Pafford Medical Services has selected Chris Butch as its Mississippi Star of Life for his excellent caregiving abilities and his stellar mentorship to his peers. Chris became an EMT in 2007 and a Paramedic in 2008. He joined the Pafford team in 2017 and continues to be a dedicated caregiver to patients during their time of need. Chris now serves as a preceptor for multiple colleges’s EMT/Paramedic programs, as well as a Field Training Officer and ongoing educator.
Chris is continuously praised by his patients for the outstanding care and treatment they receive, the calm demeanor he exudes, and the sense of friendship he leaves them with. He is also highly praised for his knowledge and professionalism by other members of public service that he works closely with, including first responders, law enforcement personnel, fire departments, and hospital staff. Chris never stops coaching and encouraging those who look to him for continued learning and guidance.
Chris is well known for his smile; one that lights up the room the moment he enters. On his days off, Chris enjoys being at home with his wife, Morgan, and his two beautiful daughters, Haley and Emily. He also likes to be outdoors, whether doing yard work or barbecuing on his grill; but his favorite past time is spending the day by the pool with his family.
Pafford Medical Services is blessed that Chris has chosen the Pafford family and is honored to name him as a Star of Life from our Mississippi operation. Thank you, Chris, for your continued dedication to the company, your peers, and most importantly, our patients.
Joshua Baun has proven himself to be an advanced healthcare provider and an excellent patient advocate over his six years with Mecklenburg EMS Agency. Josh has an outstanding rapport with patients and relates remarkably well to everyone in all circumstances. He is a team player, is always dependable, and is committed to continued professional development.
“Although I have known Josh for a few years, it wasn’t until he joined my team in 2018 that I was able to witness first-hand the quality and caliber of this unsung individual,” says Josh’s supervisor.
Josh routinely seeks feedback, impressing leaders with his energy and his dedication to serving as an ambassador for the Agency.
Josh shatters all expectations that are set for him. He is an asset to his team by consistently fielding questions, seeking information, and clarifying any changes that occur within the Agency. Josh serves as a role model who strives for excellence and holds his peers to a higher standard. Josh recognizes others before himself and, as a Crew Chief, his mentorship and development of his direct team members is bar none.
On his own time, Josh meets with Crew Chiefs outside of work and helps them to prepare for interviews. Josh often challenges peers on many topics, including diversity and work ethic.
As a Relief Operations Supervisor (ROS), Josh is one of the most active members, and has done countless hours of extra work on writing and implementing new training software into the Crew Chief Training curriculum. He is continually striving to mentor and support field employees and is widely regarded as an outstanding advocate. Josh has also taken on an advanced leadership role in Crew Chief and Field Training Officer instruction. Josh often expresses how he wants to be there for the crews, and he single-handedly processed the most commendations as a ROS for Field Crew Chiefs last year.
As one of the most adaptable and accountable members of the Mecklenburg EMS team, Josh is a true example of a professional in the industry. His coworkers are particularly impressed with his goodwill and sense of honor in the workplace. He displays a natural sense of calmness and approachability, as well as a spirit of confidence, self-actualization, and a relentless drive to succeed. Josh has an innate desire to excel in all aspects of his duties and is very resolute in his convictions regarding character and accountability. Mecklenburg EMS Agency is proud to recognize Josh Baun as a 2019 Star of Life.
Mary Anselmo began her career at Cataldo Ambulance as a BLS provider 13 years ago and has since worked her way up to becoming a Senior Paramedic.
Cataldo Ambulance is proud to nominate Mary as a 2019 Star of Life for the years of compassionate care she has provided and for always putting the patient first. In addition to being clinically astute, Mary is known for her humility and for always going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure her patients and their family’s comfort and understanding of the situation.
Having worked in a high-volume EMS system for years, Mary has experienced her share of challenging calls. She continually uses these experiences to grow into a better person and healthcare provider. For Mary, every call is an opportunity for growth and learning, and she remains calm under pressure and is an excellent teacher. Mary takes the time with each crew member and student, considering each of their individual needs and strengths.
Mary is an asset not just to Cataldo Ambulance Service, but to the profession as a whole. Mary is an extremely dedicated Paramedic, mother, and wife and she truly deserves this recognition for her dedication and compassion.
Mid-Valley Ambulance is honored to present Maddox Allen with a Star of Life award. Following in his father’s footsteps, Maddox started in his family’s business of veterinary medicine before recognizing that emergency medicine was his true passion. In 2011 he received his EMT certification and began volunteering at Lane Fire Authority as a Firefighter. Maddox completed his Paramedic degree in 2017 and has plans to continue his education as a Critical Care Paramedic and to pursue his bachelor’s degree in emergency medicine.
One of Maddox’s most commendable traits is his willingness to expand his knowledge of emergency medicine in rural areas. Maddox has participated in Cycle Oregon, a 1,500 mile bicycle tour around Oregon that requires camping out and treating patients for a multitude of injuries and illnesses throughout the tour. He has also participated in community career events and standbys at specialized events.
Maddox is a shining example of the future of EMS in Oregon, and Mid-Valley Ambulance is incredibly proud to introduce him as its award recipient.
Kiefer was born and raised in Powers, Oregon. In high school he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was class valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society. He has always had an interest in the medical field and decided to pursue EMS at his local college.
Kiefer has been a Paramedic since 2014 and has worked at Bay Cities Ambulance since 2016. In addition to a being a Paramedic, Kiefer is also Bay Cities Ambulance’s Safety and Operations Committee President. He enjoys EMS because each shift is different than the last, and he has a passion for the new challenges and opportunities that critical care presents.
When he is not working, Kiefer enjoys golfing and elk hunting with his friends and family. His wife, Ericka, is a huge support system and has been a key part of his success in the field. Kiefer also enjoys spending time with his kids, Kayle, Kipton, Ensley, and Kannon.
Jenna Roxbury has served as a Registered Nurse (RN) for more than 10 years. She has extensive experience in Pediatrics, ranging from service in the Pediatric Oncology Bone Marrow transplant team in Phoenix, to special event staffing (to include Life is Beautiful, Electric Daisy Carnival and Burning Man), and most recently HEMS. She currently lends her talents to Mercy Air in Pahrump, primarily supporting life-saving transports to Las Vegas from a very busy critical access hospital. Her credentials include Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and she is Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) certified. Jenna is excited to be taking her Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) exam this month as well to further her credentials.
Jenna is a true healer in nature and in profession. Her life was changed forever after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2017, which she will tell you was the best thing to ever happen to her. As an RN working in Oncology, she was now the patient instead of the care provider. Finding herself in a vulnerable, life-threatening state only deepened her empathy and compassion for the patients she continues to serve. Jenna’s drive and passion for life is noticed by all who she connects with—from patients, to peers, to community partners. She is so invested in her community that she recently accepted an offer to serve as a per diem RN at Desert View Hospital in Pahrump.
Jenna is a proud mother of two children and spends her free time as a Professional Cayoneer Guide. She visits Nepal annually to volunteer as a health care provider and to help in local orphanages.
Mercy Air is proud to recognize Jenna Roxbury as a 2019 Star of Life and Nevada Star of Life.
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.
“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 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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
