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Archives: Stars

Craig Boydell

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

A dedicated firefighter/EMT, Craig Boydell is an indispensable member of Pima County Fire Operation’s Critical Incident Stress Management team. Craig willingly responds at a moment’s notice to help his peers, along with providers from neighboring fire protection and EMS agencies, after significant, traumatic events. He has provided much-needed support at numerous local, state, and regional incidents, including the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Craig has a strong focus on both physical fitness and mental fitness. He is a certified fitness instructor and fire academy physical training instructor. Craig is also an active member of his department’s Health & Wellness and Safety Committees.

Craig is a natural leader and is dedicated to helping the next generation succeed, including the high school students to whom he provides introductory training on careers in the fire service. Craig has served Pima County for the past 16 years.

 

Sheila Jackson

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Sheila Jackson has worked for Metro West Ambulance for over 20 years. Calm, professional, and caring, Sheila continuously demonstrates high level compassionate clinical care, whether it is a routine patient transport or a more emotionally challenging event.

Mentoring new Paramedics and EMTs is Sheila’s passion. Sheila’s 20 plus years of dedication to EMS is seen throughout community, as she spends a lot of her off time volunteering with animal shelters and with a local fire agency. While volunteering, she trains, coaches, and mentors new Medics, and is always ready to share her years of wisdom with others, from new EMTs to seasoned Paramedics. 

When not on duty, Sheila enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Sheila’s dedication to Metro West Ambulance and the EMS community is demonstrated through her hard work and perseverance. She is loyal, honest, and committed to the growth of the EMS profession. She rarely misses a day of work, fills in when necessary for fellow medics, and continuously volunteers her time to make a difference. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Sheila as a 2019 Star of Life.

 

Cassandra Sperlein

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After 14 years in Special Education working with medically fragile individuals, Cassandra Sperlein made the leap to EMS. She began her career as an Emergency Medical Technician in Los Angeles, where she worked for two years on an interfacility transport unit doing Basic Life Support and Critical Care Transports. She then worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for a special events company, where she also held the positions of Field Training Officer and Supervisor.

In January 2017, Cassandra began her career at Metro West Ambulance as an EMT in the Wheelchair Department. She was able to obtain her Ambulance Certification and started working on an ambulance shortly after starting with the company. Cassandra recently moved to the Standby Division and is currently attending Paramedic school. After a few years of experience in the field, Cassandra hopes to become a Field Training Officer in order to help and teach new EMTs and Paramedics.

Cassandra greatly enjoys reading and taking adventures with her wife and 5 year old son.

 

Howard Halcomb

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Howard “Punky” Halcomb has been volunteering in emergency services for 47 years. He began his career as a Firefighter at the Pond Creek Fire Department in 1972. He served as Assistant Fire Chief for several years before serving as Chief from 1998 to 2006. He continues to have a major impact in the community as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Responder, and Emergency Manager.

Punky’s leadership was crucial in establishing emergency medical services in Pond Creek and the surrounding areas. In 1974, Punky became one of the first registered EMTs in his area, and in 1975, at the request of the local funeral home, Punky and three other members of the fire department assumed the responsibility of providing transportation and care to the sick and injured using the funeral home hearse. By the late 1970s, Pond Creek Fire Department was able to purchase its first ambulance to provide emergency care. As the department grew, he continued to play a vital role in serving the community and still has a major impact today.

When not on fire or medical calls, Punky spends much of his free time at the station working on equipment or making much needed improvements. He still carries more responsibilities than most, including communications, storm spotting, tornado siren testing, and hydrant testing. He also volunteers his time at the school teaching the fire safety program.

Punky shares his passion for emergency medical services with his wife, Sara. She has served as a Firefighter and EMT for 24 years, and together they have helped countless people in their time of need, often working together on the same truck. Punky also handed his love for serving down to his son, Brandon. Brandon has made a career in emergency services as a full time Firefighter and Advanced EMT in Oklahoma. Punky has two other children, Mindy and Nicholas, both of whom have successful careers in other fields.

Pond Creek Fire and EMS is honored to recognize Punky Halcomb as a 2019 Star of Life Award nominee.

Lee Huber

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Lee Huber has more than 15 years of experience in public safety, including fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. Lee began his career working at a small rural ambulance service as an EMT-Intermediate and eventually became the department’s Director. He came to Lakes Region EMS as one of the Operations Managers, with the primary responsibility of leading a new management contract for a rural hospital-based ambulance service. Since taking on this role, Lee has led the service in an engaging and meaningful way, bringing employee engagement to an all-time high. He is dedicated to standing out as not only a manager for the contracted area, but also a leader who goes above and beyond when it comes to the success of Lakes Region EMS. 

Lee has been in his role at Lakes Region EMS for the past six years. During this time, he has been an overall sounding board for problem solving in areas throughout the operation. He also has utilized his previous leadership experience and his clinical knowledge to help facilitate multiple partnerships, such as with state representatives, and community programs, including EMR Medical Direction for multiple agencies and CPR class coordination with local programs. Lee’s dedication to Lakes Region EMS is steadfast and unyielding.

John Joswiak

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John Joswiak has 13 years of experience in emergency medical services, and has spent the last eight years with Lakes Region EMS. John started his career as an EMT-Basic, quickly moving to the position of Paramedic, for one of Minnesota’s leading ground Critical Care transport services. He is currently licensed and working in Minnesota and Wisconsin operations as a Critical Care Paramedic. John is well recognized as someone who will spend additional time on special projects, mentor new staff, and always go the extra mile for his patients and partners. He has also led our employee Adopt-a-Highway program over the past several years. Lakes Region EMS is proud to nominate John as a 2019 Star of Life.

Paul Kock

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Paul Kock represents what is best in an EMS professional and Sioux Falls EMS is proud to nominate him as a Star of Life for his outstanding dedication and long-standing commitment to volunteer EMS. Paul has twenty-three years of service to the City of Sioux Falls, and nearly three decades of volunteering his time to EMS. He is a knowledgeable and kind provider, and always strives to best help each of his patients. Though he is not a member of supervision, Paul is a leader in the organization, and a mentor to many in the region. Sioux Falls EMS is incredibly appreciative of his service, experience, and professionalism.

Steven LaDue

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Steve LaDue has skillfully provided mobile healthcare in his community for many years. He was previously a provider at Rural/Metro and Greece Ambulance, then joined Henrietta Ambulance (CHS Mobile Integrated Healthcare) in March of 2006. He has served in many capacities at Henrietta Ambulance, always as a first class provider.

Steve has a passion for being a Paramedic and for educating EMS personnel. His extensive experience gives him the ability to recognize when patients are truly sick and treat them accordingly. For example, when Steve and his partner were sent to a priority 4 illness call, and upon arrival, Steve immediately recognized the patient was having a STEMI even though the patient’s symptoms were vague. Steve initiated appropriate care and provided rapid transport to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) center with a scene time of 8 minutes. This recognition of the critical illness certainly made a difference in the patient’s life.

Steve was one of the first Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI) Technicians in the region, and the first to perform an RSI without the assistance of a second Paramedic. He is confident and able to perform complex skills independently in order to best treat his patients. He has always challenged processes to ensure any changes were being implemented for the right reasons, though he remains flexible enough to modify his practice based on new evidence.

Steve comes from an EMS family, as his wife is also a Paramedic at an agency within the region. Steve is a skilled scuba diver, and at one point in his career he dove professionally, inspecting bridge pylons in lakes and rivers. Today, Steve enjoys scuba diving for recreation when he is not camping with his family or making beer in his basement.

Adam Nato

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Adam Nato began his career in EMS volunteering with Castleton Fire/Ambulance, where he acquired his EMT card in 2009. He was hired at Mohawk Ambulance Service in December of 2016 as a Dispatcher for the Communications Department. After a few months, he began working regularly in the ambulance as an EMT. Adam received a Distinguished Service Award in December of 2017 for his hard work. His continuous dedication and professionalism quickly landed him a position as Supervisor, and soon after, Chief Supervisor, where he assists with ePCRs for the company.

Adam is equally as active outside of work as he is on the clock. He enjoys competing in marathons, attending and participating in sporting events, skiing, and hunting. He also takes frequent getaways with his girlfriend and two dogs. He still volunteers in his free time, but now with Defreestville Fire Department which is close to his home.

We are very proud to have an employee such as Adam Nato on our team, and look forward to his continued  growth with Mohawk Ambulance Service.

Jeffery Behling

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Jeff Behling proved early last year that knowledge and know-how never take a day off. Jeff was at a junkyard looking for auto parts when an exhaust manifold fell onto another man. Jeff was off-duty but jumped into action. Based on the man’s color, Jeff knew the situation was serious. Jeff determined the man had a potentially life-threatening arterial bleed and directed bystanders to call 911. Jeff held direct pressure on the wound and kept the man alert until first responders arrived.

Jeff is a member of the AMR Emergency Response Team and he has been deployed four times during his four-year career with AMR, most recently to South Carolina after Hurricane Florence. Jeff was a strike team leader during that activation and was on the ground for nearly two weeks. Jeff also recently became an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) instructor and assists with various aspects of his operation’s new employee orientation program.

Jeff was inspired to enter the EMS field by his parents (Jason and Chaña) and his grandfathers, Reed Don Conover and the late Bruce Andrew Behling, both of whom were volunteer EMTs in Utah in the early days of EMS. To say that he’s done them all proud would be an understatement. American Medical Response is proud to recognize Jeff Behling as a 2019 Star of Life.

Daniel Neazor

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Daniel Neazor has been a Paramedic with Woodburn Ambulance since 2006. Over the years, Daniel has developed into a key member of the organization, serving as a mentor and leader to countless new Medics entering the field. His commitment to constant improvement of the care given in the field is unmatched. 

This past year, Daniel has spearheaded new relationships between Woodburn Ambulance and many local law enforcement agencies to add Naloxone to the officers’s patrol units. Daniel has personally trained dozens of police officers in the region, resulting in several documented saves. He also teaches leadership to EMS students in our local community college.

Prior to joining Woodburn Ambulance, Daniel served as an Infantryman and Combat Life Safety Instructor in the New Zealand Army. He did two tours with the UN in East Timor, followed by several months as a private contractor in Afghanistan providing security services to the fledgling government.

When not on duty, Daniel enjoys family time in the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.

Woodburn Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Daniel as a 2019 Star of Life.

Jeff Neve

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Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service is proud to name Jeff Neve, Emergency Medical Technician, as a 2019 Star of Life. Jeff began working for Gold Cross Ambulance (now Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service) in Albert Lea, Minnesota, 19 years ago. As a lead Emergency Medical Technician, Jeff intermittently serves as the point of contact for several other Minnesota cities and facilitates staffing changes, transfers, and crew movement as needed.

Jeff’s colleagues describe him as a team player who is always willing to get involved and who leads by example. He fosters teamwork by stepping up and finding creative solutions for patient transport requests when the system is stressed and transport options are limited. He provides guidance for teammates when unique situations and challenges present, and he consistently works in a collaborative manner — not only within Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, but also with referring agencies. Jeff’s supervisor remarks that he “welcomes new team members by showing kindness, and helping them learn geographic areas and their role in emergency medical services. He is quiet and calm in chaotic situations, which supports both responders on the scene, and patients.”

“What I like most about my job is helping people,” says Jeff. “Lots of times, patients are experiencing the worst thing they have ever been through, and it is nice to comfort them and get them through that difficult time.”

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and attending his daughter’s volleyball and softball games. He also hosts an Austrian foreign exchange student, and enjoys going to his basketball games.

Of his job as an Emergency Medical Technician, Jeff says, “After 19 years, I still enjoy going to work, and look forward to it.”

 

Ronald Keech

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Ron Keech has been an EMT at Armstrong Ambulance Service for over five years and embodies the core spirit of the job. He is a profound leader, mentor, and inspiration to all of those who have the pleasure of working with him. Ron was recognized by Region III for his outstanding contributions to EMS due to his incredible patient care and his willingness to help his colleagues become better providers by educating them in the field. He has been a well-respected and impactful Field Training Officer for four years, and continues to receive high marks from colleagues, healthcare partners, and members of the community.

Ron consistently takes new hires “under his wing” as a mentor and friend. As described by a fellow employee: “What makes Ron particularly remarkable is that he is not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also an incredible teacher and leader. He goes above and beyond on every call, not because he has to, but because it is so intertwined in who he is as a person. Whether he’s fluffing the pillows for a patient, discussing the most cost efficient in-home medical equipment, or showing off a piece of artwork he’s been working on to a particularly artistically inclined patient, he will do anything to connect with those around him. Ron gives others the tools to become the best healthcare provider they can be. Ron has a profound influence on those around him, and demonstrates that working with patients is about so much more than just the skills learned in the classroom. All who know Ron look up to him so much for all the heart and dedication he brings to the job.”

Everyone at Armstrong Ambulance Service recognizes Ron as a stand out employee and an amazing human being. He shows constant professionalism everyday and goes above and beyond the call of duty, every hour of every shift. Ron regularly receives accolades from patients and family members about his kind, compassionate way of helping and for truly making a difference in their lives. Ron is never seen without a smile or a positive word and everyone benefits from being around him.

 

Jenna Cirincione

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Jenna began her journey in EMS as an Explorer. She held the title of Explorer President and received accommodation for Explorer of the Year. When she reached the age of a Firefighter and could no longer hold her position as an Explorer, Jenna transitioned to an Explorer Post Advisor in order to share her knowledge with the youth of Rush, New York. Shortly after this transition, Jenna accepted a role on the Board of Directors for Rush Fire Department, a position she holds to this day despite her unflagging commitment to CHS. As a result of her immense skill and compassion for her patients, Jenna has also moved into the role of Vice President and Lieutenant of the Ambulance for Rush Fire Department. She continues to serve there as the Lieutenant, as well as the Director of Operations.

Jenna has maintained her EMT-B level for nine years and is an asset to the EMS system. As an EMT at CHS, Jenna remains calm under pressure and expertly carries out essential tasks in critical situations. Her partner describes her as an excellent EMT and a wonderful person. Her calm presence and quick reactions make every call feel routine. She is always ready and willing to help, and is consistently up to date on the latest training.  

Jenna is one of the best EMT partners in our organization. She is not just an excellent EMT—she is also a wonderful person. When asked to describe a team player, her fellow CHS colleagues picture Jenna and enumerate her attributes. She remains calm under pressure and carries out the things requested in a critical situation with class. Said a colleague, “one time as we had a respiratory distress patient who was struggling and family was less than helpful she supplied everything I asked for from demos to equipment so smoothly it felt like a routine call.”

Jenna has a very positive attitude. She rarely asks if she can help—primarily because she has already started pitching in! She shows utmost compassion to her patients, but is also sharp and is consistent in improving her knowledge. She keeps up to date on the latest training and shares this with others through her work with the SIM team.

Peter Beemer

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In April 2018, Kauai was hit by unrelenting rain. Forty-nine inches fell in 24 hours, causing devastation across the remote Hawaiian island. Peter Beemer was home with his wife and three children when the storm hit. Trapped behind landslides, Peter watched his car and truck float away in the flood waters. None of this stopped Peter from responding to this disaster. As the only Paramedic on his side of the island, Peter coordinated medical operations that emergency medical physician Dr. Erik Schumacher said, “given the circumstances and available resources, left nothing to be desired.”

After Peter’s family was evacuated, he spent nearly two weeks on site, helping his community recover. Peter provided wound care, disease and injury prevention education, helped set up a walk-in clinic, did home visits, and coordinated medication distribution. “Watching Peter was a lesson in mastery; it was as if he had done that before, many times,” recounted Dr. Schumacher. “Peter coordinated care in a way that was truly impactful and, whether they know it or not, the residents of the north shore owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. I am proud to have somebody so capable on our team.” American Medical Response is proud to recognize Peter Beemer as a 2019 Star of Life.

 

John Sossei

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John Sossei began his service to the public when he served as a non-commissioned officer crew chief for the United States Air Force aboard a C-5 Galaxy military airlift jet. As a crew chief, John developed keen leadership skills and focused dedication to duty and service to his country and others. Upon his honorable transition from the Air Force, John gained an interest in EMS and began exploring a career as Paramedic. He served as an EMT, and then trained as a Paramedic and worked in a high volume urban county-based 911 EMS system in California, where he gained significant ALS field experience.

When John relocated to the East Coast, he began working for Armstrong Ambulance Service, which provides Paramedic services to multiple 911 service areas and entities in the Metro-Boston region. John is highly regarded as a role model to his peers for his work ethic and command presence, as well as for his kind, firm, and honest demeanor. He is refreshingly and respectfully direct, and is highly supportive with orienting staff by delivering honest feedback combined with encouraging support. His ability to successfully educate, support, critique, and develop Paramedics in the field training process reflects his qualities as a gifted leader.

John has quickly advanced throughout his career as a seasoned and astute clinician, peer leader, Field Training Officer, and AHA instructor. His clinical acumen brings a calm, highly-skilled ALS clinician to the scene of the most complex 911 and critical inter-facility patients. His willingness to accept and integrate feedback is a testament to his humility and maturity.

John’s natural leadership as an EMS provider is demonstrated through his passionate and measured advocacy for his patients, his partners, and the Paramedicine profession. John Sossei has the well-earned respect of his peers, as he naturally comports himself as a consummate Paramedic professional. 

 

Marguerite Stroyny

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Marguerite “Rita” Stroyny has been an EMT since 2000 and began her career with Community Care Ambulance (CCA) in 2001. Rita does not back down from any challenge she faces, and during her CCA career she has been deployed to assist in Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Harvey (2017), and Hurricane Michael (2018).

Rita delivers her best to each and every patient she meets, as well as to her community. She organizes benefits and fundraisers, such as a drive to stuff stockings for the military at Christmas and a benefit for a coworker who faced a family tragedy. In February 2019, Rita was recognized by Ashtabula City Council for going above and beyond for children who were affected by a devastating house fire.

Being involved in a profession that helps individuals in their greatest hour of need is a perfect fit for Rita, and her selflessness has positively affected the lives of many. Rita enjoys spending her personal time four-wheeling and camping with family, including her eight grandchildren. CCA is privileged to recognize Rita as a 2019 AAA Star of Life.

 

Terry Masters

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Terry Masters is an EMT Advanced for the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) Operations Division. Terry has been in public safety for the past 40 years, and was nominated as a Star of Life by his peers for his professionalism and his extensive dedication to his community.

Terry is always maintains a positive attitude while at work. He makes the job enjoyable for everyone, and is ready and willing to assist both his colleagues and his community. Terry goes the extra mile, and takes extra care of his ambulance to ensure his patients have the cleanest unit in the fleet. His commitment to patient care and his ability to outwork many of his younger peers are what make Terry stand out as an EMT. TRAA believes Terry is one of the reasons for its great patient satisfaction scores.

Brittney Trybula

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Brittney has served as an EMT for Tri-State Ambulance for nearly three years while simultaneously completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science.

In addition to work and school, Brittney heads the La Crosse community’s Stop the Bleed (STB) initiative, and has trained hundreds of community members on life-saving bleed control care. She also put together STB kits for the region, which were disseminated to first response and fire agencies, as well as to more than 100 AED enclosures throughout the area. 

Brittney has gone above and beyond her EMT role, and has been able to juggle working countless hours on an ambulance while attending school and enhancing her community. She is a go-getter and is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients and colleagues.

Robert Walters

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Robert Walters has been chosen by his peers to be honored as a Star of Life for his commitment to his patients and his community.

Bob has been a dedicated Paramedic for Regional Ambulance Service since 1992. He began his EMS career in 1985 as a First Responder in Orwell, VT, and then worked in Boston for six years, where he obtained his Paramedic certification. When he returned to Vermont, Bob continued to work as a Field Paramedic with Regional Ambulance Service.

Over his 27 years (25 years full time) with Regional Ambulance Service, Bob has been an active mentor to current and new employees. He is always willing to share his knowledge with students and coworkers and does so in a very constructive way. He provides exceptional patient care and goes above and beyond expectations.

No matter the situation, Bob not only treats the medical needs of the patients, but also exhibits professional behavior. He is dependable and often works extra shifts when needed.

Bob and his family are active in their church, which positively impacts the communities of Rutland County.

We are proud to have Bob Walters representing Regional Ambulance Service and living up to our motto of “Serving People First with Pride, Proficiency and Professionalism.”