For thirty years, Don Overcash has shown himself to be an extremely accomplished and reliable asset to Medic. He does an exemplary job both as an Operations Supervisor and an outstanding paramedic. Don’s many years of experience are reflected in the high quality of his performance. His position is not just a job-it is his passion. Overcash’s dedication to the Medic organization and its mission statement is displayed day in and day out. The pride Don takes in his work is infectious, as he will be the first to share his enthusiasm and concern for others. Overcash has earned a reputation amongst his peers as an adept problem-solver, regardless of the complexity of the situation. He is always ready to provide support above expectations and proudly protect the interests of Medic, its employees, and patients. Despite his decades of service, Don’s commitment and drive to provide world-class EMS care has never diminished. Reflective of his passion for service, Overcash has served for many years as a volunteer with Charlotte Life Saving Crew and Cooks Fire and Rescue and is an active member in his community. Don exemplifies the spirit and performance of a 2014 Star of Life.”
When a fellow paramedic FTO was asked what could be said about Spencer in his biography for the Star of Life Award, he immediately quipped, “He is tall and has a firm handshake!” This mention was quickly followed up with a smile, laugh and a detailed opinion about Spencer’s merits. This type of interaction exemplifies the reputation Spencer has at Metro West Ambulance. Spencer started working as an EMT-Basic in the wheelchair division of Metro West Ambulance in 2008. While working, he also studied paramedicine at Portland Community College. He graduated in 2009 and earned his paramedic license from the State of Oregon. He quickly moved up and into the ALS ambulance division. From day one of his FTO period, Spencer has been able to effectively balance his fun personality, professionalism and his constant willingness to learn and improve his practice. He is always challenging himself by expanding his knowledge of EKGs, cardiology and critical care medicine. Recently, he completed the lengthy and very challenging CCEMT-P course. This never-ending passion to learn and challenge himself has paved a quick road to his position as a field training officer. As FTO, he is now able to his share his knowledge and passion for EMS with new employees. Besides his clinical development, Spencer is also passionate about Metro West Ambulance’s operational success. He has volunteered on the Operations Advisor Committee, and has been chair for the past year. In that challenging position, he strives to constructively present new ideas, opinions and most importantly, effective solutions to management on behalf of fellow employees. He has proven to be a respected voice of reason that has brought renewed success to Metro West Ambulance. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Spencer as a 2014 Star of Life.”
With more than 10 years in emergency medical services, Dale has evolved into one of Clackamas County’s most valued and dedicated paramedics. His drive to keep his clinical skills at peak performance and his deep knowledge as a paramedic were especially apparent during an off-duty cardiac arrest save at a local soccer field. After finishing the first half of an adult league soccer game, Dale heard yelling from the opposite side of the field and quickly realized that someone needed medical help. Dale found the patient with agonal respirations and no pulse. With the help of a physician on the scene, Dale coordinated efforts to maintain quality CPR and ventilation while a bystander ran to a nearby school for an AED. Dale attached the AED and administered a single shock which returned spontaneous circulation and lead to the patient regaining consciousness. The patient was transported to the hospital and later discharged.The cooperation from both medical and non-medical bystanders during this event has lead Dale to spearhead various initiatives in the Clackamas County area to encourage early intervention, including the training of local soccer coaches and players in CPR and AED use. Dale has been the recipient of both the Clackamas Fire District Board of Directors’ Community Life Saving Award and the State of Oregon’s EMS Life Saving Medal. His off-duty efforts to train others to save lives and his unwavering commitment to the community he serves make Dale a genuine Star of Life.”
Brian Meyer is a star performer in the eyes of Lakes Region EMS. It is an honor to give this award to someone who has dedicated over two years of service to our organization with skill, determination, and leadership. Brian is one of our most dedicated and hardworking EMT’s at Lakes Region EMS. Brian is consistently showing through his actions and commitment to outstanding patient care and customer service why he is one of our top performers. He gives his all to his patients, co-workers, and to the community. He is well respected by staff and management and goes out of his way to help move our organization forward. His commitment doesn’t just stop after he punches off the clock. Brian is also involved with community programs and fundraisers such as Shop with a Cop and our Adopt a Highway sponsorship. He is an active member of the Lakes Region EMS Tactical team, headed by our local sheriff ‘s Office, and creates and teaches multiple EMS components to the other team members. Additionally, Brian teaches CPR and assists with several aspects of our EMR classes for the community and other local responders. Brian dedicates an enormous amount of time and energy to Lakes Region EMS, always picking up extra shifts when needed, and striving to be his best. Management and staff always know they can depend on Brian for anything. Brian’s partners are thrilled to be able to work alongside him and reinforced this message through the multiple nominations Brian received to earn him the Star award. Brian also had the honor this year of representing Lakes Region EMS at the Arrowhead EMS conference in Duluth, Minnesota. He was selected by the leadership staff to represent the organization as a result of his commitment of excellence in state-of-the-art patient care, his outstanding customer service, his dedication to the communities we serve, and his responsibility for the organizations financial health and wellbeing. Lakes Region is blessed to have such a competent, dedicated, and generous individual to represent our organization. He is deserving of the Stars of Life award and we are thrilled to honor him for all his years of service.”
Mr. McBride currently serves as Lt. Colonel and Disaster Response Team Leader at Central EMS. Born and raised in Georgia, Kevin became an EMT in 2001 where he then worked for Cherokee County 911 and eventually joined Central EMS in 2004. Kevin’s leadership and training skills have set a standard for all of crews at Central EMS. Kevin’s ability to communicate and train employees on anything from operations, scheduling, equipment, and vehicles qualifies him for his leadership role. In addition, his commitment to Disaster Response and his continuing education in Emergency Management have helped lead Central EMS teams on five federal deployments. While deployed on disasters, Kevin has been in joint command with the National Guard and The Forestry Incident Response Team. During the latest two ice storms in Atlanta, Kevin worked 36 hour shifts aiding the State of Georgia and city fire departments with numerous rescue efforts while coordinating with EMS crews on critical transports. When Kevin is not training EMS crews, working on an ambulance, or deployed on a disaster, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.”
Mike has worked in the EMS industry for more than 18 years, and has earned a strong reputation as both a leader and expert in operational disaster response. On July 6, 2013, after notification of a large airliner crash at San Francisco International Airport, Mike set into motion the San Mateo County EMS MCI Plan, and was quickly assigned to EMS Branch Officer by the Incident Commander. There is no question that Mike’s actions and leadership on this day saved lives. One of AMR’s most valuable disaster resources, Mike co-commands the San Mateo County’s Regional Tactical Medical Resources, serves as Chairman of the San Mateo County Mass Casualty Incident Committee and is the Northern California Disaster Response Coordinator for AMR’s National Disaster Response Team. Mike has also provided subject matter services to the Department of Homeland Security on disaster-related issues. In addition to the Asiana crash, Mike also played a pivotal role in the management of AMR’s response to the San Bruno gas explosion; and has personally responded to Hurricanes Gustave and Ike. In his day-to-day role as Field Supervisor, Mike helps to manage AMR’s 911 operations in San Mateo County, which experiences more than 42,000 calls a year. AMR’s success in San Mateo County is tied directly to Mike’s constant focus on rapid response and efficient delivery of services. Mike Marsh is a valued member of AMR’s team and dedicated professional, and we are proud to honor him with the Star of Life Award.”
For more than 17, years, Sean Mangan has served as one of the most experienced Paramedics/ Field Operations Managers at Armstrong Ambulance. Sean’s deep commitment to excellence shines through his work, and his colleagues all agree that his patient-centered approach is inspiring to everyone around him. Sean began his career with Armstrong Ambulance in 1997 as an EMT. In 1998, he became a Paramedic and worked one of the busiest municipalities in the Greater Boston area. Sean was known to receive many compliments by patients and community partners as he handled situations with the utmost expertise and care. In 2011, he was promoted to Field Operations Manager where he excels at managing Armstrong’s expansive and growing service area by using his keen judgment, clinical skills and customer service talents. On April 15, 2013 Sean was on duty and responded to the Boston Marathon bombing. He was one of the initial medics on-scene within the first few minutes of the first explosion and did not hesitate to respond to those in need. Once on scene, Sean quickly began coordinating Armstrong’s response with Boston EMS Command which was a critical component in saving lives. Sean is described as bright, funny and always willing to help out a colleague whenever, and wherever it is needed. He is a certified CRP instructor who can be found volunteering at various EMT programs within the local community. Sean is well respected by his peers and is frequently sought out as a resource for difficult situations and issues. Sean’s wife and son are as proud as we are of Sean’s Star of Life award.”
AMR Paramedic Nick Long does it all and does it beautifully. Trained as both a field caregiver and as a call-taker/dispatcher, he is quick to fill empty shifts in either duty area or to come in for long distance patient transfers. Nick is an ACLS instructor, a critical incident stress debriefer and is the commander of his operation’s honor guard. As a member of AMR’s national disaster response team, Nick has been deployed for three hurricanes, including two weeks for Superstorm Sandy. In addition, Nick finds time to volunteer as a preceptor in a local college EMS training program and he contributed substantially to training 300 folks in Wichita Falls during AMR’s 2013 World CPR Challenge. Wait, there’s more! Nick is one of Wichita Falls’ court-appointed child advocates. In that role, he works with other child advocates to safeguard abused and neglected children. He helps attorneys assemble and present their cases for children assigned to him. He recently headed the planning and fundraising committee for the advocate group’s annual 5K benefit race. Nick and his wife are also active with a familyfocused children’s theater. He is an actor, director and set builder. In nominating Nick, his general manager said, “Nick is an excellent role model for those already in EMS and those who wish to join our profession.”
Robert Klein was born in Langdon, North Dakota and grew up on a farm in Northeastern North Dakota. He attended school in Langdon and after completing high school, remained on the family farm to help with the family farming operation. Robert grew up watching the television show, “Emergency” and was inspired by Paramedic’s Johnny and Roy. He wanted to someday be that person who responded and helped those in need during an emergency. So, in 1987, his EMS career began. He took an Emergency Medical Technician course at the hospital in Langdon, ND and began volunteering with the Langdon Ambulance Service. In 1994, Bob decided to advance his EMS skills and enrolled in the Paramedic Program at F-M Ambulance in Fargo, ND. He completed the program in 1995 and began working part time as a Street Medic for F-M Ambulance in Fargo. He continued his work on the family farm and also continued working with Langdon Ambulance as a Paramedic. In 2004, Bob became the Director of Langdon Ambulance in Langdon, ND while still working part time as a Paramedic for F-M Ambulance and managing his family farm. In 2006, Bob was offered a full time position with F-M Ambulance in Fargo, ND as their Liaison Coordinator. He made the decision to leave his family farm and his job with Langdon Ambulance and moved to Fargo, ND to take on this position. For eight years, he was responsible for providing the education and training to the members of the ambulance services, quick response units, fire departments and police departments of Cass and Clay Counties. In 2012, Bob decided that he was ready for a change and began working as a Lead Educator for F-M Ambulance. He assists in educating the students enrolled in the North Dakota State College of Science Paramedic Program which is affiliated with F-M Ambulance. He also instructs BLS, ACLS, PALS and PHTLS classes. In 2008, Bob received the F-M Ambulance Achievement in Excellence Award for his dedication and work with the EMT’s and First Responders in Cass and Clay Counties.That same year, Bob was honored with the North Dakota EMS Instructor of the Year Award. Bob is a member of the F-M Ambulance Service Disaster Services Committee. When not in the classroom, Bob can be found in his garage working on his motorcycles, vintage snowmobiles and classic cars. Bob is married to Margaret Nowatzki-Klein and they live in Horace, ND.”
Jeff Lineberger is a dedicated Operations Support Technician at Medic. Lineberger’s strong work ethic continues to set an excellent example for his colleagues across the Agency. Jeff ‘s attention to detail, while not losing sight of the overall picture, makes him a valuable asset to Medic Operations Supervisors for unit preparedness and deployment management. Jeff ‘s relentless dedication to his role does not end with the just the task at hand; he continues working until the project is complete. This tireless work ethic can be seen in Lineberger’s willingness to help colleagues both on the job and off, being a positive influence no matter what is presented to him and setting a great example to all of those around him with his boundless commitment. These values have been demonstrated without waiver from the beginning of his career to the present. He is a true asset to Mecklenburg EMS Agency and to the 2014 Star of Life conference.”
It is my honor to nominate Dennis M. Kelley for this year’s Stars of Life award. I know that you will also support this nomination once you review the qualifications and level of commitment that Dennis has shown in his nineteen plus years in Emergency Medical Services. Dennis is currently employed with Puckett EMS as a Paramedic in Dade County, Georgia serving a rural population of 16,000 people. Dennis has been an integral part of the EMS system in Dade County since 2006 when he relocated there with his family. Dennis has donated countless hours of his time to the Dade County School System. Dennis currently serves as a Future Business Leaders of America liaison for EMS and is a Board Member of the Dade County High School Health Occupation. Dennis’s passion has always been the wellbeing of children. Over the past several years, Dennis has coordinated several public education events in an attempt to educate the student body on impaired driving consequences. He has hosted several Ghost Out events which have been very effective in reducing teenage drunk driving during prom season. This past year, Dennis was an integral part in the passing of Senate Bill 212 which mandated school grades 9 through 12 to provide instruction in CPR and AED use to all students. Dennis had successfully implemented this program in Dade County before it was ever passed into law. Governor Nathan Deal signed SB 212 into law on March 5, 2013 in front of the student body of Dade County High School. Dennis has accomplished a lot over the years and he continues to use those skills to give back to the community that he serves. He is an Eagle Scout recipient and now serves as a Boy Scout Explorer graduate/coordinator for children. He is an American Heart BLS Instructor. He also volunteers for Dade County EMS.”
Edwin “Ed” Williams Jacobs started as an EMT in 1989 at Grand River Ambulance District in Albany MO. He advanced to Paramedic in 1993 with Grand River Ambulance District where he rose to the position Crew Chief. Ed joined Atchison-Holt Ambulance District in 2002 where he served as a Paramedic until leukemia forced him to take medical leave from the job he loved. Ed was optimistic about his recovery and in December, 2013 he requested that his position not be filled, he was going to return to work. Ed dedicated his life to helping people. He was not only a skilled paramedic, but had a way of making people feel better by just being with them. Ed volunteered with the Disaster Services through the Red Cross as a Paramedic. He served in several disasters including, The World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Ike. He was always ready to give and offer encouragement to folks in their time of need. Ed’s second love was farming. He was a cattle farmer that raised horses, corn and soy beans. EMS allowed him to take care of the sick and injured then take care of his farm on his days off. Ed was also an accomplished musician. He played country music in a number of bands. Ed considered music a tool for helping the sick. He would routinely play at the Hope Lodge where he stayed while being treated for cancer. Ed was a provider of hope to others right up to the point of his passing. Edwin Williams Jacobs passed away on January 11, 2014. He is survived by his 3 children, Ed Jacobs, Julie Cassavaugh, and Wyatt Jacobs, one brother, John Jacobs, and six grandchildren.”
Melissa Hudson’s career with EMSA dates back to June 1992. She started as an EMT-Basic, and was quickly promoted to a preceptor before moving into EMSA’s 911 communications center. Melissa has achieved Emergency Medical Dispatch and EMD-Quality certification. Over the years, she has helped train scores of new dispatchers and has talked thousands of callers through CPR, emergency childbirth, basic trauma management and other life-saving interventions. Recently, Melissa was honored by the Tulsa City Council for her role in rescuing a newborn baby born prematurely at home. When not saving others, much of Melissa’s time and energy is devoted to her own personal battle with ovarian cancer. Melissa continues to work a full-time schedule while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.”
Jay has been an exemplory member of the Sunstar team since November 2012. Jay works as a full time EMT and is part of our mental health transport (MHT) team. Jay is very well rounded as he also volunteers with the Port Richey Fire Department and has a literary background as an author and publisher of multiple books, with his most recent published novel “Tower Hearts”. Jay received his EMT training at Washington ?xadHolmes Technical Center and is from Pegram, Tennessee. Jay quickly made a lasting impression and memorable impact just 5 months in his first EMS job at Sunstar. As a newly cleared EMT on the night of April 10, 2013, Jay and his partner responded to a critical call involving a 2 year old girl who’s legs were amputated by a riding lawn mower at her home in Palm Harbor, Florida. Litte did the crew know that their second-to-none care and teamwork provided that evening would save Ireland Nugent’s life and make long standing local and national headlines. The call was exceptionally emotional and highly stressful, but very well handled by Jay in being given much support, debriefings, and follow-up including a reunion by Jay and his partner with Ireland and her parents. Tragically, three months after Ireland’s call Jay would lose his partner in an off-duty motorcycle accident. Less than one year after this call and loss of his partner, Jay takes pride in seeing Ireland thrive in overcoming her challenges as a double amputee. Nothing appears to stop Ireland as she is currently three years old, mastering prosthetics and learning ballet. Ireland’s call that April evening would be a tragic situation with an unsuspecting positive outlook and for Jay, in a similar fashion with his career at Sunstar, a parallel in overcoming new and challenging situations and flourishing.”
Liz is one of those colleagues we all know and love who live and breathe EMS and community service. After beginning a career as a licensed dental assistant took a required CPR class and caught the EMS bug. In the early 1980’s Liz took a Basic EMT class in the basement of Wollowa Memorial Hospital and her passion for lifesaving was off and running. Throughout her career, Liz has found a way to put her enthusiasm and commitment to excellent use. She has served as a paramedic and EMS manager in extremely rural northeastern Oregon, and as a Captain firefighter/paramedic in Central Oregon. These roles gave her excellent experience which she has put to use as an EMS educator and community college EMT program director. Liz spent 15 years working in the Oregon State EMS office in roles including Prehospital standards, rules promulgation, and trauma system oversight. Even while taking on these many roles, Liz has continued doing what she truly loves, using her paramedic license to provide care in the field with Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services. Liz has recently taken on the role of Chief and will be putting that experience and community spirit to great use as she guides her EMS agency forward. She is absolutely a “Star of Life”.”
Don began his career in the 1970’s as a volunteer with the Madras, Oregon ambulance service where he obtained his EMT certificate. In 1980 Don began working for Metro West Ambulance and earned his paramedic license in 1984. He continued his EMS career eventually moving back to Madras where he spent countless hours serving his community, eventually becoming Chief of Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services. Even while working actively in EMS as a paramedic, manager, and volunteer EMS educator, Don took on the added role of volunteer reserve police officer for both the Madras Police Department and Jefferson County Sherriff ‘s Office. In 2013, at the peak of his professional life, Don was doing one of his favorite activities, riding his motorcycle, when he was struck by a vehicle and killed. Thousands of lives have been touched by Don throughout his career. Don exemplified the qualities of a true “Star of Life”
Trevor Harris came to work at LifeCare Ambulance Service as a newly trained EMT in January of 2009. He performed very well on an ALS unit right up until a fateful morning. On September 1, 2010,Trevor was involved in a significant car crash on his way to work. He was severely injured and his return to the workforce was not a given. Trevor was finally able to return after eight months of healing and rehabilitation. Through perseverance and dedication, Trevor was able to adapt quickly into our dispatch center. His performance since the transition has been remarkable. Below are some excerpts from the three nominations received for Trevor Harris: “I would like to nominate Trevor Harris for the Star of Life. Trevor has overcome great obstacles in his personal life to get to the point he is at with this company. Trevor does an excellent job at dispatching and is a voice of calm and reason when it comes to the hectic dispatching and dealing with us road crews”. “I would like to nominate Trevor Harris for this honor. He is a very effective dispatcher who always keeps tension at a low key. He is a hero in our radio dispatch center in my opinion”. “Trevor always has a positive attitude, even when the system is slammed and he is getting phone calls with crews complaining. He watches out for the well-being of the crews and listens to their suggestions. He has been a great asset to the dispatch team”. Trevor and his wife Abby have four children ranging in ages from 5 to 10. LifeCare’s previous Stars of Life recipients chose our 2014 Star of Life honoree from the nominations received, and we are pleased that they have chosen Trevor as our 2014 Stars of Life.”
Jeffrey Halstead started his EMS career in 1994 and joined the North Shore LIJ Health System Center for EMS in 2003. He is an active member of the Rockville Center Fire Department and has held numerous leadership positions in his time there. Jeff ‘s career has been highly decorated. He was nominated to receive the North Shore LIJ Health system Presidents Award and was the North Shore LIJ Health System Star of Life winner in 2008. He has numerous Pre-Hospital Save awards and has received the Award of Valor from the Village of Rockville Center for the rescue and resuscitation of a fire victim who made a full neurological recovery. Jeff ‘s commitment to excellence as a Paramedic is evidenced by the many awards and distinctions he has received over the years. Jeff was selected to represent CEMS as a Star of Life after being nominated by his supervisor and then being voted on by his peers. During the selection process his colleagues had the opportunity to support their selection with a few comments on why they feel Jeff should represent CEMS as a Star of Life.The comments went well beyond Jeff ‘s abilities as a Paramedic. Many of the comments instead pointed out the many actions Jeff takes in support of those less fortunate than him. One such comment described an assignment where Jeff was treating a homeless person on a cold day. Prior to heading to hospital Jeff literally gave this patient the hat off his head. Other comments described charitable actions Jeff has taken, on and off duty, in support of his co-workers, his community and those less fortunate. Jeffrey Halstead was selected for this distinction for his qualities as a paramedic and as a person. His work in his community, his work for the Center for EMS, and the care and comfort he provides to his patients is why he is a natural choice as a Star of Life.”
Life EMS Ambulance is pleased to recognize James Hadley as our 2014 Star of Life. James began his career at Life EMS Ambulance in 1997 as a mobility (wheelchair transport) associate. James obtained his basic EMT license in 2002. James has served effectively in many different roles, including as a mobility associate, as a basic EMT working on an ALS ambulance, and for many years as the support services coordinator at our Grand Rapids Central Support Facility. James demonstrates reliability, a strong work ethic, and resourcefulness no matter what role he was filling. However, James has earned his recognition as our Star of Life for the outstanding ancillary work he has done that goes beyond his typical duties. James has represented Life EMS on the planning committees for community events such as the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts and for many athletic events such as the Grand Rapids Marathon and Iron Man Triathlon. James has done a great job helping plan and organize the medical component of these events, and he often is present during the events to oversee and coordinate the EMS medical coverage. In this role James has developed many great relationships with key community leaders and groups and has been an excellent ambassador for EMS in general and Life EMS Ambulance in particular. James has also served as an installer for our Life Extra Care personal response system (PRS). He has done a great job in this role, providing skilled customer care in not only installing the system in customer’s homes but carefully explaining the service, answering questions, and making sure the needs of our elderly customers are met. In these roles James displays caring for his customers and provides feedback and assistance to his teammates to make improvements in our services. In everything James does, he makes a significant contribution to our company, our customers, and the communities we serve. James is truly a Star of Life!”
John has 25 years of experience in EMS, having served in a variety of field and non-field roles including paramedic, dispatching, education and regulatory services. He currently holds a Master’s degree in Public Safety Leadership and is working on his Ph.D. in Emergency Management. While working as an Assistant Professor in the EMS program at the College of Southern Maryland, John has continued to work as a paramedic at American Medical Response in Washington, D.C. John’s dedication to providing a positive impact on patient care is evident as he readily assists and mentors other field providers.”
