Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service is proud to name Jeff Neve, Emergency Medical Technician, as a 2019 Star of Life. Jeff began working for Gold Cross Ambulance (now Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service) in Albert Lea, Minnesota, 19 years ago. As a lead Emergency Medical Technician, Jeff intermittently serves as the point of contact for several other Minnesota cities and facilitates staffing changes, transfers, and crew movement as needed.
Jeff’s colleagues describe him as a team player who is always willing to get involved and who leads by example. He fosters teamwork by stepping up and finding creative solutions for patient transport requests when the system is stressed and transport options are limited. He provides guidance for teammates when unique situations and challenges present, and he consistently works in a collaborative manner — not only within Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, but also with referring agencies. Jeff’s supervisor remarks that he “welcomes new team members by showing kindness, and helping them learn geographic areas and their role in emergency medical services. He is quiet and calm in chaotic situations, which supports both responders on the scene, and patients.”
“What I like most about my job is helping people,” says Jeff. “Lots of times, patients are experiencing the worst thing they have ever been through, and it is nice to comfort them and get them through that difficult time.”
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and attending his daughter’s volleyball and softball games. He also hosts an Austrian foreign exchange student, and enjoys going to his basketball games.
Of his job as an Emergency Medical Technician, Jeff says, “After 19 years, I still enjoy going to work, and look forward to it.”
Ron Keech has been an EMT at Armstrong Ambulance Service for over five years and embodies the core spirit of the job. He is a profound leader, mentor, and inspiration to all of those who have the pleasure of working with him. Ron was recognized by Region III for his outstanding contributions to EMS due to his incredible patient care and his willingness to help his colleagues become better providers by educating them in the field. He has been a well-respected and impactful Field Training Officer for four years, and continues to receive high marks from colleagues, healthcare partners, and members of the community.
Ron consistently takes new hires “under his wing” as a mentor and friend. As described by a fellow employee: “What makes Ron particularly remarkable is that he is not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also an incredible teacher and leader. He goes above and beyond on every call, not because he has to, but because it is so intertwined in who he is as a person. Whether he’s fluffing the pillows for a patient, discussing the most cost efficient in-home medical equipment, or showing off a piece of artwork he’s been working on to a particularly artistically inclined patient, he will do anything to connect with those around him. Ron gives others the tools to become the best healthcare provider they can be. Ron has a profound influence on those around him, and demonstrates that working with patients is about so much more than just the skills learned in the classroom. All who know Ron look up to him so much for all the heart and dedication he brings to the job.”
Everyone at Armstrong Ambulance Service recognizes Ron as a stand out employee and an amazing human being. He shows constant professionalism everyday and goes above and beyond the call of duty, every hour of every shift. Ron regularly receives accolades from patients and family members about his kind, compassionate way of helping and for truly making a difference in their lives. Ron is never seen without a smile or a positive word and everyone benefits from being around him.
Jenna began her journey in EMS as an Explorer. She held the title of Explorer President and received accommodation for Explorer of the Year. When she reached the age of a Firefighter and could no longer hold her position as an Explorer, Jenna transitioned to an Explorer Post Advisor in order to share her knowledge with the youth of Rush, New York. Shortly after this transition, Jenna accepted a role on the Board of Directors for Rush Fire Department, a position she holds to this day despite her unflagging commitment to CHS. As a result of her immense skill and compassion for her patients, Jenna has also moved into the role of Vice President and Lieutenant of the Ambulance for Rush Fire Department. She continues to serve there as the Lieutenant, as well as the Director of Operations.
Jenna has maintained her EMT-B level for nine years and is an asset to the EMS system. As an EMT at CHS, Jenna remains calm under pressure and expertly carries out essential tasks in critical situations. Her partner describes her as an excellent EMT and a wonderful person. Her calm presence and quick reactions make every call feel routine. She is always ready and willing to help, and is consistently up to date on the latest training.
Jenna is one of the best EMT partners in our organization. She is not just an excellent EMT—she is also a wonderful person. When asked to describe a team player, her fellow CHS colleagues picture Jenna and enumerate her attributes. She remains calm under pressure and carries out the things requested in a critical situation with class. Said a colleague, “one time as we had a respiratory distress patient who was struggling and family was less than helpful she supplied everything I asked for from demos to equipment so smoothly it felt like a routine call.”
Jenna has a very positive attitude. She rarely asks if she can help—primarily because she has already started pitching in! She shows utmost compassion to her patients, but is also sharp and is consistent in improving her knowledge. She keeps up to date on the latest training and shares this with others through her work with the SIM team.
In April 2018, Kauai was hit by unrelenting rain. Forty-nine inches fell in 24 hours, causing devastation across the remote Hawaiian island. Peter Beemer was home with his wife and three children when the storm hit. Trapped behind landslides, Peter watched his car and truck float away in the flood waters. None of this stopped Peter from responding to this disaster. As the only Paramedic on his side of the island, Peter coordinated medical operations that emergency medical physician Dr. Erik Schumacher said, “given the circumstances and available resources, left nothing to be desired.”
After Peter’s family was evacuated, he spent nearly two weeks on site, helping his community recover. Peter provided wound care, disease and injury prevention education, helped set up a walk-in clinic, did home visits, and coordinated medication distribution. “Watching Peter was a lesson in mastery; it was as if he had done that before, many times,” recounted Dr. Schumacher. “Peter coordinated care in a way that was truly impactful and, whether they know it or not, the residents of the north shore owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. I am proud to have somebody so capable on our team.” American Medical Response is proud to recognize Peter Beemer as a 2019 Star of Life.
John Sossei began his service to the public when he served as a non-commissioned officer crew chief for the United States Air Force aboard a C-5 Galaxy military airlift jet. As a crew chief, John developed keen leadership skills and focused dedication to duty and service to his country and others. Upon his honorable transition from the Air Force, John gained an interest in EMS and began exploring a career as Paramedic. He served as an EMT, and then trained as a Paramedic and worked in a high volume urban county-based 911 EMS system in California, where he gained significant ALS field experience.
When John relocated to the East Coast, he began working for Armstrong Ambulance Service, which provides Paramedic services to multiple 911 service areas and entities in the Metro-Boston region. John is highly regarded as a role model to his peers for his work ethic and command presence, as well as for his kind, firm, and honest demeanor. He is refreshingly and respectfully direct, and is highly supportive with orienting staff by delivering honest feedback combined with encouraging support. His ability to successfully educate, support, critique, and develop Paramedics in the field training process reflects his qualities as a gifted leader.
John has quickly advanced throughout his career as a seasoned and astute clinician, peer leader, Field Training Officer, and AHA instructor. His clinical acumen brings a calm, highly-skilled ALS clinician to the scene of the most complex 911 and critical inter-facility patients. His willingness to accept and integrate feedback is a testament to his humility and maturity.
John’s natural leadership as an EMS provider is demonstrated through his passionate and measured advocacy for his patients, his partners, and the Paramedicine profession. John Sossei has the well-earned respect of his peers, as he naturally comports himself as a consummate Paramedic professional.
Marguerite “Rita” Stroyny has been an EMT since 2000 and began her career with Community Care Ambulance (CCA) in 2001. Rita does not back down from any challenge she faces, and during her CCA career she has been deployed to assist in Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Harvey (2017), and Hurricane Michael (2018).
Rita delivers her best to each and every patient she meets, as well as to her community. She organizes benefits and fundraisers, such as a drive to stuff stockings for the military at Christmas and a benefit for a coworker who faced a family tragedy. In February 2019, Rita was recognized by Ashtabula City Council for going above and beyond for children who were affected by a devastating house fire.
Being involved in a profession that helps individuals in their greatest hour of need is a perfect fit for Rita, and her selflessness has positively affected the lives of many. Rita enjoys spending her personal time four-wheeling and camping with family, including her eight grandchildren. CCA is privileged to recognize Rita as a 2019 AAA Star of Life.
Terry Masters is an EMT Advanced for the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) Operations Division. Terry has been in public safety for the past 40 years, and was nominated as a Star of Life by his peers for his professionalism and his extensive dedication to his community.
Terry is always maintains a positive attitude while at work. He makes the job enjoyable for everyone, and is ready and willing to assist both his colleagues and his community. Terry goes the extra mile, and takes extra care of his ambulance to ensure his patients have the cleanest unit in the fleet. His commitment to patient care and his ability to outwork many of his younger peers are what make Terry stand out as an EMT. TRAA believes Terry is one of the reasons for its great patient satisfaction scores.
Brittney has served as an EMT for Tri-State Ambulance for nearly three years while simultaneously completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science.
In addition to work and school, Brittney heads the La Crosse community’s Stop the Bleed (STB) initiative, and has trained hundreds of community members on life-saving bleed control care. She also put together STB kits for the region, which were disseminated to first response and fire agencies, as well as to more than 100 AED enclosures throughout the area.
Brittney has gone above and beyond her EMT role, and has been able to juggle working countless hours on an ambulance while attending school and enhancing her community. She is a go-getter and is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients and colleagues.
Robert Walters has been chosen by his peers to be honored as a Star of Life for his commitment to his patients and his community.
Bob has been a dedicated Paramedic for Regional Ambulance Service since 1992. He began his EMS career in 1985 as a First Responder in Orwell, VT, and then worked in Boston for six years, where he obtained his Paramedic certification. When he returned to Vermont, Bob continued to work as a Field Paramedic with Regional Ambulance Service.
Over his 27 years (25 years full time) with Regional Ambulance Service, Bob has been an active mentor to current and new employees. He is always willing to share his knowledge with students and coworkers and does so in a very constructive way. He provides exceptional patient care and goes above and beyond expectations.
No matter the situation, Bob not only treats the medical needs of the patients, but also exhibits professional behavior. He is dependable and often works extra shifts when needed.
Bob and his family are active in their church, which positively impacts the communities of Rutland County.
We are proud to have Bob Walters representing Regional Ambulance Service and living up to our motto of “Serving People First with Pride, Proficiency and Professionalism.”
Joshua Lawler has served REACT Ambulance Authority for more than six years. During this time, he has used his many skills to benefit his community as a Single Response Paramedic, a Field Training Officer, and a Relief Supervisor.
Joshua was one of the first Paramedics assigned to a rural section of REACT’s response territory. Here, he was responsible for solo quick response to critical calls in under-served areas. Joshua worked with local first responders to form a team response to emergencies in many small communities. Joshua has also worked with senior citizen groups to set up medical screening days at senior centers throughout the area.
Joshua’s coworkers commend him as a “trusted and valuable asset,” and praise him for being “experienced, going above and beyond, stepping up over the years and contributing in multiple positions.”
Joshua is involved in the local Accredited Paramedic program at Gordon Cooper Technology Center. Joshua is an adjunct instructor in the lab, he lectures in the classroom, and has been involved in developing their new online Paramedic program.
When not serving the citizens of REACT’s response area, Joshua enjoys spending time with his wife, Erin, and their son, Killian.
REACT Ambulance Authority is proud to call Joshua Lawler a 2019 Star of Life.
Cale Varner has served REACT Ambulance Authority for more than five years. During his tenure, Cale has worked as a Single Response Paramedic, a Field Training Officer, and a Relief Supervisor.
Cale is currently assigned as a Solo Quick Response Paramedic in REACT’s rural response area. He is responsible for responding to critical calls in 455 square miles of under-served area in southern Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma. Cale can be called on to work multiple different positions at REACT without skipping a beat.
Cale’s colleagues describe him as steadfast and reliable, and as a quiet leader who works multiple positions. He is well respected and can always be counted on for his critical thinking and level head.
When not serving the citizens of REACT’s response area, Cale enjoys spending time with his wife Kaitlyn, raising cattle, and spending time outdoors.
REACT Ambulance Authority is proud to call Cale Varner a 2019 Star of Life
Levi Wells has served REACT Ambulance Authority for more than three years. During this time, he has served as a Paramedic and a Field Training Officer. Levi has also established himself as a mentor for new Paramedics going through the REACT orientation process. In addition, Levi is involved in the Oklahoma State University-OKC Accredited Paramedic Program as an adjunct instructor, and he participates in the lab and as a clinical instructor. He is also serving as a proctor for NREMT skills testing at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City.
Levi’s coworkers describe him as a forward thinker, a great teacher to new employees and students, and someone who genuinely loves his job. As one peer says, “Levi enjoys investing in the development of new Paramedics to ensure the forward progress of their careers.” He is always looking for ways to reach higher and new ways to improve REACT, and sets an example of professionalism in EMS.
When not on the job, Levi enjoys soccer and traveling with his girlfriend, Alexus.
REACT Ambulance Authority is proud to call Levi Wells one of its 2019 Stars of Life.
Noelle Gettemy has been a Paramedic for 10 years. In the past, she worked for EMSA in Oklahoma City. She has served full-time at McClain-Grady County EMS for the past three years.
In addition to responding to emergency calls and providing patient care, Noelle works as the Quality Assurance Officer for McClain-Grady County EMS. She reviews every call that the ambulance service runs and monitors that patient care protocols are followed to the letter. She ensures that patients receive the best care and that the patient care forms are complete and written in a professional manner. Noelle is also known for providing outstanding patient care with compassion, regardless of the situation and severity of the patient’s condition.
Noelle is constantly looking for ways to update the patient care protocols and ensuring that the latest equipment and technology are available to deliver the appropriate care and medications to the patients during their medical crisis. She does thorough research to gain knowledge of the latest patient care practices and to decide what new equipment will work or not work for the service.
Noelle is well respected by her coworkers and emergency department doctors and personnel for her professional demeanor and medical knowledge obtained through continuous training and years of experience.
Noelle Gettemy is an Oklahoma Ambulance Association 2019 national Star of Life.
Shawn Svob is a Nationally Registered Paramedic who works for Life EMS in Enid, Oklahoma. He previously worked as an engineer for several Oklahoma energy and service companies. He also served 22 years in the US Army, both active duty and reserves, retiring as a Major in 2011.
Shawn grew up in Peoria, Illinois, and joined the Army after graduating high school, where he subsequently gained entrance into the United States Military Academy Preparatory School and ultimately the United States Military Academy at West Point. Shawn graduated West Point in 1995 with a degree in mechanical engineering and was then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, serving two tours in Bosnia in the Stabilization Force. He deployed to Iraq as part of a US Army Reserve group in 2009 where he was responsible for initiating the base closure plan for Victory Base in Baghdad, returning home in 2010. During his time in the Army, Shawn received multiple citations and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, and multiple service and campaign awards.
Shawn began his career in EMS in 2011 after joining the Pond Creek Fire and EMS department as a volunteer firefighter and earning his EMT-B certification from Autry Tech. Shawn used his GI Bill education benefits to attend Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City for paramedic school while working as a Senior Engineer for ONEOK. He completed his training in December 2017 and was selected as the student speaker for their completion ceremony. Shawn earned his National Registry credentials and his state license in February 2018. Shawn left ONEOK in April 2018 to pursue his passion for EMS as a full time paramedic.
Shawn is married to Dr. Erin K. Roberts-Svob, DDS, and has two boys, Cole (14) and Rowan (12). He lives in Pond Creek, Oklahoma, where he continues to serve his local community as a firefighter and paramedic.
Elias Cox has served as an EMT at Tri-State Regional Ambulance since 2014. During his time as an EMT, Elias was able to compete a bachelor’s degree in teaching.
In addition to working full-time, Elias donates his time as a volunteer EMS provider and is a full-time Paramedic student. Elias always shows up to work with a smile on his face and a can-do attitude. Elias’s coworkers thoroughly enjoy working with him and look forward to him becoming a Paramedic.
Paul Allen has worked for Sunstar Paramedics since May 2008. Paul began working in the communications center, and became Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certified in 2012 and then a Communications Training Officer (CTO) in 2016.
As a CTO, Paul trains new hires in channel operations, emergency call taking, and medical radio control operations. Paul is also actively involved in EMD-Q, the process by which emergency and non-emergency calls are reviewed and graded to ensure protocols are followed, the right determinants are reached, and ultimately the right response was sent.
In October 2018, the Sunstar Communications Training Coordinator resigned, and Paul was among several candidates who applied to fill the position. The position was given to someone else, but that person was unable to begin work until January 2019. In the interim, Paul was asked to fill in until the new person could begin and he agreed.
Although he knew the position would only be temporary, Paul did not take his job lightly. Paul used his knowledge of EMD protocols and the Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) program to develop a new PST training program for Sunstar’s communications center personnel. Paul created PowerPoint presentations for each section of the program and helped communications center staff prepare for the PST exam by giving them review sheets and monitoring their progress through the training program.
Paul also began to revamp the communications center’s training program. Paul created an electronic system for training officers to log candidate progress for training staff to keep up with each candidate’s work. Prior to this system, it was hard for a training officer to know how far along a candidate was in the program and the candidates often lost a day of training if their primary trainer was out. In conjunction with the new Training Coordinator, Paul also began to redesign the exit testing for when a candidate finishes training. Paul developed several scenario-based tests that are now used along with the traditional 50 question exam to assess the candidate.
Although he could have very easily done the minimum amount of work necessary to get by while he filled as Training Coordinator, Paul chose to be proactive and to devote his time to developing training programs that will help new hires and serve as continuing education for current staff. All of Paul’s hard work helps to make the communications center better overall. Paul’s dedication to the office in his short time filling in for the Communications Training Coordinator embodies the meaning of teamwork and shows his dedication to both his job and the field of Emergency Medical Dispatch.
Julia Erin Westcott was born and raised in Schenectady, New York, the community she now serves. She is an EMT-B and Field Training Officer for new hires and students at Mohawk Ambulance Service. She is hardworking, extremely passionate, and a dedicated and reliable part of the Mohawk Ambulance family.
Julia began working for Mohawk as a new EMT-B at the young age of 20. She was fortunate enough to participate in a collaborative program between YouthBuild of Schenectady and Mohawk Ambulance. She took her EMT course at Schenectady County Community College in the summer of 2009 and spent a shift or so a week in the ambulance, in addition to her training. Once certified, Julia was pretty much guaranteed a job a Mohawk. Mohawk now does a something similar with their free EMT program offered in Albany, New York.
“Many EMS providers start young and with no previous medical experience, similar to myself. Mohawk has always been great for adopting and raising the young and eager. It has now been almost ten years since I started. My role is even more unique because I have only ever worked in the back of the ambulance as an attendant. I have treated thousands of patients. As a Field Training Officer, I have been responsible for training new EMTs and students to be good providers,” states Westcott.
Julia has certifications as an EMT-B and in CPR, as well as certifications for Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. She also has a Health Studies Certificate from Schenectady County Community College, an associate degree in applied science in medical assisting from Bryant & Stratton College, a year of undergraduate education in Psychology from St. Rose College, and is currently a year into an associate degree in nursing at Maria College.
As a dedicated employee of Mohawk Ambulance Service, Julia has received the Distinguished Service Award at Mohawk the last two years in a row. When asked about her time at Mohawk, Julia says, “My favorite part of my job is being able to help train young new and excited EMTs. I love the teaching part of the job. Overall I just enjoy working in healthcare. Helping others is the most important task we can achieve in this world.” Julia states that EMS is special in the sense that “we are the first ones to arrive when people call for help. Those who choose to work in this field do so not for money or recognition, but because they genuinely care and want to make a difference. To be able to care for someone on their worst day and make it just a little bit better is truly inspiring. That’s why I continue to provide the best quality care I can to those in need.”
In her spare time, Julia has an intense passion for music. “I thought growing up that I would be a singer. I never even thought of healthcare as an option until I got into it. A lot of people don’t know this artistic side of me. I used to write my own songs, poetry, stories, etc. I also used to be able to draw really well but never kept up with it. I now see this artistic flare in my son. I am a mother to an almost eleven year old boy, who is my driving force for all that I do. I want to show him that with hard work you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”
Mohawk Ambulance Service would like to recognize Julia Westcott for all that she does, not only for the company, but also for the entire capital region of New York State. Mohawk is extremely lucky to have Julia as a part of their team and looks forward to a long and rewarding future with her.
Sandro Gordillo started at National Health Transport in 2015 as a Dispatcher. During his tenure at NHT, Sandro has excelled through the ranks, earning his EMT license in 2018. He has also served as an Elite Dispatcher and Senior EMT, and is currently the lead QA Officer in the Quality Assurance Department. Sandro is very highly regarded by his peers.
In December 2018, while on an overnight shift in Miami-Dade County, Sandro and his partner, Randy White, were first to respond to an impaired driver incapacitated in a ditch. Without hesitation, Sandro and Randy pulled over to assist the driver who was trapped in the vehicle and appeared to be unconscious from a major head injury. After prying the car doors open without any extrication tools, they began to assess the patient and determined that immediate help was needed.
They acted quickly and summoned for the help of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, which arrived on the scene, extricated the driver with the Jaws of Life and airlifted the patient to the trauma center. Without the life-saving actions of Sandro and Randy, the driver would have remained on the road all night without help.
Randy White began as a Dispatcher with National Health Transport in 2016. Randy has since achieved his long-term goal of becoming a Paramedic, then again added to his accomplishments by becoming a senior Specialty Care Transport Paramedic. He is known by his peers to be a quiet, motivated individual who is always willing to help and to share his experiences with new Paramedics.
In December 2018, while on an overnight shift in Miami-Dade County, Randy and his partner, Sandro Gordillo, were first to respond to an impaired driver incapacitated in a ditch. Without hesitation, Randy and Sandro pulled over to assist the driver, who was trapped in the vehicle and appeared to be unconscious from a major head injury. After prying the car doors open without any extrication tools, they began to assess the patient and determined that immediate help was needed.
They acted quickly and summoned for the help of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, which arrived on the scene, extricated the driver with the Jaws of Life, and airlifted the patient to the trauma center. Without the life-saving actions of Randy and Sandro, the driver would have remained on the road all night without help.
Prior to moving to Roseburg, Oregon, Bob Wilkinson worked in Virginia for Richmond Ambulance Authority where he completed a certificate in Paramedicine. Bob has served Douglas County, Oregon since 2005, beginning as an EMT with WEST Ambulance in Roseburg while working on an Oregon Paramedic license. A few years later, Douglas County Fire District #2 purchased the EMS division. Currently, Bob is a Paramedic with Umpqua Valley Ambulance in Roseburg.
Over the years, Bob has taken on the role of a quiet, behind the scenes leader. He is always looking for new ways to keep busy, such as volunteering as a Child Safety Seat Technician and teaching part-time for the local Paramedic program as an instructor for Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events and for High Threat Techniques and Tactics. Bob is passionate about the physical and mental health of his crews, and thus also regularly volunteers as a crisis intervention PEER counselor.
On October 1, 2010, Douglas County public safety entities were put to the test when an active shooter threatened the local community college. The mass casualty incident gave Bob the opportunity to analyze the procedures and consider ways in which his crews could improve their response. According to Bob, “EMS is one of the most dangerous service jobs out there. We interact with the public usually during some of the most stressful times of their lives.” As a result, he is working to provide crew members with body armor to use in high-stress situations, as well as to increase training on situational awareness.
Bob has been married for 31 years and has three children. He spends most summers with his parents in Alaska, where he was born and raised. When he is not working on one of his worn-out vehicles, Bob enjoys fishing and reloading. Prior to his career in EMS, Bob worked as a baker and pastry chef, and recently made his daughter’s wedding cake.
