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Archives: Stars

Tim Dickinson

Tim Dickinson earned his Paramedic license from Montcalm Community College in 1996. He started out working as an EMT and Paramedic for Newaygo County/Gerber Ambulance, and also served as a firefighter in the county for several years. 

In February of 2000, Life EMS took over EMS operations in Newaygo County, and Tim began working as a part-time EMT and Paramedic, while working full-time at the Sappi paper plant in Muskegon. Tim began full-time work for Life EMS in 2011 after the paper mill closed. Currently, Tim serves as a Paramedic Field Supervisor in the Newaygo County operation; a position he has held since 2015. Tim lives in the Fremont area with his wife, Louise, and they have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Tim has earned the respect of his coworkers who nominated him as a Star of Life. He demonstrates a lead-by-example approach in his commitment to the associates, patients, and facilities he serves. Tim works tirelessly to make sure the schedule is fully staffed and often fills shifts himself, even at other operations. One nomination wrote, “Tim is highly organized and takes care of issues in a timely manner, which is noticed by associates and keeps morale on the right side of the scale. I cannot think of a better choice to represent Life EMS than Tim Dickinson.” Life EMS Ambulance is proud to recognize Tim Dickinson as its 2019 Star of Life.

Tristan DeFord

Tristan Joel DeFord is a Northwest Indiana native who has served his community for nearly nine years. Having realized at a young age that his passion was helping others, Tristan began training to be an Emergency Medical Technician during his junior year of high school. After graduating from Chesterton High School in 2010, Tristan continued to pursue his passion as an EMT. In August of 2012, Tristan started his vocation with Superior Ambulance Service of Indiana, Inc. After serving for six years as an EMT, Tristan decided to advance his career in healthcare. In 2016, Tristan passed the NREMT examination, and now currently works for Superior Ambulance Service of Indiana, Inc. as a Paramedic and the 911 Contract Manager for five Northwest Indiana cities. Tristan continues to advance and enjoy his career, and was recently recognized and promoted for his leadership. Additionally, Tristan is also a certified CPR instructor, and he teaches Basic Life Support (BLS) skills to friends, family, and coworkers.

Despite being passionate about his career, Tristan enjoys his time off. He is actively involved as a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol Indiana Wing and volunteers with his church, Valley Baptist Church in Valparaiso, IN. Tristan is a devoted husband, father, and brother and he loves spending quality time with his wife, Amaris, and 2-year-old son, Jansen.

Tristan has proven his skills and leadership time and time again. Tristan is an integral member of the Superior family and we are proud to recognize him as a 2019 Star of Life.

Ariella Dalfen

Ariella Dalfen has been a part of the Northwell Health System Center for EMS (CEMS) team since 2012. Ariella started in EMS in 2003 as an EMT while at Binghamton University, where she provided care to fellow students, faculty, visitors, and staff. When prospects of employment as a lifeguard were scarce in upstate New York, Ariella switched to from life guard to life saver!

During her tenure in EMS, Ariella has worked as an EMT, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and currently as a New York State Paramedic. A welcome addition to our team at CEMS, Ariella has helped with the development of our Explorers program, which helps high school students interested in medicine learn about EMS. Ariella also plays a role in our Performance Improvement initiatives. In 2017, while teaching EMT and Paramedic Skills as a Certified Lab Instructor at the Center for Learning and Innovation, Ariella discovered her passion for teaching.

Ariella leveraged this new love by joining our training division where she was involved with implementing a new Field Training Officer program for the department. Ariella provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and expectations to all our new employees, setting them up for success and preparing them for the high-performance organization that is CEMS. When not providing training or patient care, Ariella is pursuing her master’s degree in Health Professions Pedagogy and Leadership. While away from work or school, Ariella and her husband Eric enjoy dinning out, watching Game of Thrones, ice hockey, and baseball.

There is not a more deserving provider than Ariella, and CEMS is proud to honor her service and commitment as our 2019 Star of Life!

Mark Considine

Mark Considine has played a very active role at Rescue Inc over the past 33 years. He has made a huge impact on the agency and each individual provider he has worked with. Mark is the former Chief of Rescue Inc and, although he has stepped down from that role, he continues to be actively involved in QAQI review and with training new Paramedics. He also works as a front line Critical Care Paramedic.

As a Paramedic, Mark continues to be the busiest member of our agency. The most remarkable thing about Mark Considine is that, even though he has been working 48 hour plus weeks for 33 years, he has never complained! He is the hardest-working, most dedicated worker in EMS. Mark also continues to expand his medical knowledge by attending numerous training programs each year and advancing his scope of practice. In our opinion, Mark is at the forefront of paramedicine in the state of Vermont and beyond.

Mark is an excellent mentor. He is eager to pass on his knowledge and assist others in transitioning into management roles. He never ceases to provide insightful and calculated feedback and advice.

In addition, Mark manages to stay fit and active through daily workouts with his wife, Lori-Ann. Throughout 33 years in EMS, he has managed to maintain a balance between work and home life, something that many in our line of work struggle to do. Mark also has two sons, one of which has followed in his footsteps and works full-time at a fire department as a Paramedic and Firefighter.

Chris Butch

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

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

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.

Maddox Allen

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 Allen

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

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.

Dustin Hawley

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.