisive actions were instrumental in ensuring the well-being of all involved.
Andrew immediately triaged and administered life-saving interventions, prioritizing care based on the severity of injuries. His calm demeanor and clear communication with his partner enabled them to efficiently extricate and provide essential medical care to each individual on the scene.
Andrew’s exceptional performance was especially evident in his treatment of the three children involved in the accident. Recognizing the urgency of their conditions, he quickly assessed their injuries, using age-appropriate techniques to provide the specialized care they needed. Despite the chaos, Andrew remained focused and composed, delivering compassionate and effective care to every patient.
For his outstanding performance under pressure and dedication to patient care, Andrew Davalos is being honored as a 2024 Star of Life.
Brandi Crist, a Nationally Registered Paramedic, is in her 21st year of service with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Throughout her career, Brandi has excelled in multiple roles, beginning as an EMT-Basic, serving as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and now working as a Trauma Call Coordinator at the Arkansas Trauma System’s state-wide coordination center. In addition to her duties as a Call Coordinator, Brandi is cross-trained as a Scheduling Specialist, managing schedules for over 400 employees, as well as the agency’s three Medical Directors and nine hand surgeons who provide telemedicine services to 92 hospitals across the state. Brandi also remains an active field Paramedic, frequently taking on additional shifts and working special events.
Beyond her role at MEMS, Brandi volunteers as a firefighter with the Bigelow Fire Department in Perry County, Arkansas. Known as the “morale mom” at MEMS, Brandi uplifts her coworkers with surprise birthday luncheons, get-well messages, and organizing social gatherings to maintain high spirits during and outside of shifts.
Outside of work, Brandi enjoys traveling and scuba diving with her husband. She is a certified Advanced Open Water Diver and is working towards her Master Diver and Cave Diver certifications. Brandi is married to Dusty, a fellow paramedic at MEMS, and they have four children: Wyatt (an EMT), Waylon, Cloe, and Trey.
MEMS is proud to honor Brandi Crist as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life for her dedication, work ethic, and well-rounded contributions as a paramedic and team member.
Janiece Cox serves as the 911 Contract Manager for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance of Indiana, where she oversees five 911 contracts and manages a team of over 60 field employees. Janiece’s journey in EMS began in 2014, working as an EMT while attending Paramedic school in South Bend. Although she initially pursued a degree in Political Science and Health Care Support, her true calling emerged in emergency medical services. She earned her EMT certification in 2013, followed by her Paramedic license and a Paramedic Science degree in 2016.
Janiece is known for her unwavering commitment to patient care and professional growth. In 2021, she received the Life Saving Partner Award from the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Powers Health for quickly recognizing a non-obvious neurological event in a patient. She also earned her Critical Care certification, expanding her expertise in both pre-hospital and interfacility care.
Promoted to Indiana 911 Contract Manager in 2021, Janiece maintains a hands-on approach, continuing to work on ambulances to stay connected with the field. Her fire fighter certification, earned in 2023, not only strengthens her skills but also fosters better relationships with the departments and chiefs she collaborates with. Janiece is known for her problem-solving mindset and her belief that every challenge has a solution—you may just need to get creative to find it.
Beyond her work in Indiana, Janiece’s passion for humanitarian efforts took her to Mexico in 2023, where she volunteered with the Mexican Red Cross. In 2024, she joined a mission trip to Guatemala to teach neonatal resuscitation as part of the Helping Babies Breathe program.
A proud single mother of three—Kyle, Emelle, and Kaden—Janiece is also an avid world traveler, having visited 27 countries across five continents. Her motto, “Go big or don’t go at all,” reflects both her adventurous spirit and her dedication to her work.
Superior Ambulance of Indiana continues to thrive under Janiece’s leadership, benefiting from her deep commitment to her profession and her team.
Bernard “Bernie” Cote is Rescue Inc.’s 2024 Star of Life, but he has truly been a star for many years. Bernie’s interest in EMS began in high school. Although he pursued a degree in computer science and business administration, he felt a strong calling to work on an ambulance. He received his EMT certification from a Cheshire Medical Center course in 1994, followed by EMT-I in 1998, which later transitioned to AEMT.
Bernie spent 15 years with the Keene Fire Call Company and joined Diluzio Ambulance Service in 1995. In 2006, he became part of Rescue Inc. In 2023, when Diluzio Ambulance closed its doors, Bernie was there to ensure that the community continued to receive experienced emergency medical care during the transition. He worked diligently with Rescue Inc. to help bring over the providers who were losing their jobs.
Bernie is known for his loyalty and consistency. He reliably shows up for his shifts, and his documentation and care are always of the highest quality. He puts in long hours including working nights and weekend shifts, often fueled by baked treats from his wife, Cassie. Throughout the years, he has provided excellent patient care, demonstrating unwavering dedication.
When asked what he enjoys about EMS, Bernie says, “I love helping people and providing quick solutions that lead them to long-term care.”
Bernie resides in Newfane, VT, with his wife and their two cats. Cassie suffers from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and Bernie spends his free time supporting her and researching ways to help. Together, they enjoy their adventures as The Pirates Cassandra and Phelan in pirate reenactments and renaissance fairs.
We are truly grateful for Bernie and the invaluable contributions he makes to our community.
Jason Cooke’s career in emergency medical services illustrates growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to public service. In 1994, at 15, he joined Lamar Rescue Squad as a driver, which sparked a pivotal career in public service. In 2000, Jason earned his Paramedic certification, marking the beginning of a remarkable path in EMS.
During his tenure as a paramedic with Darlington and Lee Counties, Jason’s exceptional patient care skills and natural aptitude for leadership were recognized by his supervisors, propelling him into the role of Assistant Director of Darlington County EMS. Concurrent with working full-time in EMS, he served the community further as a deputy and police officer for Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and Hartsville and Lamar Police Departments.
Jason’s career reached a significant milestone in 2008 as he entered the Director of Access Health position at McLeod Health. This role showcased Jason’s ability to think beyond traditional EMS boundaries as he orchestrated a care coordination network among community partners in the Pee Dee area. His mission was clear: efficiently guiding at-risk patients to appropriate healthcare providers, ultimately improving health outcomes. This innovative approach to patient care management earned Jason recognition as an emerging industry leader.
Jason’s reputation for excellence and his knack for large-scale system management led him to Priority Ambulance in 2018. As Vice President of Operations, Jason oversees Guardian Ambulance Service and Medshore Ambulance Service, the largest privately owned EMS system in South Carolina. Under his guidance, these operations have become models of efficiency, setting new standards for emergency medical services in the state.
What sets Jason apart is his visionary approach coupled with a ‘lead by example’ philosophy. He doesn’t direct from behind a desk; he actively engages with his team, offering insights gleaned from his rich experience in the field. This hands-on leadership style, which has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within his organization, is a testament to his commitment to excellence.
Jason has been a mentor and friend to those under his supervision, consistently offering professional guidance and support. His approachability and willingness to share knowledge have inspired countless EMS professionals, creating a ripple effect of improved patient care across South Carolina.
In 2003, Eric Constantine began his career as a paid-call firefighter with the Calistoga City Fire Department, where he discovered his passion for public safety and service. In 2006, while continuing to grow within the fire department, he began working as an EMT for Sonoma Life Support in Sonoma County. It was through facing the challenges of medical emergencies that Eric developed a desire to become a further his mobile healthcare knowledge.
By 2009, Eric had achieved his goal of becoming a Paramedic, a role in which he continued serving the citizens of Sonoma County. In 2012, he advanced to the position of Operations Supervisor in Riverside County, returning to Sonoma County in 2013 as a Field Operations Supervisor. He also served on the Region 2 Infectious Disease Transportation Plan response team, training to respond to potentially infectious Ebola patients. This position inspired his involvement in mass casualty incident training and ambulance response planning with allied agency partners.
In 2015, Eric assisted in the medical response for the Valley Fire recovery center. During the 2017 Tubbs Fire, which devastated Sonoma County, he was the on-duty supervisor, coordinating resources for evacuations and ambulance response efforts. In 2018, he served as an ambulance strike team leader during the August Complex fire in Northern California. The following year, he coordinated ambulance strike teams for the Kincade Fire, which heavily impacted Western and Northern Sonoma County. In 2020, Eric supervised the response to the Glass Fire, helping evacuate residents and care facilities as the fire spread from Napa into Sonoma County.
In 2021, after several major disasters and amidst the pandemic, Eric returned to working as a Paramedic for Northern Sonoma County communities. By late 2023, he became the Operations Manager for Sonoma County Fire District EMS, working for Medic Ambulance. Eric remains grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Sonoma County, striving to provide high-quality EMS services in the community to which he has long dedicated himself.
Eric is a native of Calistoga, Napa County, California. He is the son of Fred and Penny Constantine, and brother to David and Jim Constantine. Eric is a loving husband to his wife, Stephanie, and a proud father to their three children: Eva, William, and Mae.
Cassandra Clark, a Paramedic at Medix Ambulance Service, has been an integral part of the team since becoming one of the first Paramedics at our Longview, Washington location. With ten years of experience, she has worked in a wide range of environments, from extremely rural areas to high-volume urban emergency response.
Cassandra’s passion for healthcare began at a young age. Inspired by her mother, who worked in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, Cassandra spent her youth volunteering at the assisted living facility her mother managed. Her interest in emergency medical services was sparked when her father enrolled her in an EMT course at the Lovelock Volunteer Fire Department, and she’s been committed to the field ever since.
In addition to her role as a Paramedic, Cassandra serves as an EMT and Paramedic Training Assistant, helping manage training and recertification for her colleagues. She also works as an on-shift supervisor, supporting her team with her leadership and experience.
Medix Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Cassandra Clark as a 2024 Star of Life for her dedication, expertise, and contributions to both her team and the community she serves.
Emily Chandler is being recognized for her commitment to training and retaining EMTs and Paramedics. Through her work as Program Director and Lead Paramedic Instructor for NCTI of Massachusetts, she has helped bring new skilled, committed first responders to the EMS profession. In her expanded role as EMS Programs Manager for AMR Springfield, she is the driving force behind bringing the award-winning Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program to Massachusetts.
Thanks to Emily’s oversight, Springfield has graduated a total of 13 EMT EWYL classes and three Paramedic classes with EWYL graduates. Emily also travels throughout the country to mentor and facilitate new EWYL rollouts and program oversight. She has become one of the faces of this successful program.
Through her many graduates—who embody her knowledge and patient-care expertise—Emily impacts thousands of lives across Massachusetts and the entire country, every day. She is proud of her accomplishments but continues to look for ways to improve EWYL, the NTCI Paramedic and EMT programs, and herself.
Sam Swanson, a Paramedic at Hall Ambulance Service, has dedicated more than 25 years to serving his community through emergency medical services. Before beginning his EMS career, Sam served honorably in the United States Army. He joined Hall Ambulance in 1999 and has since held several key roles, including EMT, Paramedic, Relief Paramedic Supervisor, Paramedic Preceptor, and EMT Academy Instructor.
Recently, Sam led a nine-week EMT Academy, with 13 of 15 students passing the National Registry exam on their first attempt, showcasing his exceptional teaching skills.
Sam has received numerous honors throughout his career, including Hall Ambulance Paramedic of the Year, Relief Paramedic Supervisor of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Kern County Paramedic of the Year. He has also been awarded the Hall Ambulance Star of Life and California Ambulance Association Star of Life, both twice.
Sam is being recognized for his 25 years of dedicated service to Hall Ambulance and the Kern County community, along with his unwavering “whatever you need me to do” attitude. His commitment and leadership set a high standard for his peers and serve as an example for others.
Sam Swanson truly embodies the spirit of service, and his contributions continue to benefit both his team and the community he serves.
Adam Aronberg began his EMS career in 2008, inspired by his parents, both Paramedics in New York. Right after high school, Adam became an EMT and later joined Northwell in 2016, becoming a Paramedic at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of Adam’s most memorable experiences involved saving a suicidal young man from jumping out of a window. Working closely with the police, Adam’s patience and dedication helped prevent a tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on the patient’s life.
As a member of the Special Operations Team, Adam is trained for infectious disease response and federal deployments for disaster relief. He is currently pursuing his Critical Care Paramedic certification and aspires to join the leadership team. His passion for patient care, commitment to his partners, and mentorship of new hires make him an exemplary clinician.
Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lehman College and hopes to pursue a master’s degree. He is also a proud father of two and enjoys coaching his sons’ little league baseball team. In his spare time, he is learning to cook from his wife, a chef.
Northwell Health is honored to recognize Adam Aronberg as a 2024 Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association!
With two decades of experience as a first responder, Josh Cavaness embodies the true spirit of EMS through his dedication to caring for people in need. This was recently demonstrated in November 2023, when Josh, while off duty, came across an ambulance crew dealing with a patient whose condition was quickly deteriorating. After assisting the crew in stabilizing the patient, it became clear that the patient needed to be expedited to the hospital—fast. Josh immediately contacted Flight Communication Dispatch and was able to provide detailed information, so that a medical helicopter could be dispatched to the scene and quickly fly the patient to advanced care.
Jeremiah Capps has made significant contributions to emergency medical services in both the military and civilian sectors, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and dedication. A veteran of the special operations community, Jeremiah brings unmatched experience and a mission-first mentality to every aspect of his career.
His journey began in special operations, where he played a pivotal role in developing and establishing medical operations squadrons nationwide. One of his most groundbreaking achievements was creating the first Air Force Instruction (AFI) focused on providing comprehensive care throughout the special operations pipeline. This AFI has since been adopted across the military, significantly improving care and training for personnel in high-stress environments.
Jeremiah also led the strategic development of the Air Force’s special warfare training pipelines in San Antonio, Texas. This initiative laid the foundation for training programs in Special Reconnaissance, Combat Controllers, and Pararescue, ensuring top-tier care and operational readiness.
Currently, as operations manager at Superior Mobile Health, Jeremiah continues to set high standards in EMS. His master’s degree in psychology enhances his ability to tackle complex operational challenges with a unique perspective, consistently leading to exceptional outcomes. He has also taught Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and wilderness EMS to special operations personnel globally, further demonstrating his commitment to improving care in the most demanding environments.
Jeremiah’s dedication to service, innovative contributions, and leadership make him an outstanding candidate for the Star of Life Award. His extensive impact in both military and EMS communities embodies the highest ideals of this honor.
Jade Calvin has been a committed member of Bell Ambulance since 2017, beginning in the Cadet program and steadily advancing her career. Over the past seven years, she has earned her EMD Dispatch certification, Paramedic license, and Critical Care Paramedic license.
Jade’s dedication to education is evident in her teaching roles. She started as an adjunct instructor for the Cadet program, was promoted to Field Training Officer in 2023, and now serves as a full-time Educator in the Education and Training Department. In this role, she has improved existing processes and developed new content and training opportunities for all skill levels.
Beyond her formal roles, Jade is a respected leader. Her peers frequently seek her guidance, and her positive, approachable demeanor provides essential support during difficult shifts. She is also known for her willingness to cover extra shifts and participate in community outreach.
As a patient care provider, Jade’s commitment to her patients is unwavering, consistently delivering exceptional care. This year, Jade was voted Bell Ambulance Employee of the Year by her peers and is being recognized as a Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association for her outstanding contributions.
Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance is proud to recognize Paramedic Gregg Bulman, who has been serving since October 1995. With more than 29 years of experience, Gregg is more than just a dedicated Paramedic—he’s a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His joy and pride in his family are evident whenever he speaks of them.
Gregg’s peers nominated him for the 2024 Star of Life for his exceptional care and compassion. Known for treating every patient like family, Gregg’s kindness and signature smile were repeatedly highlighted in his nominations. As one nominator noted, “When Gregg walks into a room smiling, he brings a smile to everyone’s face.” His positive energy on every shift is inspiring, especially after nearly three decades in EMS.
Gregg is also an outstanding teacher, sharing his extensive knowledge without ever making others feel inferior. Many say they are better EMS providers after working with him. He’s also known for his generosity, often treating his team to his famous “Bulman breakfasts,” complete with eggs, pancakes, sausage, and sometimes even steak.
Outside of work, Gregg enjoys spending time with his family, working on the farm, and playing the occasional round of golf. He exemplifies what a rewarding and successful EMS career looks like.
