Andrew Pawlowski, who most people call “Pow Pow,” is mostly known for his ability to make friends quickly. He has a fun, caring, driven, and outgoing personality.
Andrew began his career at Sunstar Paramedics twelve years ago as an EMT. He quickly became a strong team member with both the CCT program and the ACH Critical Care Transport teams, and also achieved FTO status. He was named EMT FTO of the Year, with many other accomplishments. For the last two years, Andrew has worked as a Paramedic, and continually strives for high-quality compassionate care for his community. Andrew says, “I’m surrounded by good friends and family and I couldn’t ask for more.”
Andrew was selected as a Star of Life because of his dedication and commitment to the craft, as well as for his unwavering caring and supportive attitude that fosters the culture at Sunstar Paramedics. He is the prime example for the next generation of new hires and a model for our mission, vision, and values.
Misty began serving her community in 1996 as a volunteer Firefighter in the Hudson Valley area of New York. She became an EMT in 2000 and obtained her Paramedic certification in 2003. In 2010, Misty moved to Florida and began working for Sunstar Paramedics. Since then, she has obtained a bachelor’s degree in emergency management and has served her community as a Paramedic, Communications Center Supervisor, and most recently as the Communication Training Coordinator for Sunstar.
Misty was chosen for her accomplishments within the communications center. Since she was selected for the position, Misty has developed an innovative training program for the dispatchers that has raised the bar with its level of quality and professionalism. She has also led the center through several ACE re-accreditation cycles, and was the chosen leader through many EOC hurricane activations.
Outside of work, Misty, her husband, and their three-year-old son enjoy cooking, barbequing, and spending quality time with friends and family. They plan to soon drive to visit family across the country.
Jacqueline Helms began her career in EMS four years ago as a sophomore in college. While working on her bachelor’s degree in physiology and neurobiology at the University of Connecticut, Jacqueline became an EMT-B in order to get her foot in the door of the field of medicine. She quickly fell in love with the job.
Jacqueline worked at Fallon Ambulance Service throughout college, and joined the Action Ambulance team shortly after finishing her degree. She has greatly enjoyed working in such a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and especially loves that she gets to learn something new from every patient and coworker she meets.
Svenja Wahle has served with Huron Valley Ambulance since 2016. During her years at HVA, Svenja has worked her way up from an EMT to a Senior Paramedic. Svenja is known for always having a positive attitude and for continually thinking about ways to encourage growth in those around her. She is very creative and she enjoys teaching newly licensed personnel, regularly helping trainees to prepare for EMS clearance interviews.
In addition to her work as a Paramedic, Svenja has spent some time working in HVA’s 911 Communications Center. She is currently an HVA Field Training Officer and recently developed a comprehensive training program for new EMTs. Svenja also serves on internal committees for operational improvements, and is the Chair of the EHP Supply Group. Her positive outlook and dedication to training new employees have strengthened HVA and bolstered its ability to provide quality care to the communities.
Sean Stringham has served with Monroe Community Ambulance since 2014. Sean began his career at MCA as an EMT. After obtaining his Paramedic license, Sean quickly worked his way up the ranks to a Senior Paramedic, and has also completed the training and certifications to work as a Community Paramedic and a Critical Care Paramedic. Sean’s most recent promotion was to MCA Team Leader, in which he serves as a role model, educator, and mentor to his coworkers. Sean has earned a tremendous amount of respect from his coworkers for his excellent patient care, selfless nature, and willingness to spend time helping his coworkers develop their skills.
Sean has been instrumental in identifying and developing needed programs at MCA, including the Critical Care Paramedicine and the Internal Quality Review programs. Most notably, Sean spearheaded the Quality Review program in a desire to help his coworkers grow their skills as EMS providers. He has spent a tremendous amount of his personal time reviewing calls with MCA employees and has incorporated local emergency medicine residents into this review process. His efforts have led to a successful program that allows EMTs and Paramedics to better understand and implement treatments, policies, and protocols.
Sean’s passion for EMS and his dedication to the success of his coworkers is a continual benefit to MCA and the community.
Eleven years ago, Leslie O’Dell began her EMS career by accident. After her former husband left the military, Leslie moved to a town with a wilderness medical school. She was already an experienced hiker and had always wanted to take a Wilderness EMT course to help with search-and-rescues, so she signed up for the class. She had never considered making a career as an EMT, but the final two weeks of the course were set up for urban EMS and she was able to test for her EMT-B certification after its completion. So, at the age of thirty-five, Leslie received her EMT qualifications and began working on the local town ambulance.
Although Leslie initially thought her stint as an EMT on an ambulance would be temporary, she fell in love with the job. She currently works as a full-time Advanced EMT for Action Ambulance and per diem at her local fire department, Conway Fire & Rescue.
Jill Holmquest has served with Huron Valley Ambulance since 2014. Jill is known for being a compassionate and caring individual who gives 110% in all she does. Jill joined HVA as a Paramedic and has worked her way up to Senior Paramedic and Field Training Officer. She has become certified as a Critical Care Paramedic and a Community Paramedic, and serves on HVA’s National Response, Special Pathogens, and Hazardous Materials Response teams.
Jill’s time as a Field Training Officer has made her a pillar of HVA’s training program. She puts endless time and energy into helping EMS students and trainees. She has gone above and beyond to assist her peers before and after her shift and has dedicated much of her own time to creating programs and curriculums that allow her trainees to excel in their positions. Jill recognizes the value of a nurturing learning environment and ensures her students and trainees have the resources and welcoming space to craft their skills as EMS providers. Jill’s dedication to her students and trainees has developed them into outstanding clinical practitioners.
Jill is looked to as a leader both inside and outside of our organization. In addition to her training role at HVA, she has also taken a special interest in mentoring students from the University of Michigan EMS club and has frequently been a guest speaker at their monthly club meetings. Jill’s passion for EMS has led both of her sons to follow in her footsteps. Cody and Christopher also serve at HVA as a Senior Paramedic and an EMT, respectively.
Jill’s dedication to training the next generation of EMTs and Paramedics is remarkable and stands in direct opposition to the nationwide shortage of EMS providers in the nation. She is creating a bright future for both HVA and the field of EMS.
Daniela Flores is a dreamer. She was born in Santiago, Chile in 1994, and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of five to pursue the “American Dream.” Daniela was raised in Vallejo and has lived there for the last twenty years.
After arriving in the U.S., Daniela had no choice but to adapt to her new country and learn a new language. She remembers crying every day in first grade because she had no one to talk to, as her twin sister was placed in a different class. After fifth grade, Daniela graduated from Admiral Farragut Elementary School and moved on to Vallejo Middle and High School, from which she graduated in 2012.
When she was fifteen, Daniela discovered that she was undocumented and could not apply for a job as her friends were doing. It was not until 2012 that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program began accepting applications. Daniela applied to obtain a work permit while continuing her education at Napa Valley College. At first, Daniela was unsure what career path she wanted to take, but she knew she wanted to help people. She decided to take an emergency first responder course and immediately fell in love with emergency medicine. She graduated from the Napa Valley College Paramedic program in February 2019, and is currently a Paramedic for Medic Ambulance.
Daniela is being honored for her dedication and commitment to Medic’s Emergency Response Team. Daniela was a part of the Ambulance Strike Teams that deployed to the Napa, Lake, and Butte County fires. She deployed for a total of fourteen days, and did many tasks to assist citizens and caregivers in need. Daniela helped to evacuate hospitals, residences, and skilled nursing facilities during her deployments, all while receiving the highest remarks from her Strike Team leaders. She was also part of the first ambulance responses back into the City of Paradise as medical responders were allowed back into the city. Daniela was recognized by U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson as a Public Service Hero in 2019.
Daniela is a leader in many ways and we are proud to have her a part of the Medic Ambulance Family.
Michael A. Hoffman has been chosen to be honored as a Star of Life for his commitment to his patients, his service, and his community.
Michael has been a dedicated EMT for Regional Ambulance Service for over a year. In that time, he has shown his compassion and commitment not only for the patients in his care, but also for the communities that he serves and his fellow employees. He began his EMS career as a Nationally Registered EMT, a certification that he obtained through his military training. Michael is a veteran, and served nine years of active duty in the VT Army National Guard as well as in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Michael has chosen to continue his EMS training. He recently completed his AEMT and has been accepted to Vermont Technical College’s Paramedic program to begin this fall.
In addition to his duties at Regional Ambulance Service, Michael is a dedicated husband and father of five.
Fulfillment is found in many ways; and for EMSA Paramedic David Bingham it centers around one thing – helping others. Whether making a patient smile, mentoring students and new recruits, or taking care of critically sick and injured patients, David enjoys seeing the difference he can make.
David relentlessly checks up on his fellow team members. He is cognizant of the fact that this job takes a toll no matter how much experience you have, and is transparent about struggles. David checks in on other team members after difficult calls, long weeks, or busy nights. Despite how fatigued he may be, David always puts others above himself.
David joined the EMSA team in 2018 and has thrived in a busy system, rising through the ranks to the positions of Field Training Officer and Assistant District Chief. David maintains the REMSS trailer which is deployed for large events in EMSA’s Western Division, including the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. He says, “There is so much to do at EMSA – your opportunities are abundant as long as you are willing to chase them.”
EMSA Paramedic and Assistant District Chief Brett Palmatary knew early on that a career in emergency medical services was right for him. In high school, Brett began teaching CPR and Lifeguard classes at the American Red Cross, which was next door to the local EMS agency. He spent a lot of time talking to the Paramedics who worked next door, learning the ins and outs of their careers. Brett was intrigued, and soon began pursuing a career in EMS.
Brett hails from Fort Smith, Arkansas, and joined the EMSA team in 2016. He was a founding member of EMSA’s Peer Support Team, which strives to improve the quality of life for team members by providing support and resources after stressful calls. Brett also serves as an Assistant District Chief and Incident Command at Special Events. He truly believes EMSA is at its best when every member of the team is working toward the same goals.
Brett is described by his coworkers as having “a servant’s heart,” which is reflected in his daily duties of meeting the needs of his patients, colleagues, and community. Brett has a unique ability to lead his team, while still remaining approachable and trusted.
Brett places a high value on continuing education for EMS providers. He says, “It takes a lot of time and effort; however, it is all worth it in the end.”
The City of Cannon Falls Ambulance Service takes great pride in nominating Paramedic Brenda Voshalike as a 2022 Star of Life recipient.
Brenda has served the community as a Dispatcher, Police Reserve Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, and Educator. Brenda is now in her fifth decade of service to the Cannon Falls community.
Beginning as a Police Dispatcher in the 1970s, Brenda was encouraged to become an EMT with what was then a volunteer ambulance service. She eventually assumed a leadership role as the Ambulance Supervisor, and then Service Director, and assisted in transitioning the service to a combination career/volunteer model. After identifying a need for Advanced Life Support service in the community, Brenda earned her Paramedic certification, becoming the first Paramedic in Cannon Falls. When the concept of Community Paramedicine became a reality, Brenda was one the first to obtain the additional training and licensure.
Brenda has been, and continues to be, actively involved as an educator for both new EMTs and members of the community, teaching CPR and First Aid. Hundreds of students throughout the years have learned life changing and lifesaving skills from Brenda.
As part of the Minnesota EMS Honor Guard, Brenda provides a valuable service to her profession throughout the state. She offers support services for Line of Duty and Non-Line of Duty funerals, and honors those who have fallen in our challenging profession. All of the members, including Brenda, volunteer their time for the program.
While many of her peers might joke that her first charting system was on stone tablets, no one has provided more time contributing to EMS in the community. Brenda has averaged over 3,000 hours on the schedule per year. Although many of these hours are on duty hours for her full-time position, plenty are also from back up coverage, teaching, and public information events.
Brenda Voshalike is the very definition of service before self. Thousands of residents and visitors to the Cannon Falls community have been impacted by Brenda. Without any doubt, we are proud to call her a friend, a partner, and a Star of Life.
Kendra Rene Vermillion was born in Seiling, OK and graduated from Seiling Public Schools in 2009. She continued her education at Northern Oklahoma College, where she also played JUCO Division II basketball, and graduated with honors in 2011. During her two years at NOC, Kendra assisted her basketball team in reaching the National Tournament twice and the Final Four during her Sophomore year. This was the first time in NOC’s history that the women’s JUCO basketball team reached the National Tournament.
After graduating, Kendra found her love for EMS when she attended a Basic EMT class in Enid, OK and developed a passion for caring for others. Kendra began her career at Life EMS in 2015, and obtained her Advanced EMT license at Redlands Community College in 2017.
In addition to running full-time on the ambulance, Kendra is constantly looking for ways to improve the service. She created and implemented Life’s EMT and AEMT orientation and training program, which earned her the title Senior Field Training Officer. Kendra is well respected by her coworkers and emergency department personnel for her professional demeanor and medical knowledge.
When not at work, Kendra enjoys spending time with her husband, Life EMS’s Star from five years ago, and their four dogs.
Life EMS is proud to have Kendra as its 2022 Star of Life.
Kendra Rene Vermillion is the 2022 Oklahoma Ambulance Association Star of Life.
After graduating high school, Russell Johnston attended UW-Milwaukee to become a physical therapist. After a year, Russell was not sure that was the path for him, though he knew he wanted to help people. He decided to leave UW-M and enter into the firefighter program at his local technical college. There he enrolled in an EMT course and, after its completion, decided that EMS was the career path for him.
Russell began his EMS career with Bell Ambulance in 2008. After a few years of ambulance work in Milwaukee, Russell became an EMT Crew Chief. He next joined Bell Ambulance and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Critical Care Transport team. Through his hard work, dedication, and ever-present positive demeanor, Russell became a highly valued member of the transport team. He also advanced to the position of EMT Supervisor, which he excelled at and quickly garnered a positive reputation as a supervisor and caregiver. Russell has the ability to establish a good rapport with both patients and employees, while always maintaining the highest degree of professionalism. As a result, Russell was asked to take on a new challenge within the Client Services Department as a liaison between the company and its facility clients. Soon after, he became the Client Services Supervisor, and, in 2020, was again promoted to Client Services Coordinator.
In his personal life, Russell cares for his rescued English bulldog, Tilly, and gives back by both coaching and refereeing high school powerlifting at the local, state, and even national levels. In fact, Russell is a two-time Powerlifting State Champion!
Russell was voted Employee of the Year and Star of Life in 2019 by his peers.
Arlyn Hatch joined Life EMS as an EMT in 2018. Over the past few years, he has also obtained his Paramedic license and become a Field Training Officer for Life EMS. These many accomplishments in a short amount of time are proof of Arlyn’s strong work ethic and dedication to his community and his fellow coworkers.
Arlyn has always wanted to be in a field that helps and serves his community, though his real push to become a Medic was the untimely passing of his daughter. He began his career in 2013 with Garber Fire Department as an EMR/Firefighter. In 2018, Arlyn started basic training at Autry Technology Center and then pursued his career at Life EMS. In 2019, he enrolled at OSU-OKC to continue his education and he became a Paramedic in 2020. He has now proudly served his hometown community of Enid for eight years.
Arlyn always strives to better himself and to help those in need. These admirable qualities shine through not just in his job, but also in his care and devotion towards his four children, Dexter, Madolynn, Adyn and Eisley. His interests outside of serving his community include fishing and watching OU football. Boomer Sooner!
Noelle Gross will often joke around about the fact that she is short, but she is proof that big things come in small packages and can make a HUGE impact!
Noelle came to Bell Ambulance as an EMT in the fall of 2016. She earned her Paramedic license in 2017, obtained her Critical Care certification through UMBC in 2018, was promoted to Field Training Officer in 2019, and then to Paramedic Supervisor in 2020.
Noelle continues to perform in her role as a Critical Care Paramedic doing ground transfers. She also works in the 911 system in Southeast Wisconsin and has completed the requirements to be a Secondary Dispatcher in the ACE Dispatch Center. She has taken on an additional role as an AHA BLS/ACLS/PALS Instructor, frequently teaching and helping her coworkers with their renewals. Noelle also helps to train new Paramedics and Critical Care Paramedics and is involved with the Education and Training Department. As a Supervisor, she has proven herself to be a dependable and “go-to” person for employees to talk with about calls, any issues they may have, and any problems they may face.
As a result of her constant commitment to her job, her patients, and her colleagues, Noelle was voted by her peers to be Bell Ambulance’s 2020 Employee of the Year.
Noelle and her boyfriend live in West Allis, Wisconsin with their two dogs, Copper and Lady.
Gabriel Swart was raised in the small town of Saugerties, NY with his parents and two brothers. He and his brothers have always shared a strong bond and grew up doing everything together, from snowboarding and biking to playing video games and LEGO. They always enjoyed spending time together and have always encouraged each other to strive for greatness.
Gabe believes his interest in EMS began as a result of his brother’s illness. His younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia three times over the course of his childhood. Watching the doctors and nurses perform miracles for his brother inspired Gabe to want to help others as well. He knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, and thought EMS seemed to be the best way to fulfill his goal.
Gabe began his career at Mohawk Ambulance Service in February 2019 and has quickly become a valuable leader. He has become a Field Training Officer and is instrumental in welcoming and training new hires. Gabe sets an example for all who are around him in regards to professionalism and how to be a respectful leader, and he exemplifies what it means to be a hard worker and a great caregiver.
Of his nomination as a 2022 Star of Life, Gabe says, “This is a great honor for me. I have such a passion for EMS and it is such a privilege to work with my friends and to serve the people of Albany Capital District. Mohawk is a home away from home, and I feel proud to say I’m an asset to the team.”
Gabe strives to always help others and to be the best patient care provider he can be. He aspires to soon become a Paramedic.
Chris Kapla received his Paramedic license in 2006 and joined Life EMS in 2009.
Chris is a dedicated Paramedic who excels in training staff. He is also a member of the CISM team. Chris upholds the values of Life EMS by delivering skill and passion with dignity and respect.
Christopher Jimenez was born in Savannah, Georgia. He was accepted into Georgia Southern University where he completed a four-year program and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2016. In order to pursue his interest in the medical profession, Christopher sought ways to obtain patient contacts and field experience.
Christopher enrolled in the Savannah Technical College Emergency Services program and completed his EMT-B in 2017. He fell in love with the field and with the opportunity to aid those in his local community in the worst times of their lives. He completed the Savannah Tech Paramedic certification in 2019 and has since been a lead Medic in downtown Savannah. He is now a part-time adjunct instructor for Savannah Tech and has recently been promoted to an FTO position at Chatham EMS.
Christopher and his wife, Savannah, actually met in kindergarten; a fact discovered one night going through the yearbooks. Christopher and Savannah live with their two German Shepherd fur children, Rocco and Titan.
Mercy Ambulance Service is proud to nominate Christopher Jimenez for his hard work and exemplary service to his community.
Matt Hapner joined Life EMS in 2014, and is currently a Medic, Supervisor, and Education Coordinator (Medic Instruction).
Matt brings a strong drive and dedication to the Education Department every day. He has grown through the ranks at Life EMS, beginning as an EMT, then a Paramedic, and now a Supervisor. He has served the community with skill and compassion, and has earned the respect of his colleagues with his willingness to help each associate gain the knowledge they need to better themselves every day on the road.
As a result of his passion to help others, Matt transitioned to the Education Department and became the lead Paramedic educator. He has brought the same skill and compassion that he displayed in the field to the classroom, and goes above and beyond for every student. He will make time for anyone who has a question or who is struggling with learning, including coming in on his days off to help students prepare for tests. Matt is passionate about setting his students up for success with the skills and knowledge they need before starting their clinicals on the ambulance.
