Matthew Skiffington began his EMS career at Hunter’s Ambulance in 2009 as an EMT. He then achieved his Paramedic license in February 2013. After excelling in his field, Matthew was promoted to Field Training Officer.
Matthew’s drive has always left him seeking new challenges and opportunities. Recently, his passion for sharing his knowledge drove Matt to become a Paramedic Field instructor. Matthew’s continued dedication to the betterment of his fellow employees, students, and patients has made a profound impact on everyone around him. He consistently demonstrates strong clinical skills, asserts himself as a leader, and provides the very best of care. His dedication to his peers, patients, and the EMS profession sets Matthew apart in his field.
Matthew was recently chosen as a Hartford Healthcare Award of Excellence recipient.
Ian Pieper began his EMS career at Hunters Ambulance in 2014. In addition to his current service as a combat medic specialist in the Army National Guard, Ian quickly established himself as a dedicated, hardworking stand out employee at Hunter’s. His personality shined, bringing out the best of all those around him. Ian’s skillset was matched only by his dedication to his patients and colleagues.
Furthering his work in EMS, Ian was then promoted to Field Training Officer. In this role, he has bestowed his vast knowledge in the training and excellence of new Emergency Medical Technicians. Ian produces an energy amongst his peers, inspiring others to excel in the profession as he has. His leadership, compassion, dedication and willingness teach others, coupled with his passion for the mobile healthcare profession, makes Ian truly embody all that is best about EMS.
Ian was recently chosen as the Hunter’s Ambulance Service EMS 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Marcello Miranda began his EMS career at Hunter’s in 2005. In addition to serving as a Sargent in the Army National Guard, his commitment to excellence in his profession is demonstrated by his role as a Field Training Officer.
Marcello carefully guides new hires through the orientation process and takes an active role in training EMT students. His willingness and dedication to build the skills of new EMTs has proven to be essential for others to succeed. Marcello’s leadership qualities and the manner with which he uses his field experiences position him as a standout among his peers. His care for his patients exemplifies the skilled care provider that he is. He is a strong leader and willing to help his peers or anyone in need.
Marcello was recently chosen as a Hartford Healthcare -Award of Excellence recipient.
Nicole Mazzone was hired in 2013 as a Non-Emergency Telecommunicator. She excelled very quickly in her duties and transferred to EMS Dispatch in 2015.
Exhibiting a desire to conquer further challenges, Nicole worked diligently to obtain the certifications necessary to transition from Call Receiver to Dispatcher. Nicole continued to show her proficiency and leadership by becoming a Field Training Officer and inspiring our new Dispatchers to strive for excellence. Her most recent certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch Quality Assurance is a critical role in maintaining our center’s IAED accreditation.
Nicole stands out as a leader among her peers. Nicole exhibits extreme professionalism under pressure. She is efficient, clear minded, calculated, fair, knowledgeable, and takes pride in every aspect of each job that she performs. Nicole is a true example of what a leader embodies through her dedication to her profession.
Nicole was recently chosen as the Hunter’s Ambulance Service 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient for Telecommunications.
Michael Horbachuk began his EMS journey in 2009 as an EMT for Hunters working part-time while balancing his full-time position as a high school teacher. Michael would share his knowledge freely and with great enthusiasm and quickly established himself as a source of knowledge for many of his peers.
Michael transitioned to full time, then completed Paramedic school in 2017. He has since quickly established himself as a very skilled care giver. His congenial personality makes him a quick friend to his peers and brings comfort to his patients.
Michael has become an EMS Instructor and effectively combines his field experience with his talents as an educator and is a positive force in the classroom. He keeps his knowledge and skills sharp both by teaching the next generation of EMTs and by serving as a leader in the Field training officer program.
Through his efforts, care, skill, and passion, Michael Horbachuk is setting the standard for professionalism in our industry. Michael was recently chosen as the Hunter’s Ambulance Service EMS 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Kelly Augeri began her EMS career at Hunter’s in 1999 and achieved her paramedic license 2008. She also served in the Army National Guard and the Westfield Fire Department, which sharpened her natural leadership skills.
Kelly takes charge on challenging scenes while rendering the best of patient care. Kelly is well respected by her peers and fellow agencies. She consistently challenges herself and her colleagues to be better clinicians, patient advocates, and leaders. She is always willing to help others whether by taking on another call or being an encouraging voice in a time of need.
Kelly embodies all of what this profession should be. In addition to her selection for Stars of Life, Kelly was recently chosen for a Hartford Healthcare Award of Excellence.
David Battaglia is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) and Driver Trainer with Mohawk Ambulance Service. He joined the company in 2017, but his career as a first responder dates back to 2012 when he began volunteering with his hometown fire department, Niskayuna Fire District 2.
At the start of 2019, David took on the additional role of Driver Trainer, working with new hires to set forth expectations of what it truly means to be a mobile healthcare professional and Mohawk Ambulance employee.
David truly appreciates each and every moment he is able to experience as a first responder, and enjoys the sense of fulfillment when he is able to make a positive impact in the lives of others. His work ethic and dedication to others have not gone unnoticed. Last year, David was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Mohawk Ambulance. He notes that the nomination from his peers to receive the Star of Life has been his greatest professional accomplishment thus far.
Having worked as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, David recognizes that public service is one of the greater gifts we can give. Outside of work, he continually looks for ways in which he can volunteer his time to charitable causes. He exemplifies the core values of Mohawk Ambulance Service and the company is proud to have him as part of our crew. We look forward to his continued growth in the field of emergency medical services.
Andrew Sweeney has worked in mobile healthcare for 12 years. His passion for working with people drove him to a career in EMS, beginning as a wheelchair van driver. In 2007, Andrew became an EMT Basic, and in 2009, a Paramedic. He has been with Action Ambulance since September of 2018, working as a full-time Paramedic.
When asked to describe the best part of his job, Andrew says, “I get to interact with such a vast cross section of the population; from the smiles on expecting parents’ faces when you tell them that it’s a boy or girl, to the comfort of holding a lonely old person’s hand at the end so they don’t face that alone. The ability to bring comfort to and help people never gets old.”
In his short time at Action, Andrew has demonstrated his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve patients. He has also shown his innate aptitude for teamwork: He is always willing to help his company and his peers. His love of people and of serving as a Paramedic is evident to everyone. Action Ambulance is lucky to call him part of the family.
Nic Heller began working in EMS four years ago after a good friend and neighbor gave him an application to volunteer for Polk County Fire District. After six months of initial training, Nic began responding to calls and was immediately hooked. He received his EMT-B certification and joined Pacific West Ambulance (PWA) two months later.
Nic is currently training to be a Paramedic while working two full-time jobs. In addition to his job as an EMT, Nic serves as a Behavior Consultant subcontractor for the state of Oregon and writes behavior plans for adults that live in assisted living and memory care facilities. He also continues to work as a volunteer for Polk County Fire District. Nic plans to attend the National College of Technical Instruction (NCTI) next year and to return to PWA upon completion of his degree.
Nic and his wife, Cassandra, have two children, Mercy and William, two dogs, and two cats. Nic enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family, as well as playing bass guitar for his local church.
Tara began her EMS career in 2001 when she joined EMSA as an EMT-Basic and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. In 2002, Tara found her home at Muskogee County EMS, working both as an EMT and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. She went on to become an EMT-Intermediate and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher Quality Improvement Officer. Throughout the years, Tara has dedicated herself to the Communications Department, working her way up as a Communications Training Officer, QA/QI Supervisor, and now the Communications Center Supervisor. She has focused on improving the training program and the overall culture of the dispatch center.
Tara has been married to Dave Henry for 17 years and together they have three children. Although their oldest son, Braden, has recently moved out of the house, Tara keeps busy with her two adopted children, Maddex, who is involved with the Special Olympics, and Jensyn, who attends cheerleading competitions. Tara is very blessed with her life and her family that she cherishes.
Tara loves the people that she works with and takes great pride in seeing their success. She constantly demonstrates knowledge of dispatching and company procedures, and she shares her knowledge and experiences with the employees to ensure their success as well. Tara is now taking on the challenge of re-accreditation for the Muskogee County EMS Dispatch Center of Excellence. Muskogee County EMS is honored to present Tara Henry as American Ambulance Association Star of Life.
Tara Henry is being nominated due to her phenomenal work ethic throughout her career with Muskogee County EMS. It is time for her to be recognized for all of her hard work behind-the-scenes of the Communication Center, and for her efforts related to re-accreditation for Muskogee County EMS Dispatch Center of Excellence.
Tara Henry is being honored as a Star of Life due to her phenomenal work ethic throughout her career with Muskogee County EMS. She has been under-recognized for all her hard work behind the scenes of the Communication Center and for her efforts to meet the new challenge of re-accreditation for Muskogee County EMS Dispatch Center of Excellence.
Shannon came to Action Ambulance as a brand new EMT Basic in 2016. She is extremely bright and excels at her job, and she is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients and her colleagues at Action. As a result, Shannon has been nominated numerous times for Action’s internal STARCARE awards program.
One colleague wrote about Shannon and her partner, “I would like to nominate two EMTs for a STARCARE award. Approximately two weeks ago, my uncle—who receives hospice care—was discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital. I had Action come and transport him home. My cousin who was with my uncle stated, ‘Those two EMTs were awesome, they made us all feel so comfortable and like we had known each other for years.’ My Aunt said, ‘Oh my God those two girls were awesome. They treated him really well and were making me laugh.” I truly appreciate the professionalism of Shannon Kean. The family is going through a lot, especially that day, and to hear how comfortable they made my family just demonstrates how much of an asset they are to Action.”
While working at Action, Shannon attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services in Boston. She graduated in 2018. Along with her love of helping people, Shannon also loves and competitively rides horses.
Action is grateful that Shannon chose our organization when seeking her first mobile healthcare position. Action Ambulance is proud to recognize Shannon Kean as a 2019 Star of Life.
Sunstar Paramedics is proud to honor David Grabowski as a Star of Life. David has served as a Paramedic for more than 9 years and embodies the best qualities of a mobile healthcare professional. Since joining Sunstar, David has excelled at furthering his skills and knowledge to best serve his community.
David is a member of the Pinellas County Tactical EMS team, which supports the Pinellas County Sheriff’s SWAT operations and participates in serving high-risk warrants and providing VIP escorts in addition to incident response. He has become a highly-qualified member of this team and achieved the prestigious Tactical Paramedic certification from the International Board of Specialty Certifications.
David is also a member of the CAMTS-Accredited Sunstar Critical Care Transport Team, and holds the rank of Critical Care Paramedic. As a member of this team, David cares for and transports high-acuity patients who require high levels of monitoring and intervention to and from definitive care centers. David is also recognized as a certified Flight Paramedic through the International Board of Specialty Certifications.
Although David has distinguished himself in many ways, there is one trait that cannot be certified that truly makes David deserving of recognition. He is always compassionate with his patients and supportive of his colleagues. The calm, confident, yet humble way David conducts himself is an excellent example of public service and what it is to be a member of the EMS community.
On a particularly exceptional call, David was partnered with a recently hired Paramedic, and the two clinicians were first on scene to a critical overdose. David remained calm, cool, and collected managing the patient’s care while setting the tone for the newer crew member. The patient’s outcome was a positive one, and this can be attributed at least in part to the skill, compassion, and expertise that David possesses.
As an industry we look for individuals that will perform in the ever-changing environment in which we find ourselves. It can give us hope to see people like David who are resilient to high-acuity complaints, such as opiate overdose, striving to further their knowledge in responding to dangerous and dynamic scenes with the Tactical Paramedic program. David is truly a shining example of what a First Responder should be. It is Sunstar Paramedics’ honor to recognize him as a 2019 Star of Life.
Robert has worked for Medix Ambulance since November of 2010 as an EMT Basic. Robert is very knowledgeable, which is one of the many reasons his partners enjoy working with him. Robert is pleasant and hardworking, and always goes the extra mile to perform additional tasks and assist his co-workers. He never questions an assignment, and always finds ways to achieve his goal in the simplest and most effective method possible.
Robert is married to Brenda, the Communications Supervisor for Medix. During his free time, Robert enjoys kayaking, local sports programs, and enjoying the outdoors.
Robert’s presence and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Medix believes Robert embodies exactly what a Star of Life should be and is very proud to have him represent our company.
John Large began his EMT career as an explorer with Mohawk Ambulance at the age of 13. John has now worked for Mohawk Ambulance for 31 years.
Not only does John treat every patient as if he is caring for his own family, he affords his every colleague the same respect. John is well-rounded in every aspect of emergency services. In addition to his work as an EMT, John has also been a volunteer firefighter and officer for 38 years.
John always goes a above and beyond the call of duty. When there is a serious call, John will respond from the station, or from home, and assist the crews in any way he can. John is always willing to lend an ear; should it be to crews after a difficult call or helping his colleagues with work or personal problems. On holidays, during extreme weather conditions, and just on long, busy days, John always makes sure that his crews are properly fed and taken care of. John has earned the respect of the entire Mohawk Ambulance family.
John is the ultimate team player and treats everyone with respect, regardless of rank. He is known by his peers to be dedicated, committed, hardworking, professional, and kind.
John has devoted his life to public service in EMS and as a volunteer firefighter. John has earned the utmost respect from Mohawk’s employees, our volunteer and municipal fire departments, and his patients alike. It is an honor and privilege to work side by side with John.
Candice Dickson’s first day as a paid EMT on an ambulance was September 11, 2001, with AMR Rancho Division in Southern California. A year and a half prior, Candice found herself suddenly widowed and was looking for a sense of control and security, which the challenges of mobile healthcare fulfilled. Of her experience in EMS, Candice says, “I found that I got back from it so much more than I ever expected. I found like-minded people with tons of curiosity and interesting senses of humor, people that took their skills very seriously, but didn’t have to wear their scars.”
In 2003, Candice became a Paramedic after studying at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California. She received a field internship at Yucaipa City Fire, which lead to a paid position as a Call Firefighter, in addition to her full-time Medic job with AMR. Candice also began teaching in the EMT and Medic program at Crafton Hills. In order to improve her wildland fire skills, Candice also worked for a short period for the California Department of Forestry.
Candice moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2006, and worked for South West Ambulance, before returning to the West Coast and relocating to Lincoln City, Oregon in 2008. She has been a Medic with Pacific West Ambulance (PWA) since 2009, and has enjoyed the challenges of working in a rural community with a rigorous Medical Advisor. In 2017, Candice attended and graduated from the North Lincoln Fire & Rescue Academy, which has allowed her to live her passion for EMS and serve her small community even more.
Chief Doug Lewis began his career in public safety at the age of 17 as a Bryan County volunteer. He received his EMT card in 1982, his Paramedic card in 1986, and became a National Registered Paramedic in 1994. Prior to beginning at Chatham Emergency Services in 2011, Doug worked as a Medic for MedStar Ambulance Service, Effingham County EMS, Wayne County EMS, and Liberty County EMS. In both 1994 and 1996, he was named the Chatham County EMT of the Year. Since 2007, Doug has served as a Tactical Paramedic for the Savannah Police Department. In 2014, Doug was promoted to Captain, and in 2017 he became District Chief.
Chief Lewis has many duties as a District Chief with Chatham Emergency Services. During his shifts, he is constantly running calls, backing up units on bad calls, dealing with customer complaints, and handling various other administrative duties. In addition, he oversees the SWAT Medic Program at Chatham Emergency Services, and has served as a SWAT Medic since 2007. He works closely with the local police departments, providing ongoing training and tactics to make his team as safe as possible.
Doug is one of the most dedicated leaders at Chatham Emergency Services. He is always filling vacant shifts after finishing his regular work schedule, sometimes working over 48 hours straight. Doug is the epitome of EMS excellence and his heart is dedicated to serving others.
Doug and his wife, Valerie, have six children and three grandchildren.
Jacquelynn Martin is a highly-skilled Emergency Medical and Fire Service Telecommunicator with decades of experience. She loves her work and shows great compassion for colleagues and callers.
As a Supervisor overseeing all training and quality assurance and improvement activities in her communications center, Jacki impacts virtually every medical and fire call into Sumter County’s 911 system. Jacki ensures that all new members of her team receive comprehensive but individualized instruction.
Jacki’s kindness is as legendary as her training proficiency. When she learned that a new team member could not provide Christmas presents for her children, Jacki quietly collected money, shopped for gifts, and ensured that they were delivered. When a high school student observing in the communications center said she could not afford a prom dress, Jacki and her colleagues rallied to provide a dress and cover other costs for the young lady’s prom.
Katherine Miller’s positive impact on her team rivals that of EMS professionals with decades of experience. Since joining AMR’s operation in Syracuse in August 2017, Kate has earned widespread respect from her peers and supervisors. During her short tenure, Kate has sought out additional training, demonstrated strong team management skills, and attained the ranks of Field Training Officer and senior EMT.
Kate is active in her community. She leads Stop the Bleed courses and has completed Rescue Task Force Active Shooting training to improve her knowledge and skill. Kate was quick to join AMR’s Emergency Response Team and was deployed after Hurricane Michael struck the Florida panhandle last October.
New and experienced providers alike seek out Kate as a partner due to her abilities and genuine positive attitude. Though still new to EMS, Kate is a role model and someone to watch as her career unfolds.
Last Christmas Eve, Keviette Potts and her partner witnessed a man gunned down on a city street. The shooter fled, so Keviette and her partner carefully approached the patient, ferried him to their ambulance, and began treatment. The patient had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, some of which were life-threatening. One bullet had pierced the patient’s liver and lungs. Keviette and her partner rushed the man to a hospital and had him in the trauma team’s hands within 15 minutes. Due to the care and urgency that Keviette demonstrated, the man survived.
Known for her dedication and perseverance, Keviette is a highly respected Field Training Officer whose colleagues call her “an encyclopedia of EMS.” Keviette is also a volunteer Firefighter. She is the first woman in her volunteer department to complete a term as a Fire Officer, to serve as vice president and sit on the department’s board of directors.
If there were a “Mr. Greenville, Texas” contest, Michael Sanchez would be an odds-on favorite to win it.
Last year, Michael’s coworkers and local first responders picked him as Hunt County Fire Association’s EMT of the Year. He has received this honor and mentorship award several times during his 17 years at AMR-Hunt County EMS. Michael consistency puts others’s needs first, and he helps to organize employee and community-wide EMS Week activities and first responder recognition ceremonies each year.
Michael and his partner were returning to the station last winter when Michael noticed a small boy walking in the rain on the side of the road. Something did not feel right, so Michael and his partner stopped to check things out. The boy had wandered off from school. He did not know where he was and could not remember his last name. Michael’s partner contacted law enforcement while Michael got the boy warmed up and gave him snacks. He was reunited with his grandmother soon, but the story does not end there. Michael noticed there was no booster seat in the car for the boy, who was still too small to ride safely without one, so he arranged for the family to receive one.
