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Archives: Stars

Gregory Wilkinson

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.

 

Jasmin Wilson

Jasmin completed her EMT training and began her EMS career in August of 2010. She was initially interested in the general knowledge of first aid acquired during EMT training, but it soon became a career goal. Jasmin completed her associate degree in applied science and earned her Paramedic Certification in May of 2013. From May of 2012 until August of 2015, she was employed with Transcare Incorporated of Mt. Vernon, New York, but decided to bring her skills and experience back to her childhood home of Alabama in August of 2015, where she joined the staff of NorthStar EMS Inc. in Tuscaloosa. Jasmin very quickly became a crew favorite; she is highly respected among her peers and was a top pick from the EMT and Paramedic students for a preceptorship for clinical rotations.

During 2018, due to an illness in the administrative ranks, there was an immediate need for someone to step up as a Field Training Officer. Jasmin was chosen for this role and did an excellent job preparing new recruits to meet the expectations of a service performing at both the CAAS and ACE levels of accreditation.

Jasmin is a clear leader in field operations for one of the busiest services in the Southeast. She brings a wealth of knowledge from an entirely different region of the country to her home here in Alabama. Her ability to work well with others and pass along her knowledge to new recruits is key to the future development of Northstar-EMS Inc. and to the EMS profession.

Jasmin is a clear leader in field operations for one of the busiest services in the Southeast. Her ability to work well with others and pass along her knowledge to new recruits is key to the future development of our company and profession. She also brings a wealth of knowledge from an entirely different region of the country to her home here in Alabama. During 2018, due to an illness in the administrative ranks there was an immediate need for someone to step up as a Field Training Officer with our company. Jasmine was chosen for this role and did an excellent job preparing new recruits to meet the expectations of a service performing at both the CAAS and ACE levels of accreditation.

Cindy Conley

Two words describe Cindy Conley—selflessness and tenacity.

Cindy has served at McCurtain County EMS for 24 years. Although a single mother, Cindy’s tenacious character drove her to work her way up the ranks. She started out as an EMT, and then embarked on the journey to earn her Intermediate credentials while working full time and driving from Idabel to Durant at least three times a week, a 160-mile round trip. Cindy became a Paramedic in 1998 and was promoted to Assistant Director of Operations in 1999. In 2010, Cindy was promoted to Deputy Director, a position she holds to this day.

Cindy has overcome many personal hardships in her life but has always fought through them with dignity and grace. She always puts her job and family before her own personal needs. Whether it is managing staff scheduling, processing payroll, paying the bills, taking care of personnel issues, or going on calls, Cindy has always performed her duties in a manner that brings honor to our industry and especially our organization.

Cindy suffered a very rare brain stem stroke in February of this year and has been fighting with that same determination to get back to the job she has loved for so many years. Thank you, Cindy, and may God bless you in your recovery and for many more years of service. 

Cindy Conley is an Oklahoma Ambulance Association 2019 national Star of Life.

 

Widmac Laterion

Widmac Laterion began his career in mobile healthcare in 2013 when he began working as an EMT at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. While at school, Widmac quickly became a Field Supervisor for the program with an interest in teaching new recruits. Widmac played an instrumental role in restructuring the summer training/field internship program. He earned a degree in Nutrition/Pre-Med in 2017.

Widmac joined Cataldo Ambulance Service in 2014 as an EMT. He soon  transitioned into the role of Field Training Officer. While at Cataldo, Widmac’s passion for teaching others continued to grow, and he began teaching CPR classes. This quickly grew into a leadership role within Cataldo’s On-boarding and Orientation program.

In 2017, Widmac both started a Paramedic school and joined the Army National Guard as a combat medic. In 2018, Widmac received his Paramedic certification and started a dual role at Cataldo as a field medic and educator. Widmac’s long-term goal is to become a physician in the Army.

When not working in EMS, Widmac can be found giving back to his community as part of the Allied Health Academy Program at Everett High School in Everett, MA.

Sean McGuire

Sean McGuire is a Paramedic for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service in Illinois.

Sean began his career in EMS with Superior in 1996 as an EMT, where he thrived at patient care and enjoyed helping people. Sean’s dad, who served as an Army Medic in Vietnam, inspired Sean to enter the EMS field through the stories he shared.

While working as an EMT, Sean enrolled in Paramedic school through the Level 1 Trauma Center, St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. He has now been a Paramedic for over 15 years and is currently a Station Manager for Superior Ambulance’s Aurora, Illinois station.

Sean is known for his tireless work ethic, Paramedic skills, professionalism, kindness, and willingness to always lend a helping hand. He is equipped to handle both the clinical and emotional aspects of EMS while being a strong leader of his agency. A long-time member of the Superior family, Sean has consistently shown his passion and dedication to his fellow coworkers, employees, Superior Ambulance, and the EMS industry. As a result, he is well known and loved by his fellow employees at Superior.

Sean is a devoted husband and father to two beautiful daughters. He enjoys playing the guitar, fishing, and golfing, as well as cheering on the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and White Sox.

Cynthia Jefferson

For the last decade, Cynthia Jefferson has arrived to work every morning with a smile on her face. Her friendly demeanor helps set the tone of the Patient Financial Services Department (PFS) for the rest of the day. As the Revenue Cycle Supervisor, Cynthia is responsible for overseeing 14 very different personalities. During an average day, Cynthia visits with each of her employees to help ensure that her team has what it needs to succeed and always takes a few minutes to make sure all is right in their world.

As the PFS Supervisor, Cynthia’s duties include timecards, vacations, evaluations, and anything else that pops up. To make sure that field staff is aware of their excellent patient customer service, Cynthia will quickly email crews when praise comes in from patients. When an unhappy patient calls the Billing Department, she listens to their complaints and handles each one with the utmost professionalism and care. Cynthia does all of this without compromising her staff’s or department’s credibility. These are just a few of her many qualities that her staff praise her for and appreciate.

Cynthia is compassionate to both her staff and all of Mecklenburg EMS Agency’s patients. Since its conception, Cynthia has been a foundational rock for the PFS. Her staff can always count on her to do the right thing. According to one of her employees, “She is an example of what every Medic employee or supervisor should be. There is no challenge that she would not rise to meet if asked to.” Mecklenburg EMS Agency is proud to recognize Cynthia Jefferson as a 2019 Star of Life.

Anthony Hernandez

Anthony “Tony” Hernandez has worked with UT Health East Texas EMS since 2005. Tony is a Regional Director and is responsible for the largest region in the company and oversees over 100 employees.

Over the years, Tony has served in almost every role at UT Health EMS. He came to the company as a Paramedic and quickly moved to the rank of Field Training Officer where, for three years, he helped train and develop Paramedics for the company. Tony’s can-do attitude was noticed by management and he was promoted to Operations Supervisor in 2010. When a Regional Director position for Smith County became available in 2018, Tony’s attention to detail and good rapport with the operations staff made him the perfect candidate.

Tony’s passion for the job and those he works with continue to earn praise and to impress his coworkers and the first responders he works with daily. His dedication to the people he serves and the employees he oversees make him an asset to the community. UT Health East Texas EMS is proud to call Tony Hernandez its 2019 Star of Life.

Zachary Reddell

Zachary Reddell began his career in EMS during the spring of 1999 as a First Responder and Volunteer Firefighter for the communities of Pottsville and Crow Mountain in Pope County, Arkansas. He had a passion for helping others and was able to successfully obtain his EMT license in 2005. At the start of his career, Zachary effectively owned and operated his own business while also working as a part-time employee for Pope County EMS. He quickly found that providing mobile healthcare was his passion and decided to transition into a full-time EMT position in 2007 and serve the county where he lived.

Zachary is always going above and beyond in his service to the Johnson County community. Pafford EMS has received many compliments and praises regarding Zachary from patients and patients’ families, and also received recognition for Zachary’s work during his FEMA deployment for Hurricane Michael. Zachary is a great member of our Pafford Clarksville family and regularly goes the extra mile on daily duties and helping other crew members.

Zachary has been instrumental in team building exercises, public relations, and many charitable events in the region; though he feels like he has many years of service still left to make his mark in the EMS field.

Zachary Reddell has been happily married to Lindsey for 18 years. They share two children, Logan (17) and Cole (14). The Reddell family is involved in multiple sports and civic groups.

 

Patrick Mahjoub

Patrick has always had a passion for helping others, and began his EMS career in 2010 as an NREMT and received his NREMT-Paramedic in 2014. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Frontier Shores Volunteer District.

In 2016, Patrick became a Field Training Officer. He is passionate about education and training and always takes the time to explain and educate others. He enjoys helping new employees and coworkers, whether they are beginning their career in EMS or transitioning to a new licensure level. Patrick is well known for the compassion he shows his patients and his ability to work in a stressful situation. He remains calm under pressure, and shows true leadership abilities by quietly going above and beyond and never asking for acknowledgement or recognition. He is a great example of focus and dedication, which every EMS professional should aspire to emulate. 

Patrick is the proud father of one son, Bentley, whom he enjoys spending time outdoors with when off-duty. 

As a result of Patrick’s outstanding professionalism and exemplary performance, Pafford Medical Services is honored to endorse Patrick Mahjoub as a Star of Life.

 

Mark Santo

Mark Santo has been serving as an EMT in New York City since 1988 and joined the Staten Island University Hospital team in 1990. In addition, Mark has also been involved with his community volunteer ambulance corps for more than 31 years, and is a past president. Mark is regarded as an excellent provider and a skilled technician. He can be counted upon to work in a pinch and help out the team, and is constantly contributing innovative and new ideas with the goal of making both the department and the larger EMS industry better. Mark’s professionalism and dedication are evident, as he is always looking to help new EMTs learn this difficult and stressful profession without criticism. Mark fosters a caring environment for both his patients and coworkers.

When not on duty, Mark is still saving lives but from a different path. He is an ordained minister who performs outreach services to the residents of New York. Helping those in need spiritually and enriching the lives of everyone he meets makes Mark the ideal nominee for a Star of Life.

Northwell Health System Center for EMS Staten Island University Hospital congratulates Mark, and we are grateful to have him as a part of our team. This Brooklyn native exemplifies the character and ideals that make him the obvious choice for Staten Island University Hospital’s 2019 Star of Life. We are so very proud of Mark, as is his wife, Barbara. 

Tim Dickinson

Tim Dickinson earned his Paramedic license from Montcalm Community College in 1996. He started out working as an EMT and Paramedic for Newaygo County/Gerber Ambulance, and also served as a firefighter in the county for several years. 

In February of 2000, Life EMS took over EMS operations in Newaygo County, and Tim began working as a part-time EMT and Paramedic, while working full-time at the Sappi paper plant in Muskegon. Tim began full-time work for Life EMS in 2011 after the paper mill closed. Currently, Tim serves as a Paramedic Field Supervisor in the Newaygo County operation; a position he has held since 2015. Tim lives in the Fremont area with his wife, Louise, and they have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Tim has earned the respect of his coworkers who nominated him as a Star of Life. He demonstrates a lead-by-example approach in his commitment to the associates, patients, and facilities he serves. Tim works tirelessly to make sure the schedule is fully staffed and often fills shifts himself, even at other operations. One nomination wrote, “Tim is highly organized and takes care of issues in a timely manner, which is noticed by associates and keeps morale on the right side of the scale. I cannot think of a better choice to represent Life EMS than Tim Dickinson.” Life EMS Ambulance is proud to recognize Tim Dickinson as its 2019 Star of Life.

Tristan DeFord

Tristan Joel DeFord is a Northwest Indiana native who has served his community for nearly nine years. Having realized at a young age that his passion was helping others, Tristan began training to be an Emergency Medical Technician during his junior year of high school. After graduating from Chesterton High School in 2010, Tristan continued to pursue his passion as an EMT. In August of 2012, Tristan started his vocation with Superior Ambulance Service of Indiana, Inc. After serving for six years as an EMT, Tristan decided to advance his career in healthcare. In 2016, Tristan passed the NREMT examination, and now currently works for Superior Ambulance Service of Indiana, Inc. as a Paramedic and the 911 Contract Manager for five Northwest Indiana cities. Tristan continues to advance and enjoy his career, and was recently recognized and promoted for his leadership. Additionally, Tristan is also a certified CPR instructor, and he teaches Basic Life Support (BLS) skills to friends, family, and coworkers.

Despite being passionate about his career, Tristan enjoys his time off. He is actively involved as a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol Indiana Wing and volunteers with his church, Valley Baptist Church in Valparaiso, IN. Tristan is a devoted husband, father, and brother and he loves spending quality time with his wife, Amaris, and 2-year-old son, Jansen.

Tristan has proven his skills and leadership time and time again. Tristan is an integral member of the Superior family and we are proud to recognize him as a 2019 Star of Life.

Ariella Dalfen

Ariella Dalfen has been a part of the Northwell Health System Center for EMS (CEMS) team since 2012. Ariella started in EMS in 2003 as an EMT while at Binghamton University, where she provided care to fellow students, faculty, visitors, and staff. When prospects of employment as a lifeguard were scarce in upstate New York, Ariella switched to from life guard to life saver!

During her tenure in EMS, Ariella has worked as an EMT, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and currently as a New York State Paramedic. A welcome addition to our team at CEMS, Ariella has helped with the development of our Explorers program, which helps high school students interested in medicine learn about EMS. Ariella also plays a role in our Performance Improvement initiatives. In 2017, while teaching EMT and Paramedic Skills as a Certified Lab Instructor at the Center for Learning and Innovation, Ariella discovered her passion for teaching.

Ariella leveraged this new love by joining our training division where she was involved with implementing a new Field Training Officer program for the department. Ariella provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and expectations to all our new employees, setting them up for success and preparing them for the high-performance organization that is CEMS. When not providing training or patient care, Ariella is pursuing her master’s degree in Health Professions Pedagogy and Leadership. While away from work or school, Ariella and her husband Eric enjoy dinning out, watching Game of Thrones, ice hockey, and baseball.

There is not a more deserving provider than Ariella, and CEMS is proud to honor her service and commitment as our 2019 Star of Life!

Mark Considine

Mark Considine has played a very active role at Rescue Inc over the past 33 years. He has made a huge impact on the agency and each individual provider he has worked with. Mark is the former Chief of Rescue Inc and, although he has stepped down from that role, he continues to be actively involved in QAQI review and with training new Paramedics. He also works as a front line Critical Care Paramedic.

As a Paramedic, Mark continues to be the busiest member of our agency. The most remarkable thing about Mark Considine is that, even though he has been working 48 hour plus weeks for 33 years, he has never complained! He is the hardest-working, most dedicated worker in EMS. Mark also continues to expand his medical knowledge by attending numerous training programs each year and advancing his scope of practice. In our opinion, Mark is at the forefront of paramedicine in the state of Vermont and beyond.

Mark is an excellent mentor. He is eager to pass on his knowledge and assist others in transitioning into management roles. He never ceases to provide insightful and calculated feedback and advice.

In addition, Mark manages to stay fit and active through daily workouts with his wife, Lori-Ann. Throughout 33 years in EMS, he has managed to maintain a balance between work and home life, something that many in our line of work struggle to do. Mark also has two sons, one of which has followed in his footsteps and works full-time at a fire department as a Paramedic and Firefighter.

Chris Butch

Pafford Medical Services has selected Chris Butch as its Mississippi Star of Life for his excellent caregiving abilities and his stellar mentorship to his peers. Chris became an EMT in 2007 and a Paramedic in 2008. He joined the Pafford team in 2017 and continues to be a dedicated caregiver to patients during their time of need. Chris now serves as a preceptor for multiple colleges’s EMT/Paramedic programs, as well as a Field Training Officer and ongoing educator. 

Chris is continuously praised by his patients for the outstanding care and treatment they receive, the calm demeanor he exudes, and the sense of friendship he leaves them with. He is also highly praised for his knowledge and professionalism by other members of public service that he works closely with, including first responders, law enforcement personnel, fire departments, and hospital staff. Chris never stops coaching and encouraging those who look to him for continued learning and guidance.

Chris is well known for his smile; one that lights up the room the moment he enters. On his days off, Chris enjoys being at home with his wife, Morgan, and his two beautiful daughters, Haley and Emily. He also likes to be outdoors, whether doing yard work or barbecuing on his grill; but his favorite past time is spending the day by the pool with his family.

Pafford Medical Services is blessed that Chris has chosen the Pafford family and is honored to name him as a Star of Life from our Mississippi operation. Thank you, Chris, for your continued dedication to the company, your peers, and most importantly, our patients.

 

Joshua Baun

Joshua Baun has proven himself to be an advanced healthcare provider and an excellent patient advocate over his six years with Mecklenburg EMS Agency. Josh has an outstanding rapport with patients and relates remarkably well to everyone in all circumstances. He is a team player, is always dependable, and is committed to continued professional development.

“Although I have known Josh for a few years, it wasn’t until he joined my team in 2018 that I was able to witness first-hand the quality and caliber of this unsung individual,” says Josh’s supervisor.

Josh routinely seeks feedback, impressing leaders with his energy and his dedication to serving as an ambassador for the Agency.

Josh shatters all expectations that are set for him. He is an asset to his team by consistently fielding questions, seeking information, and clarifying any changes that occur within the Agency. Josh serves as a role model who strives for excellence and holds his peers to a higher standard. Josh recognizes others before himself and, as a Crew Chief, his mentorship and development of his direct team members is bar none.

On his own time, Josh meets with Crew Chiefs outside of work and helps them to prepare for interviews. Josh often challenges peers on many topics, including diversity and work ethic.

As a Relief Operations Supervisor (ROS), Josh is one of the most active members, and has done countless hours of extra work on writing and implementing new training software into the Crew Chief Training curriculum. He is continually striving to mentor and support field employees and is widely regarded as an outstanding advocate. Josh has also taken on an advanced leadership role in Crew Chief and Field Training Officer instruction. Josh often expresses how he wants to be there for the crews, and he single-handedly processed the most commendations as a ROS for Field Crew Chiefs last year.

As one of the most adaptable and accountable members of the Mecklenburg EMS team, Josh is a true example of a professional in the industry. His coworkers are particularly impressed with his goodwill and sense of honor in the workplace. He displays a natural sense of calmness and approachability, as well as a spirit of confidence, self-actualization, and a relentless drive to succeed. Josh has an innate desire to excel in all aspects of his duties and is very resolute in his convictions regarding character and accountability. Mecklenburg EMS Agency is proud to recognize Josh Baun as a 2019 Star of Life.

Mary Anselmo

Mary Anselmo began her career at Cataldo Ambulance as a BLS provider 13 years ago and has since worked her way up to becoming a Senior Paramedic.

Cataldo Ambulance is proud to nominate Mary as a 2019 Star of Life for the years of compassionate care she has provided and for always putting the patient first. In addition to being clinically astute, Mary is known for her humility and for always going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure her patients and their family’s comfort and understanding of the situation.

Having worked in a high-volume EMS system for years, Mary has experienced her share of challenging calls. She continually uses these experiences to grow into a better person and healthcare provider. For Mary, every call is an opportunity for growth and learning, and she remains calm under pressure and is an excellent teacher. Mary takes the time with each crew member and student, considering each of their individual needs and strengths.

Mary is an asset not just to Cataldo Ambulance Service, but to the profession as a whole. Mary is an extremely dedicated Paramedic, mother, and wife and she truly deserves this recognition for her dedication and compassion.

Maddox Allen

Mid-Valley Ambulance is honored to present Maddox Allen with a Star of Life award. Following in his father’s footsteps, Maddox started in his family’s business of veterinary medicine before recognizing that emergency medicine was his true passion. In 2011 he received his EMT certification and began volunteering at Lane Fire Authority as a Firefighter. Maddox completed his Paramedic degree in 2017 and has plans to continue his education as a Critical Care Paramedic and to pursue his bachelor’s degree in emergency medicine.

One of Maddox’s most commendable traits is his willingness to expand his knowledge of emergency medicine in rural areas. Maddox has participated in Cycle Oregon, a 1,500 mile bicycle tour around Oregon that requires camping out and treating patients for a multitude of injuries and illnesses throughout the tour. He has also participated in community career events and standbys at specialized events.

Maddox is a shining example of the future of EMS in Oregon, and Mid-Valley Ambulance is incredibly proud to introduce him as its award recipient.

 

Kiefer Allen

Kiefer was born and raised in Powers, Oregon. In high school he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was class valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society. He has always had an interest in the medical field and decided to pursue EMS at his local college.

Kiefer has been a Paramedic since 2014 and has worked at Bay Cities Ambulance since 2016. In addition to a being a Paramedic, Kiefer is also Bay Cities Ambulance’s Safety and Operations Committee President. He enjoys EMS because each shift is different than the last, and he has a passion for the new challenges and opportunities that critical care presents.

When he is not working, Kiefer enjoys golfing and elk hunting with his friends and family. His wife, Ericka, is a huge support system and has been a key part of his success in the field. Kiefer also enjoys spending time with his kids, Kayle, Kipton, Ensley, and Kannon.

 

Jenna Roxbury

Jenna Roxbury has served as a Registered Nurse (RN) for more than 10 years. She has extensive experience in Pediatrics, ranging from service in the Pediatric Oncology Bone Marrow transplant team in Phoenix, to special event staffing (to include Life is Beautiful, Electric Daisy Carnival and Burning Man), and most recently HEMS. She currently lends her talents to Mercy Air in Pahrump, primarily supporting life-saving transports to Las Vegas from a very busy critical access hospital. Her credentials include Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and she is Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) certified. Jenna is excited to be taking her Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) exam this month as well to further her credentials.

Jenna is a true healer in nature and in profession. Her life was changed forever after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2017, which she will tell you was the best thing to ever happen to her. As an RN working in Oncology, she was now the patient instead of the care provider. Finding herself in a vulnerable, life-threatening state only deepened her empathy and compassion for the patients she continues to serve. Jenna’s drive and passion for life is noticed by all who she connects with—from patients, to peers, to community partners. She is so invested in her community that she recently accepted an offer to serve as a per diem RN at Desert View Hospital in Pahrump.

Jenna is a proud mother of two children and spends her free time as a Professional Cayoneer Guide. She visits Nepal annually to volunteer as a health care provider and to help in local orphanages.

Mercy Air is proud to recognize Jenna Roxbury as a 2019 Star of Life and Nevada Star of Life.