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Archives: Stars

Dustin Hawley

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

In 2005, Dustin Hawley moved from his small hometown in Vassar, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois and took an EMT class. From that moment forward, Dustin knew that mobile healthcare was his calling.

Dustin began his EMS career at Superior Ambulance Service in 2006. In 2008, Dustin completed Paramedic training at Malcolm X College and his Paramedic field internship with the Chicago Fire Department EMS division. From this experience, Dustin went on to provide EMS with Superior throughout Chicago, including at major sporting venues and the Chicago Marathon. During this time, Dustin also began mentoring Paramedic students.

In 2010, Dustin took the next step in his career by completing the UMBC CCEMTP program. Dustin went on to work on a CCT Medic/RN team, providing Critical Care Transport to the Greater Chicago area.

Beginning in 2014, Dustin relocated back to Michigan, with his wife and young son, to assume the role of Critical Care Coordinator for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance of Michigan. In this role, Dustin leads the Critical Care team, provides clinical insight to operations management, teaches continuing education, and assists operations as a provider when needed. Dustin also conducts new hire orientation for all new employees of Superior. In 2018, Dustin achieved licensure as an EMS Instructor/Coordinator (Paramedic Level) in the state of Michigan.

Since joining Superior of Michigan, Dustin has improved staffing for Critical Care Transport, designed and implemented a field-training program, and conducted hundreds of continuing education and certification courses. Dustin currently serves as the Chairman of Superior of Michigan’s Professional Standards Review Committee. This important committee provides general oversight and analysis of the clinical performance of all EMS providers and aims to achieve clinical excellence for all staff through performance improvement initiatives. This committee has reviewed thousands of EMS runs, given out countless Clinical Excellence awards, determines and monitors clinical indicators, issues EMS advisories for staff, and reviews clinical incidents. Dustin is passionately dedicated to these efforts with the intent to ensure that our patients receive the very best care.

Dustin has recently become involved with Michigan’s committee on developing Critical Care standards for the state. In this role, Dustin provides valuable insight regarding Critical Care that will one day guide the team to a true Critical Care EMS standard for all providers and programs in Michigan.

Dustin’s EMS vision is to develop the very best EMS providers, conduct the best training, and ensure the best equipment is available to respond to every situation. Dustin desires to see all EMS providers uphold the highest integrity for their patients and to their profession.

Because of his leadership, dedication and knowledge, Dustin is highly respected by his colleagues and providers. Dustin’s admirable personal character and professional integrity serves as an example for everyone in the EMS industry.

Dustin and his wife, Sarah spend most of their free time raising Liam, who is a 7-year-old ball of energy. From Tae Kwon Do to swimming to Cub Scouts, Liam keeps them on their toes. When he does get a free minute, Dustin enjoys woodworking, camping, and spending time with family throughout Michigan.

Karri Bolman

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

“Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission.” These words by Zig Ziglar perfectly describe Metro West Ambulance’s Marketing/Customer Advocate & Recruiter Karri Bolman!

Metro West is proud of Karri’s advocacy and how she has championed EMS throughout her career. Karri works closely with our region’s long-term care facilities, adult foster care homes, assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities. She familiarizes these organizations with EMS, interfacility mobile healthcare and mobile integrated healthcare, then trains and supports them and the residents that they care for.

Karri joined the Metro West Ambulance Family of Companies in 2003. She started as a Customer Service Call Taker, then became a Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) certified Dispatcher in our Communications Center. In 2005, Karri joined Metro West’s Marketing & Business Development team. Karri is now our company’s talent recruiter, responsible for hiring new employees for all divisions and positions. This includes presenting at Oregon EMT and Paramedic education programs in addition to promoting career programs at local high schools.

Throughout her career, Karri has been very involved with several local organizations. Currently, Karri serves on the Board of the Eldercare Support Foundation which provides “Senior Wishes” to geriatric patients. She serves as the President of the Senior Provider Information Network, a group dedicated to providing quality continuing education and networking opportunities to senior healthcare professionals. She is also on the board of the Oregon Health Care Association (OHCA) which represents more than 620 nursing homes, assisted living, residential care, senior housing facilities, in-home care agencies, and long-term care corporate offices, in addition to 200 nationwide business partner members.

Karri has worked hard to collaborate across disciplines to improve patient outcomes with a focus on long-term care. In addition to being recognized as an “Unsung Hero” within our company, Karri has received a Special Services Award from the OHCA. Karri has also been honored for her work by the Marquis Vita Life Foundation and by the Oregon Medical Case Management Group over the years.

Always first and foremost for Karri are her children, daughter, Hana, and son, Collin. Karri enjoys spending her time with them playing games, cooking, and going on family adventures hiking, golfing, and rock rappelling.

Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Karri Bolman as a 2019 Star of Life in recognition of her dedication to our company, our mission, and her advocacy with our long-term health partners.

Aries Almendral

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Aries Almendral began his career in Emergency Medical Services in 1993 when he became certified as a New York State EMT. Five years later, Aries completed his advanced level training and served as a Paramedic for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Aries gained valuable experience while working in the borough of the Bronx, and in 2000 he joined the staff at Lenox Hill Hospital. Aries quickly became a well-liked, respected, and highly valued member of the Lenox Hill team.

Aries always has a contagious smile and puts everyone else around him at ease. Aries understands the importance of working as a team and always advocates for his patients to ensure the best possible outcomes. During his tenure with Lenox Hill, Aries has provided exceptional patient care in the performance of his duties as a Paramedic and he has become a leader to his peers. Aries’s professionalism and consistent excellence exemplifies what a Paramedic at Lenox Hill should be: kind, skilled, and dedicated.

When Aries isn’t positively impacting the lives of his patients and those he works with, he is a proud single parent to four amazing children: Alyssandra (16), Adrian (14), Aiden (13) and Adam (10).

For all these reasons and more, it was clear that Aries should be our nominee this year. Lenox Hill is grateful to have Aries as part of our team and is proud to recognize him as our 2019 Star of Life!

Beth Rodgers

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A pioneer in the Northeast Florida healthcare and EMS communities, Beth Rodgers demonstrates impeccable commitment to providing exceptional critical care and clinical services to her patients. Beth also happily shares this expertise with her students.

In 34 years of dedicated service with Century Ambulance, Beth has risen through the ranks, holding positions such as EMT, Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, dispatcher, biller, and dialysis concierge. For more than 10 years, Beth has worked as Training Supervisor for a growing staff of 450 personnel across North and South Florida. Over the years, Beth has been instrumental in developing protocols and best practices through groundbreaking partnerships with organizations like Jacksonville Sports Medicine, where she helped design specialty training for impact and sports-related injuries. Beth currently sits as president of Jacksonville’s Emergency Medical Auxiliary (JEMA) volunteer program, of which she is a founding member and where she leads volunteer training.

In her free time, Beth is lead instructor for the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care courses. Beth is also an avid world traveler, boasting a passport stamped in 62 countries. In 2019, Beth plans to explore Switzerland, Egypt, Alaska, her home state of Indiana, and Texas, where she will enjoy time with her two grandchildren.

As one of the area’s first female Paramedics, Beth has overcome many obstacles to build her legacy of passionate leadership and unparalleled medical care. Century Ambulance Service is honored to call Beth Rodgers a colleague and 2019 Star of Life.

Christopher Alleman

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Christopher Alleman has led Arizona Ambulance Transport through changes and challenges since 2011. Christopher is highly respected both within our organization and in the larger EMS community. Christopher spent more than 30 years in EMS in the Seattle area, and has broad experience ranging from founding and owning his own service to serving as lead operations supervisor for AMR Seattle. In his spare time, Christopher serves as Fire Chief of the Tombstone Volunteer Fire Department, protecting “the town too tough to die.”

Christopher’s steady hand on the tiller has navigated Arizona Ambulance through turbulent times over the past eight years. Christopher spearheaded the development of our robust training operation, and he sets the professional, compassionate tone of the mobile healthcare we provide our patients. Christopher has built a culture within the organization that has driven increased recruitment and retention of our staff. Christopher Alleman epitomizes the character and experience of a true EMS leader, and Arizona Ambulance Transport is proud to call him our Star of Life.

Kim McDorman

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No matter the hour—or day of week—Kim McDorman is ready to respond when technology issues arise. Kim has earned a reputation as “Ms. Fix-It” during her nine years at EMSA. Whether it’s a desktop computer that’s stopped working, a tablet used for documentation that’s not charging, or a mobile data terminal that’s not synching, Kim has a knack for getting to the underlying cause of any IT issue. If solving the problem requires coming in to the office during her off-hours, Kim does so without complaint.

Kim is an intensely curious person. If Kim doesn’t know how something works, she does her research and finds out. She’s also quick to share information with others, in the hope of helping prevent future IT problems from occurring in the first place.

Kim has a wonderful sense of humor and unique way of making all team members feel important. Kim treats frontline EMTs and Paramedics with the same respect and consideration she affords to organizational leaders. Kim is a customer service star and integral part of the EMSA team.

Tyler Weaver

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Southwest Louisiana native Tyler Weaver has served as an EMT with Acadian Ambulance for almost five years. Tyler works out of Lake Charles and was previously partnered with fellow Star of Life, Paramedic Mike Richard.

Tyler enrolled in college to study nursing but found that he was not called to work in a hospital setting. Instead, Tyler earned his EMT certification and has enjoyed every moment working for Acadian.

Tyler has established himself as a courteous, compassionate, and professional patient care provider. He has a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and attention to detail, which have earned him respect from Acadian’s management team as well as Tyler’s peers, patients, and customers.

In addition to his EMT role, Tyler is also a new hire preceptor.

“A motto I try to live by every day is something an old school medic once told me: ‘To know one patient felt better due to my actions makes it all worth it,’” Tyler says.
Tyler is currently attending Acadian’s National EMS Academy to earn his Paramedic certification, with plans to remain at Acadian for the duration of his career.

Tyler has one young son. He is also an avid scuba diver and has visited the Bahamas, Costa Rica and the Cayman Islands.

Chris Nix

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Pasadena, Texas, EMT Chris Nix, has served Acadian Ambulance for almost six years. Caring for the community runs in Chris’s family: both of his parents worked for a local ambulance service in his hometown in Alabama. In high school, Chris began taking college courses and played in the school band, where he was regarded as the best saxophonist in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Shortly after high school graduation, Chris earned his EMT certification. “After working for several different types of EMS—transport, rural, urban, and metro 911—for seven years, I wanted to branch out and see exactly how far my EMS career could take me. I wanted to work in a large EMS environment where I could learn and be exposed to some of the most advanced technologies available. That’s how I wound up in Houston nearly five years ago,” Chris says.

In addition to his position as an EMT, Chris is a preceptor, adjunct instructor at Acadian’s National EMS Academy, and high school Explorer post advisor. Chris also participates on strike teams assisting areas affected by natural disasters. Chris is considered the voice of reason and a steady hand that guides his Paramedic colleagues.

“Chris is known for two things among our Houston team: his hard work and his people skills,” says his Operations Manager, Adam Fitzhenry.

Chris has been recognized as an EMT of the Year by the City of Pasadena, and was honored for this achievement by Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36). Chris has also won Acadian’s President’s Performance Award for his dedication, commitment, and leadership.

Chris and his husband enjoy traveling, movies, food, reading and discovering new things and places.

Michael D. Richard

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Acadian Ambulance Paramedic Michael D. Richard originally joined the company in 2008 as an EMT. Mike later advanced to the Paramedic level. After spending a few years pursuing other career opportunities, Mike came back to Acadian in 2015. In 2017, Mike became a Critical Care Transport Paramedic working in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and in 2018, he was promoted to a Paramedic Field Supervisor position. While in Lake Charles, Mike was ambulance partners with EMT Tyler Weaver.

Currently, Mike operates a Rural Responder Sprint Truck in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, and handles some of the area’s governmental relations. Mike also serves as a preceptor and mentor for new hires.

Acadian Operations Manager John DuBose says, “Not only is Mike good at his job, but he makes others around him want to do better. He leads by example and challenges employees to always do the right thing.”

Mike is known for his remarkable work ethic, exemplary Paramedic skills, positive attitude, and leadership. Mike regularly receives compliments from governmental officials, firefighters, and police officers for his professionalism and kindness.

Mike played bass in a band for six years when he was younger and says The Beatles and Led Zeppelin are his two favorite bands. Mike is married and has four young sons. In his free time, Mike and his wife enjoy exploring coffee from micro-roasters across the country.

Emily Wright

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Acadian Ambulance Paramedic Emily Wright found a career in EMS through an unconventional path that previously saw her performing with a comedy show on cruises. Emily met her future husband on the cruise and relocated to Lafayette, Louisiana, to be with him.

“I’m a native of England, and I have traveled the world, singing in various places in France, the United States and the Caribbean. I even once performed alongside Patti Smith!” says Emily.

After settling in Lafayette, Emily enrolled in Acadian’s National EMS Academy to pursue her EMT certification. Emily joined the company in July 2016 and was assigned to their Houston service area. It didn’t take long before Emily enrolled in an accelerated Paramedic program in Houston to earn that certification and advance her career.

Emily is one of the Houston area’s top preceptors for new hires. In addition to these roles, she serves as an associate quality improvement coordinator and is president of the area’s safety, health and wellness team. Emily is a recipient of Acadian’s President’s Performance Award.

Acadian Operations Manager Adam Fitzhenry describes Emily as, “dedicated, determined and possessing a very strong work ethic.”

Emily is working to earn her Critical Care Transport Paramedic certification and aspires one day to join Acadian Air Med as a Flight Paramedic.

Frank DeLaTorre

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Frank DeLaTorre is a committed mobile healthcare leader whose service in EMS spans three decades. During this time, Frank has worked tirelessly to ensure excellence in prehospital care for our communities.

Frank began his EMS career in 1990 as a volunteer for Coloma Emergency Ambulance Service (now known as Pride Care). Soon after, he earned an Associate in Science Degree from Southwestern Michigan College in 1991. Frank continued his education in an Emergency Medical Technician Specialist program, earning his license in 1992. In February 1992, Frank was hired by Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS) as an Emergency Medical Technician Specialist.

Frank continued his educational journey when he began Paramedic school in the fall of 1992. In April 1993, Frank earned his Paramedic license in the State of Florida and his Michigan Paramedic license in May 1993. In November 2009, Frank received his Critical Care Paramedic certification. Frank was promoted to Shift Captain at SMCAS in April 2010.

On top of his EMS credentials, Frank also holds Michigan Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications, along with Fire Officer 1, 2, and 3 certifications. In addition to working full time for SMCAS, Frank has been employed by Van Buren County Emergency Medical Service (VBEMS) for 23 years, North Berrien Fire-Rescue for 18 years, and Niles City Fire Department for 6 years.

Frank is the SMCAS representative for the Berrien County Fire Chiefs Association. He currently chairs the Fire Chiefs Association Communications Committee that was formed as the Chiefs Association and Berrien County work on a grant to move Fire/EMS onto the state’s Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) 800 radio system. Frank is the MABAS Division 3501 Plan Coordinator, a member of the Berrien County Firefighters Association, and serves as the Secretary for the North Berrien Firefighters Association. Frank is also one of the state trainers for the MPSCS 800 radio system and one of 18 communication technicians (COMT) in the state of Michigan.

Frank has spent time helping fire departments to create and update radio templates, along with programming 800 and VHF radios and pagers in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Frank is also an instructor with the American Heart Association. In 2018, Frank helped to initiate a Fire Cadet Program at North Berrien Fire-Rescue.

Frank is very devoted to his family and enjoys spending time with his wife, three children, and two dogs. He also enjoys cheering for the Chicago Bears!
SMCAS is proud to recognize Frank DeLaTorre as a 2019 Star of Life.

Joe Weindorf

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Joe Weindorf joined the Emergent Health Partners Communications Center in October 2017. In the short time since, Joe has earned the respect and appreciation of his colleagues and has proven himself a capable leader.

Joe was instrumental in solving problems and maintaining operations during Emergent’s recent CAD system implementation. For example, Joe created “cheat sheets” to assist the team in adapting to new processes. These efforts smoothed the transition for all staff, ranging from the veterans with many years of dispatch experience to new hires. Joe’s contributions reduced stress and improved morale. When challenges arise, Joe always steps in to lend a hand to anyone who needs support.

In addition to his skills in the Communications Center, Joe is an EMT serving Emergent’s Monroe County Division.

Joe enjoys spending time outdoors and is thankful for Michigan’s four distinct seasons. Joe especially likes golfing, walking with his dog, and skiing.

Emergent Health Partners is proud to recognize Joe Weindorf as a 2019 Star of Life.

Gary Truitt

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In Memory of Gary Truitt

Gary Truitt exemplifies what it means to be a Paramedic at Jackson Community Ambulance (JCA). Gary maintains a positive attitude and is always willing to help educate new employees and partners. No matter the day, Gary is ready to tackle any challenge that is presented to him.

Gary began his EMS career in 1984 as an EMT. Since then, he has provided mobile healthcare at several services, including Reading Ambulance, LifeCare Ambulance, the State of Michigan Department of Corrections, and now JCA. Gary retired from the Department of Corrections in 2009 and has been working full time with JCA since 2011. He is currently one of the South Central Region’s Field Training Officers as well as a volunteer firefighter for Moscow Township.

Gary’s integrity and passion for serving his community have elevated him to become one of the most respected Paramedics within JCA. He maintains a high level of professionalism and deep commitment to his patients, all while sharing his unique sense of humor with others.

When not serving his community, Gary loves riding his motorcycle. It is not unusual to see him riding to work even in inclement weather. Gary also enjoys the outdoors and is known to take his fifth wheel camper down South. Everyone also appreciates the fudge he brings to work every Christmas, all while he spends many hours volunteering during the holidays cooking for the less fortunate.

Rose Pelzel

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Rose Pelzel has served as an EMT and Paramedic for Devine Redeemer and HealthEast Ambulance service for nearly 47 years, making her one of the longest serving street medics in the United States. Rose began her EMS career in 1972 by taking the Advanced First Aid class in South St. Paul, Minnesota. Rose was the only woman in the class and immediately faced challenges. Driven to help people, she was inspired by the Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Rose pressed forward. In 1974, Rose completed Paramedic school and helped form the first MICU team in the Upper Midwest.

Rose is a trusted colleague and a skilled professional. Her colleague wrote, “Early in my own Paramedic career, Rose was my mentor, exhibiting great passion for helping others, patients and coworkers, in need of her care.” She always exemplifies the good stewardship needed to carry on the HealthEast mission, “Optimal health and wellbeing for our patients, communities and ourselves.”

In the late 1980s, Rose joined one of the first Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) teams in the Upper Midwest. She was then able to bring her deep passion to care for people to other first responders that needed care of their own. Despite facing her own EMS burn-out at least three times in her career, Rose was able to find energy, drive, and inspiration to continue to “love” her career. Today, Rose has a calming and grounding effect on her team. Her sincere empathy and mission to find good in all people and situations, drives her to help people find and realize their potential.

Rose has served with great distinction in many roles; Crew Supervisor, Critical Care Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Preceptor, mentor, and friend. Rose has accumulated immeasurable experience that she shares with her colleagues as fuel for their growth and development. One of the most valuable pieces of advice she offers is to stay emotionally and mentally present when providing mobile healthcare. “Be with your patient. Treating your patient is not being with them. Find a way to connect and be with them,” she says. The energy and inspiration that Rose channels from these personal connections are what keep her fully engaged with her career.

Although she has already served 47 years as a full-time field provider in a high volume metropolitan area, Rose has no plan to retire. “If my EMS career did come to an end suddenly, I don’t have a need to do anything else,” she says with a huge smile, referring to a recent 911 request in Eagan, Minnesota. Rose and her partner, along with two Good Samaritans and a fire crew came to the aid of a drowning boy. Heroic efforts resuscitated the young boy. Joyous as it was to treat, save, and later meet their patient, Rose found the most meaning in her interaction with the child’s family. “The look on the father’s face when he shook my hand meant so much to me. It showed sincere appreciation and more importantly, deep connection,” she said.

Rose Pelzel has served her patients, colleagues, and community with outstanding care, respect and understanding for nearly five decades. She has truly earned her place as a 2019 Star of Life.

Matthew Moreno

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Matthew Troy Moreno had a heart of gold and lived to serve other people.

While serving as a full-time Deputy Sheriff in our county, Matt decided to volunteer as a firefighter. Matt spent hours training and rose to the rank of Captain. Even that wasn’t enough for Matt: despite his other commitments, he then also elected to become an EMT. He sailed through training, and soon became a part-time employee with the Trinidad Ambulance District. Matt always kept medical gear in his police patrol unit and frequently responded to medical emergencies, often arriving long before the ambulance. Matt was a true public servant.

Matt was also known for his sense of humor and his hilarious practical jokes. He was truly one of a kind.

On the night of December 12, 2018 Matt responded to a domestic disturbance call. While en route, he was struck head-on by a drug and alcohol impaired driver, who was travelling at 96 mph. Tragically, he did not survive. The Trinidad Ambulance District asks that Matt be recognized posthumously for his exceptional public service.

Matt is survived by his father, Ed Moreno (JoAnn); mother, Christine Dagnillo; daughters, Summer Moreno and Morgan Moreno; son, Jared Klipfel; ex-wife, Eva Moreno; sister, Karli (Casey) Michael; nephews, Kaleb Hargraves USMC, Gavin Hargraves, Ayden Michael; nieces, Maddie Michael and Kimber Michael; and girlfriend, Niccole Cordova.

Law enforcement, fire service, EMS; Matt selflessly served our community in every capacity. Matt is greatly missed, and we are all deeply saddened by his passing. Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here.

Justin Rowe

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Justin Rowe is described by his colleagues as humble, kind, thoughtful, supportive, and dedicated. According to many, Justin is a superb team player who understands the responsibility of delivering prehospital care to the citizens of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Justin takes a great deal of pride in working with the NET team and delivering excellent care to the patients and the families MEDIC serves. Justin works not only to meet the Agency’s standards of behavior for providing outstanding care, but he exceeds expectations by displaying professionalism and compassion towards every patient. Justin’s outstanding patient care frequently results in families requesting him by name.

According to his supervisor, “Justin is, by far, one of the hardest working employees we have at MEDIC. His dedication to our patients and departments is of the highest caliber. I frequently rely on Justin to make sound operational decisions and to mentor others without prompting.”

Justin began his career with MEDIC as an EMT in June 2007. He quickly moved up to function as one of the first BLS team leaders on the Non Emergency Transportation (NET) team. He then pursued his Paramedic certification. When the ALS NET team was transitioning from HP to solely ALS NET, he was one of the few that remained on NET. He spoke very positively of the mission of the NET team, inspiring other team members to stay instead of going back to 911. In September 2016, Justin stepped up to become a full-time crew chief without question or hesitation.

Justin has also worked closely this year with Special Operations during large-scale events. He assists crews who are less familiar with the UTVs, trouble shoots tablet connections, helps determine the best access points to patients in highly congested areas, and is familiar with the Command Center. Lastly, Justin also worked with Logistics during a time of reduced staffing, simply because he wanted to help his colleagues. Justin learned how to support the department by checking out gear and narcotics to incoming and outbound crews.

In addition to his work in the field, Justin has taken on a variety of additional responsibilities at MEDIC. For example, Justin is a safety instructor and trains new employees to operate MEDIC vehicles. He also mentors new staff as they transition to working in the field. The work Justin has done and continues to do has been vital for the success of our new agency driving program. Justin also dedicates his time off-the-clock working as an instructor for the Safe Teen program, which works to educate young adults on the responsibility of safe driving.

Justin is very humble and would never shine the spotlight on himself. Over the course of his career at MEDIC, Justin has worked hard to better himself as well as to being the best care provider possible. For these many reasons, MEDIC is proud to recognize Justin the 2019 Stars of Life award.

Shon Matthews

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After nearly two decades at Alumax Mill Products as both union president and a finishing operator, a family accident inspired Shon Matthews to change career paths. In 2003, Matthews was out of town when he learned his son had been injured in a serious ATV accident and taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Listening to his wife and brother-in-law discuss the incident, Matthews realized communities need more people to get involved to save lives.

Shortly after, Matthews joined the Booker Bridge Volunteer Fire Department in Miller County, Arkansas as a first responder. Shortly thereafter, Matthews also became part of the first responder team at the mill where he worked full-time. Through training at the mill, Matthews met a LifeNet EMS Paramedic who told him that he was a natural fit for EMS. Matthews attended EMT school, then began working for LifeNet EMS part-time in 2007 as an EMT while continuing his education to become a Paramedic.

In March of 2009, Matthews joined LifeNet full-time, and a few years later, he was promoted to a Field Training Officer (FTO) role. He quickly proved himself an asset in that position, and in May of 2013, when one of the company’s Operations Managers was deployed overseas, Matthews was selected to temporarily fill that role for nine months.

When it was time for Matthews to return to his role as a field provider, the LifeNet Air medical helicopter in Texarkana needed coverage for a flight medic who was going out on short-term disability. Matthews was asked to fill-in as a flight medic during that time period. After his term as a flight medic ended, he was asked to help his family start a business. Matthews briefly stepped away from a full-time career in EMS. For the next six months, he worked only call-in-relief for LifeNet as a Paramedic for both the ground and air operations. Matthews eventually realized that his heart was not in the family business, and he made the decision to return to mobile healthcare full-time.

In June of 2016, Matthews was offered a full-time role as a flight medic on LifeNet Air, his dream job. Less than a year later, a full-time position opened for an Operations Manager role. Since August 2016, Matthews has served as full-time Operations Manager for LifeNet EMS in Texarkana, while also continuing to work as needed on the LifeNet Air medical helicopter. It is this dedication and commitment to doing whatever is needed to care for our patients and to serve the community that inspired his colleagues to nominate Matthews for the Star of Life award.

One coworker noted, “Perhaps the thing I have been most impressed by when watching Shon in action is how he is received in the community. As part of my initial training, I made rounds with Shon at three area hospitals. Shon was not only greeted warmly by the staff, but he was also known as a friend at every place we went. I have yet to repeat the experience I had with Shon with any other crew member. Shon has a natural ability to have conversations, build relationships, and represent us in the community in a way that people relate to.”

When Matthews is not working full-time in one of his many roles, he endeavors to educate the community on safety and to build the next generation of EMS professionals. In addition to teaching local first responders for LifeNet Air, Matthews also teaches BCLS, ACLS, ITLS, PEPP, and pediatric first aid. Additionally, he is an instructor in the EMT and Paramedic program at Texarkana College.

When he is not busy fulfilling his EMS duties, you will find Matthews spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Nicole and Derek. Matthews is an active member of Fairland Holiness Church where he serves as a Sunday School teacher.

Timothy Couillard

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Timothy Couillard joined Bell Ambulance as a Critical Care Paramedic in November of 2010. Since joining the team, Tim has dedicated himself to sharing knowledge with less experienced mobile healthcare providers.

Tim excels in all facets of EMS but has a special passion for teaching. It didn’t take long for Bell to recognize this talent, and he was soon promoted to the rank of Field Training Officer, a role he quickly embraced. In addition to mentoring new EMTs and Paramedics, Tim teaches CPR, ACLS, and PALS to most of the Bell Ambulance staff. In 2016, Tim’s capable leadership earned him a promotion to Supervisor. Never complacent, Tim also became an EMD-certified dispatcher in 2017.

When not serving at Bell, Tim enjoys family time with his wife, Toni; his three daughters, Sierra, Julie and Lily; and his two dogs, Otto and Ranger. Tim is also an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hunting, fishing, and time on his 4-wheeler.

In addition to receiving numerous Service Awards over the years, Tim was honored with the 2018 Bell Ambulance Employee of the Year Award. Now, we are proud and excited to celebrate Tim as a 2019 Star of Life.

David DeTray

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David DeTray, or “Bubba” as he is known in Trinidad, is Trinidad Ambulance District’s most senior employee. David is proud to have dedicated over 15 years of service to our community.

In addition to his work as a Paramedic, David is also a Fire Chief, a member of our Rescue Task Force, and our driving instructor. David is one of the most compassionate and caring Paramedics you will ever meet. His sense of humor is without equal, and he is quick to share a joke with his patients, colleagues, and hospital staff.

David has spent many years as an ALS provider at the Intermediate level. David wanted to earn his Paramedic certification, but there were many obstacles to doing so, not the least of which was that the closest Paramedic school was three hours away in Denver. Despite serving as the Fire Chief for a fire district in our neighboring county and on top of his full-time schedule with Trinidad, David sacrificed so that our community could have another much needed Paramedic in our ranks.

This dedication to providing high-quality mobile healthcare to his community makes Trinidad Ambulance District proud to call David DeTray a Star of Life.

Dean Rush

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Dean Rush holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Arkansas. Rush came to mobile healthcare with an impressive track record from his previous career in sales and marketing. When Rush returned to school as a seasoned professional to earn his Paramedic certificate at the the University of Iowa, he started a new chapter in his career that would positively impact multiple communities across the nation.

Rush began his EMS career when he became a volunteer EMT with Humboldt Ambulance Service in 1998, shortly after his family relocated to Humboldt, Iowa. The decision to move was necessitated by his job as a marketing specialist for the textile industry.

Shortly after moving to Humboldt, the local ambulance company asked Rush if he had ever thought about becoming involved in the medical field. They gave Rush a pager and told him to drive to the hospital if it went off. Just 15 minutes after receiving it, the pager went off. There was a snowmobile wreck directly across the street from the hospital involving two 16-year-old kids. That call would inspire Rush to work towards his Paramedic certificate.

In 2001, Rush was named the National Marketing Representative of the year at his full-time job. On the morning of September 11th, his family was getting ready to fly to San Diego to accept the award when they learned all flights had been canceled due to the terrorist tragedy. That events of that day deeply impacted Rush and guided him further towards mobile healthcare.

A few months later, Rush was offered a position working full-time as a Paramedic at Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Rush left his corporate career behind to work full-time in an industry where he could truly make a difference in the lives of others.

In 2012, Rush became a flight medic for LifeNet of the Heartlands, a division of AirMethods. Rush also taught as an adjunct professor at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa. That same year he received the Hero of the Heartland Award.

When his three children were out of the house, Rush and his wife, Brenda, decided to leave the snow of Iowa behind and head south. Rush became a street Paramedic for the City of New Orleans.

A few years later, the duo—who had met while they were both students at the University of Arkansas—decided to relocate to Arkansas in order to be closer to their children, all of whom had decided to attend their parents’ alma mater. After the move, Rush joined LifeNet EMS in 2016.

A certified Critical Care Paramedic, Rush currently serves as a Field Training Officer and a fill-in Operations Manager for LifeNet’s Hot Springs Division. Additionally, Rush is an instructor in the Paramedic program at National Park College.

His colleagues say, “What best describes Rush is his consistently positive attitude. He is full of knowledge and is eager to share any information when you ask him a question. His work ethic and professionalism are both exceptional and impressive. Rush goes above and beyond the call of duty to help his patients and his co-workers. His patient care is very proficient, and his bedside manner is phenomenal. Rush is deeply committed to imparting knowledge upon the next generation of EMS providers. Rush is an open book, and always takes time to answer questions from colleagues.”