Danielle Cohen began her EMS career at the age of 18 as a volunteer for Port Jefferson Ambulance. In 2001, Danielle began working at St. Clare’s Hospital in the Hell’s Kitchen area of Manhattan and was among the first EMS crews to respond to the tragedy on September 11, 2001. In 2002, Danielle began her career at Northwell Health where she has worked both in the field, and in Communications. In her private time, Danielle volunteers to help victims of pediatric cancer, a cause very close to her heart.
Danielle was selected as a Star of Life nominee by her peers for consistently going above the call of duty. Danielle is always available to help her co-workers, both in and out of work. Danielle also volunteers on committees such as Adopt a Family and Bring Your Child to Work Day.
Benjamin “Ben” Cohen left a career as a heating and air conditioning mechanic to pursue his dream of serving in the medical field. Ben began his medical career as a phlebotomist working in a busy emergency room. While observing the ambulances constantly moving in and out of the ER, Ben decided that was where he wanted to be. Ben obtained his EMT certification in 2013 and began working at Northwell Health CEMS shortly thereafter.
Despite Ben being in the early years of his EMS career, he has developed a reputation for being a role model to others and someone who always has a smile on his face. Ben is a leader who always demonstrates the highest level of compassion for his patients. Ben seeks ways to help his department, accepts assignments without hesitation, and consistently maintains a friendly demeanor. Ben was overwhelmingly chosen by his peers as a Star of Life nominee.
Jeff Cloutier is a nine year veteran EMT and Field Training Officer at Taney County Ambulance District (TCAD) Paramedics. Since obtaining his EMT license, Jeff has worked in the streets providing high quality healthcare to his community. Jeff is active within the training department, teaching new hire personnel as well as EMT students how to function as a basic level provider in EMS. In addition to his full time job with TCAD Paramedics, Jeff volunteers his time as a Captain with the Protem Fire Protection District. In 2016, Jeff was voted EMT of the Year by his peers for his dedication and outstanding work ethic.
Jeff is a dependable, well-rounded EMT who displays the courage and fortitude necessary to succeed in EMS. Jeff’s level of dedication to our profession and to those he serves is top notch. Patients say, “Jeff is so kind and professional. Jeff is there when you need him most and we know he will always put us first.” TCAD Paramedics is proud to nominate Jeff Cloutier for this year’s Star of Life Award.
Donald “Don” has been proudly working at Jackson Community Ambulance (JCA) as a paramedic since 2012. Since 2011, Don has also served his community by volunteering on the Columbia Township Fire Department as a paid-on call firefighter. Don’s is well known for his conscientious work ethic; something he has developed because of his very close family and five years of service at JCA.
Don is a shining example of what a paramedic at JCA should be. Don’s character and outstanding work ethic make him an easy choice for this award. Don is selfless and his supervisors know they can always rely on him to go the extra mile to get the job done.
One fall afternoon, Don was in quarters waiting for that next call to come in. Soon the tones went off and he was called to the residence of a local woman with difficulty breathing. Upon arriving, Don found the first responders working hard on a woman who was only breathing four times a minute. Don and his partner immediately began to assist with ventilations and gave the patient medications to help open her airway. After placing the patient on CPAP, she began to have purposeful movements and was transported to the hospital, where she went on to make a full recovery.
Harlan Brock has worked for Metro West Ambulance for over 11 years. Whether delivering babies or mentoring new paramedics and EMT’s, Harlan’s passion and dedication to EMS and Metro West Ambulance are demonstrated through his hard and tireless work.
Harlan always leads by example and embodies Metro West’s core values of teamwork and dedication. This was demonstrated recently when he served as a volunteer member of a regional search and rescue effort to locate a missing girl in the Columbia River Gorge. Harlan reached out to local companies to coordinate supplies and resources needed for the search.
Recently, Harlan and his partner were cleaning the ambulance after a transport to a local emergency department. All of a sudden, a shiny new Tesla came screeching into the emergency department bay. Harlan heard an ED technician shout, “There is a woman in labor in that car!” and sprang into action. Harlan quickly put on a fresh pair of gloves, safety glasses, and grabbed an obstetrical kit as he followed the technician to the passenger side of the Tesla. Soon after Harlan began his assessment, he recognized the patient was going to deliver soon. Minutes later, a healthy baby girl was delivered in the front seat of the car. Harlan is able to quickly assess and respond to situations with the resources necessary, to assure optimal patient outcome. Calm, professional, and caring, Harlan continuously demonstrates high-level, compassionate, clinical care to all of his patients.
Harlan is loyal, honest, and committed to both his company and profession. Harlan rarely misses a day of work, fills in when necessary for his fellow medics, and continuously volunteers his time to make a difference. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Harlan as a 2017 Star of Life nominee.
Jessica Berscheid has been an Emergency Medical Dispatcher with Taney County Ambulance District (TCAD) Paramedics for five years. Jessica is an integral part of TCAD’s communications team and oversees a training program for new employees. Jessica is an EMD-Q and plays an important role in TCAD’s quality improvement process. Jessica is always looking for ways to improve communications and our delivery of service.
Jessica is currently working towards her Master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Play Therapy. This degree focuses on interaction with children and assisting them in coping with their own illness or a family member’s. Jessica’s graduate studies are an example of her kind and compassionate spirit for helping children. Jessica’s love for helping people is what makes her such a successful and reliable team member. Jessica is an amazing coworker and friend; who can cheer anyone up on their worst day. TCAD Paramedics is proud to nominate Jessica Berscheid for this year’s Star of Life Award.
Jonathan “Jon” started his career in 2011 in the Sunstar warehouse/materials management department. After completing EMT school, Jon quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a preceptor in 2013 and a field training officer in 2014. Jon consistently displays a great attitude when dealing with both new employees and EMT students, and receives great reviews from all of his trainees. Jon is a CPR/BLS instructor, and has taken an active role helping in the Sunstar training center, especially during renewal season when the company renews over 200 employees in a very short window of time. Jon has also expanded his role to the safety and risk department, becoming one of the most reliable and expert EVOC instructors. Jon holds national certification as an EVOC instructor, and is always making sure that our employees are driving safely.
It is with great pride and pleasure that Sunstar Paramedics nominates Jonathan Balzer for the 2017 AAA Stars of Life award. Jonathan and his partner, James Walker, Sunstar’s nominee for Florida Paramedic of the year, are both integral clinicians in our system and have repeatedly demonstrated high performance in multiple departments. Jon previously received the Gold Star Care award, which is achieved through repeated positive feedback from patients, hospitals or other clinicians. Jon is also a two-time recipient of the Care Plus award, a monthly award for outstanding customer service and great patient care.
In June 2016, Jon and his partner were dispatched for a person experiencing an altered mental status. Upon arriving on scene, Jon found the patient in the care of the fire department with the police assisting. The only information Jon received from the assisting agencies was the patient’s name and a phone number. After the other agencies left, Jon and his partner continued their assessment of the patient. Jon discovered the patient had dementia and the phone number was her husband’s. After being very persistent and calling the number six or seven times, Jon finally spoke with the patient’s family. After speaking with the husband, Jon found out that the patient had walked out of her house a couple hours prior. The patient had been reported missing and had been called in as a silver alert. The family arrived at the scene and was able to take the patient home safely. Due to Jon’s quality care, patience, and concern for what was best for the patient, Jon was able to reunite the patient with her family, and keep her from further harm. Jon is committed to going above and beyond the call of duty.
Andrea began her career in EMS in 2005 as a dispatcher for local Police, Fire, EMS, and Town Services. However, her goal was always to become a Paramedic. Following graduate school, Andrea started her EMS career with a transport company in Woburn, Massachusetts, and completed her Paramedic studies in 2013 with an A.S. in Paramedicine and a certification of NRP. Andrea now proudly serves as a Paramedic for Cataldo/Atlantic Ambulance Service. Born and raised in the City of Newburyport, it has been a lifelong dream for Andrea to serve her community.
Andrea’s passion for teaching began in 2015 when she taught her first class for Cataldo/Atlantic. Since then, she has begun teaching at local colleges and to a local police department, where she instructs the officers on how to properly use Narcan. She has repeatedly stepped forward to be a leader in the community; especially in the education of our citizens. Specifically, Andrea conducts courses on opioid overdoses, and has educated thousands of people within the community on the use of Narcan through live demonstrations, classes, and community outreach on cable access television. Andrea has even marched alongside other community leaders in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to drug overdoses.
Andrea has proven herself to be a true professional who is compassionate, street smart, and has a true heart of gold. She has a genuine concern for the community and the citizens she serves. Being a Paramedic is not just a job for Andrea, but a passion. From her interactions with survivors, family members, and loved ones, Andrea goes far above and beyond her title of Educator. Andrea’s impact within the community is immeasurable and she truly deserves to be nominated for a Star of Life Award.
William “Bill” Bailey began his career in EMS in June of 1991 when he first received his EMT certification. It was during those initial clinical rotations that Bill knew he wanted to become a paramedic and do more to help those in need. Bill began working at Lenox Hill Hospital Northwell Health in Manhattan in 2000, and was one of the many first responders who answered the call on September 11, 2001. Bill is proud of his profession and believes that answering the call to help those in need is a truly noble endeavor. Bill is also a six year veteran of the United States Coast Guard.
Bill was selected as a Star of Life nominee by his peers for his patience and kindness towards both his patients and co-workers. Thinking not only about his own career progression, Bill has served as an invaluable mentor to countless new medics.
Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) is delighted to nominate Paramedic Julie Anderson for the AAA’s Stars of Life Award. Julie began her career with RAA in August of 2007. Over the next two years, Julie decided to expand her knowledge in the field becoming a Paramedic in December of 2009. Julie is well known around RAA for a positive attitude that is contagious and constant bright smile. Julie states that “[her] favorite thing about EMS is helping people in their time of need—even if it’s not medically related. Just a kind word or a smile helps.” Julie sets the bar for dedication to her peers, with perfect attendance and frequent commendations. During her time at RAA, Julie has been a strong leader and voice for the employees on RAA’s Shift Bid Committee. In 2016 Julie received the Operational Medical Director’s Award, Paramedic of the Year.
Julie is a Hanover County, Virginia native, and has resided in the Richmond area her entire life.
Mark Adams, Wheelchair Technician, has worked at Community Care Ambulance in Ashtabula, Ohio for two years. His coworkers are honoring Mark for his self- motivation, his helpfulness to colleagues, his ability to note areas for improvement, and his enhancement of the workplace for everyone with whom he comes into contact.
Mark goes above and beyond every day for his patients and coworkers. He shows his dedication through helping clean units, spending extra time and attention with his patients, and assisting with PCR routing. No matter the situation, Mark is always polite and professional, and is the ideal representative of everything a Star of Life should be.
When not working, Mark spends his time with his family and chasing all things that swim in the water. Mark had a long career in hospitality until he made a life decision to change career paths to fulfill his passion for helping people.
Marc and Robert Gutierrez are partners operating out of AMR’s Redlands operations in San Bernardino County. On December 2, 2015, they were among the first EMS personnel to arrive at the scene of the devastating terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center where 14 people were killed and 21 were injured.
Upon arrival, Marc and Robert moved into the triage area which was surrounded by police personnel and protected by rooftop snipers due to concerns the shooters would return to attack first responders. Immediately the two paramedics encountered numerous gunshot victims, and began adapting triage protocols to address the volume of victims and nature of the injuries sustained, and at times moving from patients who had succumbed to injuries to try and save others.
Marc and Robert, in addition to numerous AMR and public safety personnel, were able to rise to the occasion on this day, stay calm and focused, and do what they needed to do to save the lives of patients in a very difficult and dangerous situation.
From the start, Luis Barrera has proven himself to be mature and wise beyond his years. In a relatively short period of time, these traits helped Luis earn a place on MEDIC’s SWAT team after only being a Paramedic for a few years. Shortly after being named to the SWAT Team, Luis was promoted to Field Training Officer, where he displayed his innate leadership talents. This position is only bestowed on the Agency’s highest performers. After being named as a Field Training Officer, Luis made the decision to become a Relief Operations Supervisor. Composed of talented men and women responsible when a full time Supervisor is out, Relief Operation Supervisors set an example to their fellow employees.
He is smart, calm, and considerate. Luis treats every patient with kindness and respect, and provides incredible medical care. Luis never fails to lift the spirits of a coworker with a kind word or to take extra time to ensure a coworker really understands MEDIC’s goals and their role in helping attain them. Luis is a very strong clinician who works hard to mentor and provide advice and guidance to his fellow employees. Finally, Luis has exceeded all expectations by participating on improvement projects and is making a huge impact with his insight, input, and work. He has developed into a well-rounded, high performing employee who manages to balance the interests of our patients, our people, and the Agency. Not only can he be relied on to put his best foot forward every day, but he continuously strives to make MEDIC a better place to work.
Scott Bernhardt has worked for Huron Valley Ambulance Service for 8 years. Whether delivering babies or saving the lives of loved ones, Scott feels honored serving his community through his work.
In January 2015 Scott and his partner were the first to respond to a call with multiple pediatric patients, which unfortunately included one fatality and several children in critical condition. Scott was able to quickly assess and triage at the scene and relay to dispatch the resources needed to assure optimal patient outcomes. Calm, professional, and caring, Scott was able to provide excellent clinical care in an emotionally challenging environment.
Scott is loyal, honest, and committed to his company. He rarely misses a day of work and fills in when necessary for his fellow medics. In his time off, Scott enjoys vacationing with his family. Huron Valley Ambulance Service is proud to honor Scott as a 2016 Star of Life.
Lawrence “Larry” Billotto is recognized as a Star of Life this year for his dedication to the mission of MEDIC. Since 1998, Larry has kept MEDIC’s fleet in tip-top shape as a skilled mechanic. His knowledge of his job is unsurpassed. In fact, he serves
as one of the primary Road Safety System Controllers on all Agency vehicles, and participates in multiple Agency improvement project work teams.
When not at work, Larry continues to embody the principles of MEDIC. Larry works as an EMT for Novant Healthcare Special Events and as a volunteer firefighter in his community. Sacrificing his personal time to help others, Larry is also active in his church, participates in mission trips, and helps others that are less fortunate by showing them compassion and care. According to his coworkers, these are the qualities that embody the meaning of a Star of Life.
Jay is an exemplary Chair Car Attendant for LifeLine Ambulance Service. His passion and commitment to his patients is unparalleled; Jay truly treats each and every patient as if they were a member of his own family. He sets a great example for all other employees and raises the bar for the standard of patient care.
LifeLine’s mission is to provide respectful, dignified, and compassionate care to all persons entrusted to our care. Jay truly embodies this mission. On April 15, 2016, Jay will retire from LifeLine and travel the country with his family. He will forever be missed by his fellow employees and patients.
Lesyan and Liosdan Diaz are partners from AMR’s Miami Operations and have similar backgrounds. Both immigrated at a young age with relatives to the United States from Cuba. Their strong family values, along with a close knit childhood, have contributed to their success in EMS and in their abilities to help others in their times of need.
While on duty, these crew members discovered a horrific motor vehicle accident on the interstate. A stranded motorist, who had been trying to repair a stalled vehicle, was struck by a passing car and sustained life-threatening injuries. The crew immediately took charge and quickly responded. After radioing in a trauma alert, they rendered both BLS and ALS care, and provided treatment to the patient which has been credited as saving his life. Unknown to the crew at the time of the incident, the patient was an AMR co-worker who was on his way home from work.
Because of the partners’ quick thinking and their strong clinical abilities, they saved the life of a colleague.
Linda Brown started her LifeCare career more than thirteen years ago. Already an EMT-B and active member of her volunteer agency, Linda’s background in accounting enabled her to join our staff as a Billing Specialist. LifeCare leadership realized from the very beginning that they had hired a customer service gem.
Over the years, Linda has not only served as a Billing Specialist, but has been involved in many special events. These range from providing EMS coverage at the Boy Scout Jamboree to sharing her smiling face and gentle words with children and adults in attendance at health and safety expos throughout the Central Virginia Region.
Linda’s knack for customer service has proven invaluable to LifeCare when serving customers calling in regards to their bills. Additionally, Linda is a great cheerleader for LifeCare’s employees. She assists the President of LifeCare with the preparation and presentation of kudos letters to employees who have been recognized by LifeCare’s customers for outstanding service.
LifeCare would not be the same without Linda’s smiling face and excellent customer service.
Nicholas Brown is a full time Paramedic and Field Training Officer at LifeNet Inc. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy and served as a parachute rigger attached to an FA/18 squadron. Following his Navy service, Nick returned home and worked for his father, a general contractor, for several years.
Nick then became interested in the medical field and began working part time in physical therapy. Soon after, he elected to continue his education and obtained his EMT, then eventually his Paramedic, license. He worked in the Emergency Department at a local hospital for several years before beginning his full-time career with LifeNet.
Nick’s managers were pleased that his peers nominated him as our Star of Life. They appreciate Nick as an excellent problem-solver and noted that he digs deep to search for the root causes of issues. He finds pragmatic solutions that are successful and can be readily adopted by others. Nick consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing great service to both patients and other community members.
Nick is married to Cassi, a registered nurse who shares his love for healthcare. Nick enjoys spending time with Cassi and their children, and they especially love outdoor recreation activities.
Richard Allan Buckles, Jr. was born and raised in Visalia, California. At a young age, Richard was introduced to sports, and he has played football and baseball his entire life. Richard attended local schools and excelled at playing baseball while in high school. He met his wife, Erin, while in middle school and got married in June of 2002. To support his wife, Richard aspired to do something in public safety. As a first step, he went to an EMT class at a local college, and in 2003, he started working as an EMT. Richard also spent a short time as a volunteer firefighter with the Tulare County
Richard started with American Ambulance in 2005. Since then, Richard has continued to excel. He has been involved in various programs within the company, and has taken on restocking, ordering, and even leading the process for the annual California Highway Patrol inspection.
He has also reached out this year to help with one of American Ambulance’s initiatives for senior citizens, Heart of Seniors, a program to promote cardiac health in women. Earlier this year, Richard and several paramedics from American Ambulance even served as volunteer “escorts” for the ladies attending the event at the local senior center. This program is growing and becoming more popular every year in the senior community.
Richard and Erin have two boys who are very active in sports. Richard spends his off-time coaching his sons’ All- Valley Youth Football and Cal Ripken Baseball teams.
