Derek began his career in EMS in 2010 as an EMT Basic with the Watonga, Oklahoma Fire Department. Shortly thereafter, Derek was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in the 45th Infantry Division for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2011–2012 Derek was redeployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Upon returning in 2012, Derek enrolled in Paramedic school at Redlands Community College, completing his degree in 2014. Derek started working at Life EMS in August of 2015, and has since been promoted to the position of Operations and QA Supervisor.
Derek was instrumental in implementing Life EMS’ new mapping system software and played a key role in rebuilding the Volunteer rural Service in Watonga to prevent it from closing.
Derek was chosen as a Star by his fellow medics. Derek’s passion and pride in his work at Life EMS and Watonga EMS is truly unprecedented.
Life EMS is proud to recognize Derek Vermillion as a 2017 Star of Life.
When Duane Thomas found EMS, he found his calling. Duane came to LifeCare in 2011 as an EMT-B, and went on to complete the Intermediate program in 2015. Duane is described by his colleagues as, “professional, caring, and always an advocate for his patients.” While still an EMT-B, Duane was the partner that every medic would want on their crew. Duane always anticipated what the medic would need and would have it ready. Duane is not afraid to offer or take suggestions on a call and is always eager to learn and improve his skill set.
Duane always represents LifeCare in a professional and caring manner. The clinical care and comfort of Duane’s patients is always his priority. Duane has earned the respect of the doctors, nurses and staff members of the medical facilities he visits with his patients.
Duane’s commitment to excellence in clinical care and customer service is deserving of recognition. Duane’s LifeCare colleagues and supervisors are in agreement that his dedication to providing the best EMS care to the people of the Southwestern region of Virginia is exemplary. LifeCare Medical Transports is proud to recognize Duane as a 2017 Star of Life.
Doug Volin has more than 17 years of experience in emergency medical services, spending the past six years with Lakes Region EMS. Doug started his career as a Firefighter/EMT-Basic, quickly deciding that he wanted to become a Paramedic. Now, Doug is a Paramedic Field Training Officer, SWAT team medic and employee liaison on our Board of Directors. Over his career, Doug has shown consistently how to lead through example. Doug has the ability to take a very stressful call or situation and turn it into what feels like a routine call. As a Field Training Officer, Doug’s ability to push new hires and Paramedic students to learn from their calls and expand their knowledge is what makes him an important part of our organization. While working full time at Lakes Region EMS Doug made time to complete our Critical Care Course. Doug has also been chosen to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors as an employee liaison. Lakes Region EMS is proud to nominate Doug as a 2017 Star of Life.
Doug Volin has been a Paramedic-FTO with Lakes Region EMS for 6 years. In that time he has shown consistently how to lead through example. He has the ability to take a very stressful call or situation and turn it into what feels like a routine call. As a Field Training Officer, Doug’s ability to push new hires and paramedic students to learn from their calls and expand their knowledge is what makes him an important part of our organization. While working full time at Lakes Region EMS Doug made time to complete our Critical Care Course. He was also chosen to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors as an employee liaison.
Angela “Angie” Jarrett, NRP, began her career in EMS as an EMT in 2001, joining Gold Cross in 2007.
Angie works collaboratively and fosters an inclusive environment. Angie says she finds her role as a leader and mentor very rewarding. “It is extremely gratifying to pass along my knowledge and experiences to others and to see it reflected in the patient care they provide,” Angie said. In her estimation, Angie believes that leadership should not be about one’s own accomplishments; rather it should be “the ability to contribute to the success of others.”
Throughout her career, Angie has demonstrated initiative and is respected as someone who mentors and leads by example in providing the best care to every patient, every day.
A colleague wrote, “Angie is always willing to listen and help crew members through any situation they are facing. Thanks to her leadership, when challenges have arisen between crew members, Angie is able to bring calm to the situation. Angie is always mindful of the differences in people and their views of a given situation.”
Angie’s advice for the next generation of Paramedics coming into the workforce is, “I would tell them to build one another up, do your best every day, and choose to be part of the solution.”
Gold Cross, the Paramedic service of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is proud to be represented by Angie Jarrett, a Paramedic and Assistant Operations Supervisor, as a 2017 Star of Life.
John Smith initially applied to Community Care Ambulance (CCA) for a Wheelchair Technician position. During John’s interview, CCA recognized his passion for caring for others, and his dedication after many years in the industry. Instead of bringing John on board as a Wheelchair Technician, CCA invited John to join the team as our Hospital Coordinator within the Marketing Department.
John began his career in the industry more than 25 years ago as a Wheelchair Technician, then advanced into a Supervisor role. For fifteen years, John collaborated with various organizations and associations to assist in teaching Wheelchair Technician courses within the state, covering topics ranging from customer service to crew and patient safety.
From John’s very first day at CCA, he has proven himself to be invaluable. John’s impeccable customer service, dedication to a job well done, and care delivered to patients is inspiring. John always has a smile on his face, even in moments of stress. John always goes above and beyond for his fellow co-workers, customers, and patients. Additionally, John works at night and on weekends, filling in where needed as a Wheelchair Technician.
John has now been part of CCA for two years in his role of Hospital Coordinator. Due to his diligence and dedication, John has been instrumental in building relationships with the staff at our local University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center. Everyone at Ahuja knows John, from the Manager of the ER, to the ladies that work in the gift shop, and John is considered part of the family.
John has dedicated his life to serving others through medical transportation as a Wheelchair Tech, Supervisor, and now as Hospital Coordinator. John is humble, kind, reliable, and goes the extra mile every day for all of our patients. John carries with him a sense of pride, respect, and integrity for his job. It is for these reasons that Community Care Ambulance is proud to recognize John as a 2017 Star of Life.
Craig began his EMS career by attending EMT school in 2007. Craig graduated Paramedic school in 2010 and joined Pafford Medical Services in rural Mississippi the summer of that same year. Always a team player, Craig emerged as a team leader among his peers. He serves as the Field Training Officer for Pafford’s Bolivar County, Mississippi operation as well as assists with QA for the Pafford Delta Division’s participation in the Mississippi Trauma System.
As Craig grew in his position, he wanted to do more and became a CPR instructor as well as an ACLS instructor. This did not satisfy Craig’s thirst to provide others with the knowledge of this great profession and in 2016 he became an EMT Instructor at Coahoma Community College. Craig and the other EMT Instructor at the school have enjoyed great success with excellent pass rates.
Craig is a loyal, productive, and dynamic employee as well as a humble community servant. Craig has served on the front lines for Pafford, having been deployed to hurricane responses on the Louisiana Coast as well as flood evacuations in Mississippi.
Fellow employees know they can depend on Craig Sparks to lend a helping hand no matter what they need. Craig’s compassion for his fellow man, whether on the clock or off, is demonstrated in everything he does. Craig always puts service over self to ensure that his patients get the care that they deserve. Pafford Medical Services of Mississippi is proud to nominate Craig Sparks as an American Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life.
Andrea Earley of Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service has a bright spirit and a heart dedicated to serving her community. Andrea is a great Paramedic, but her real talent shines through in the amazing events she develops as the Public Event Coordinator.
Andrea organizes activities such as the Ardmore Touch-a-Truck, Kids Day in the Park, and city-wide bicycle safety programs. Andrea sets up and promotes numerous “crash bashes” to educate high school students in the area about the dangers of drunk driving.
Andrea designs and sells company t-shirts for breast cancer awareness, then donates the proceeds to support those fighting cancer. This year, Andrea voluntarily coordinated the emergency care and medical support for the 2017 Tim Tebow “Night to Shine Event,” a special needs prom night celebration.
Andrea is always willing to jump in and help. Andrea always pushes for positive promotion of EMS and she is truly a shining star in our community. For these reasons, Andrea was selected as the Oklahoma Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life.
Melissa joined Metro West Ambulance on April 17, 2000 as a BLS provider in the non-emergent wheelchair transport division. Over the years, Melissa has held many positions within the company, such as shop manager, ambulance department supervisor, and dispatch supervisor. Melissa’s internal desire and strive to learn all there is to know in EMS and in the organization is commendable.
During the last year while fighting a very brave battle with cancer, Melissa has still been able to maintain her position as Logistics Manager, Chief of Staff, supervisor to the Vehicle Service Technicians, and supervisor of the Vernonia Ambulance Volunteers. Melissa will frequently staff openings in the 911 system and, in her spare time, volunteers at River City Speedway as one of the emergency responders during their racing events.
Despite her commitment to volunteer work and difficult battle with cancer, Melissa has remained dedicated to her career as an EMS provider, through both her duties at Metro West Ambulance as well as her support of her community.
It is Metro West Ambulance’s pleasure to nominate Melissa Zimmer as a 2017 Star of Life.
Matthew “Matt” Williams is involved in multiple aspects of LifeNet’s EMS service in Stillwater, Oklahoma; including new employee development, our quality assurance processes, education, and multiple leadership roles. Matt completed his paramedic education at Oklahoma State University, and is pursuing a B.S. in Emergency Medical Services Administration at Columbia Southern University. When Matt is not at work, which is a rarity, Matt spends time with his wife, Felisha, and their seven children. Matt and his family enjoy fishing, traveling, and attending various sporting events.
Matt is LifeNet’s 2017 Star of Life representing our Stillwater, Oklahoma division. Matt’s coworkers nominated him for his dedication to our patients, the community, and for his commitment to the LifeNet team.
For 20 years, Marilyn has been serving the citizens of Oklahoma. For the past 14 years, Marilyn has been working for Pafford EMS of Oklahoma. In those 14 years, Marilyn has proven to be an invaluable asset to both the company and her peers.
Marilyn has always been the kind of EMT that takes her peers into consideration, often volunteering to take emergency calls, inter-facility transfers, or posting assignments, just so other crewmembers can catch a break, get something to eat, or a take a shower.
Marilyn has always strived for excellence in everything she does. Marilyn is passionate about her job and her peers, compassionate with her patients, and is a model person and employee.
Most EMS providers look at their peers in EMS as an extension of their immediate family and Marilyn is no different. Marilyn often takes this family approach to unforeseen levels. Marilyn goes out of her way to ensure the crews who are working on holidays enjoy a warm holiday meal, even coming to the station on her day off.
Whenever Marilyn’s peers face difficult times, either on a professional or personal level, Marilyn is always the first person to come to their aid, offering them any support she can provide. Whether it be a shoulder to cry on, a warm meal, or just simply letting them know that she cares and will be praying for them, Marilyn cares deeply for her peers. Pafford EMS of Oklahoma is proud to nominate Marilyn Williams as a 2017 Star of Life.
James has been serving his community in many different ways for the past 15 years. Starting at the age of 16, James began as a volunteer cadet firefighter for Greencares’ Fire Department. While with Greenacres, James obtained his First Responder certification, followed by his EMT certification.
After turning 18, James moved into the Coos Bay Fire Department as a cadet in their student residency program. While serving with Coos Bay Fire Department, James was able to obtain his EMT Intermediate certificate, as well as various other certifications for rescue operations.
James’ first paid EMT position was with the City of Myrtle Point as an EMT Intermediate. By the time James turned 21, he began working full time for Bay Cities Ambulance and progressed towards earning his paramedic degree. Since becoming a licensed paramedic with Bay Cities Ambulance in 2009, James has continued to advance in his chosen profession, rapidly progressing to Senior Paramedic, Field Training Officer and finally, becoming our organization’s Chief Quality Assurance officer.
After 10 years with Bay Cities Ambulance, James says he gets the most satisfaction by training new EMTs and paramedics and empowering them to continue to advance in their chosen career field. Bay Cities Ambulance is proud to nominate James as a 2017 Star of Life.
Ellen Fleming, Paramedic, I/C, currently serves as the Director of Corporate Accreditation for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. Since September 2016, Ellen has been dedicated to leading Superior through the CAAS accreditation process and toward CAMTS accreditation for the AirMed program and ground Critical Care Transport services.
Ellen is a highly-decorated professional with over 29 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services and non-emergency ambulance services. Ellen’s experience spans from being a Field Paramedic for 18 years, to Operations Supervisor at American Medical Response in Pontiac, Michigan, and an international fixed-wing flight paramedic at Kalitta Charters (MedFlight) in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 2007, Ellen began her role in EMS management at Community EMS/Parastar Inc. in Southfield, Michigan, where she served in various leadership positions. Most notably, Ellen achieved CAAS accreditation 18 times for Community EMS and its multiple joint venture ambulance companies from 2009 to 2016, while concurrently serving as Director of Operations for Beaumont Medical Transportation Service in Troy, Michigan from 2013 to 2016. During her time at Community EMS/Parastar, Inc., Ellen also served as the Education Coordinator for the 2010 and 2011 Southeast Michigan EMS EXPO in Novi, Michigan, sponsored by Community EMS affiliates, Botsford Hospital and the Life Support Training Institute (LSTI). Ellen was also an Event Planner/Consultant for the 2012 conference. Ellen is currently an AHA ACLS Instructor at the University of Michigan Clinical Simulation Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is a licensed Paramedic EMS Instructor/Coordinator through the State of Michigan. Ellen has been a site reviewer for the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) since 2001.
Throughout her EMS career, Ellen has served as the ALS Representative (private) at the Oakland County Medical Control Authority as a member of the Professional Standards Review Organization and the Medical Control Committee. In 2009, Ellen was recognized as Oakland County’s EMS Provider of the Year for dedicated service and longstanding commitment to excellence in EMS. Ellen is also a previous recipient of the American Ambulance Association’s Star of Life award presented in Washington D.C from her nomination by Community EMS in 2009. Ellen also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services (MAAS) from September 2012 to January 2015. Ellen’s personal adventures include multiple hikes in the Grand Canyon and she enjoys driving her 1976 Corvette Stingray and 2016 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack with her beloved golden retriever “Solei” on board. This summer, Ellen looks forward to polishing up one of Superior’s classic ambulances for the 2017 Woodward Cruise Vintage Emergency Vehicle Show.
Jan Samson joined Cavalier Ambulance in 2002 as a driver. Jan’s passion for EMS led her to complete EMT coursework, then continue her education to attain her Paramedic credential in 2008. She progressed to working as a full-time Paramedic in 2009. Samson continues to serve her community in this capacity to this date. Jan is currently a regional director with the North Dakota EMS Association.
Through her efforts as the Pembina County EMS Education Coordinator, area ambulance services have gained many new and very well-trained EMRs and EMTs. In addition to organizing in-person training for Pembina staff, Jan positively impacts the larger region through the administration of web-based e-learning for EMS personnel from farther afield.
Jan has shown great interest and aptitude in developing her leadership abilities. This is manifested in her mentorship of new staff, as well as the application of new leadership concepts and techniques gained from her classes with SafeTech Solutions. For many EMS providers new to the profession, the learning curve can be challenging, especially within a rural Advanced Life Support service like Cavalier. Samson works patiently with EMRs and EMTs to help familiarize them with ALS equipment and procedures. She ensures that these BLS-level staff have an understanding of the advanced measures, so that they can be of assistance in a time of need.
Jan’s commitment, dedication, and passion ensure that we are proud to call her a 2017 Star of Life.
In her time away from Cavalier, Jan enjoys spending time with her adult children and first grandchild.
Sherri Steele joined Medic five years ago. She serves in our Billing Services Department, specializing in Veterans Administration (VA) claims.
Working on VA claims is very tedious and time consuming. According to Sherri’s supervisor, “she should get combat pay for for handling such challenging situations.” Despite the obstacles, Sherri always goes above and beyond to get results. She helps Medic patients get their VA claims paid by working with the local hospital medical records departments.
Sherri was nominated as a Star of Life by her department manager. She was selected for her continuous demonstration of many of Medic’s core values, including putting our patients first by educating them about their benefits.
Although she is not a clinician, Sherri is truly a Star. Her dedication to a job well done benefits some of our most vulnerable patients every day.
It is with deep regret that FDNY announced the line of duty death of FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo on March 16. EMT Arroyo, 44, was assigned to Station 26 in the Bronx and bravely served the Department for 14 years. EMT Arroyo was critically injured while responding to a medical call in the Bronx when an individual seized control of her ambulance and struck her. EMT Arroyo was transported to Jacobi Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries. EMT Arroyo is the 8th member of FDNY EMS to die in the line of duty, and the 1146th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice while serving our city.
EMT Arroyo leaves behind a large and close-knit family, including five sons ages 8–24, and her mother, Ms. Leida M. Acevedo-Rosado.
Amanda Wilkinson has been in EMS for 15 years and has worked in a variety of private and non-profit EMS settings. Amanda has been a Paramedic for 11 years, and devoted much of her career to public and EMS education. Paramedic Wilkinson is a NAEMSE-trained instructor, and serves as an assistant Paramedic Program instructor, as well as a regional Paramedic preceptor. Amanda also holds additional instructor certifications for PALS, ACLS, and BCLS. Amanda also previously served as a NHTSA car seat instructor. Amanda is a full-time mother of three children, ages 14, 9, and 7 years old.
After American Ambulance of Visalia doubled in size in a three-month period, the company was left without a training supervisor. Paramedic Wilkinson was selected as the training supervisor and appointed to be the company’s prehospital liaison officer for the region’s EMS system. Paramedic Wilkinson has worked tirelessly to raise the bar on training, documentation standards, and internal educational programs. American Ambulance of Visalia is proud to recognize Amanda Wilkinson as a 2017 Star of Life.
Tiffany Johnson has served at Medic for 17 years. More than just a job, Tiffany believes that EMS is her calling.
A mentor to many, Tiffany’s coworker noted, “Tiffany has no problem sharing her knowledge and taking time out to help you strengthen your skills to be a better Paramedic.” Tiffany assists others during times of need, and handles difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact.
With seven nominations from fellow employees, selecting Tiffany Johnson as a 2017 Star of Life was a no brainer. As a Paramedic Crew Chief, Tiffany exemplifies Medic’s mission, “saving a life, hold a hand,” both on and off duty. Tiffany treats each patient like a family member; with respect and dignity, no matter the nature of the call. Former patients have asked for Tiffany because of the excellent care they received from her.
Tiffany’s dedication to her community continues even when she is not on duty at Medic. In her free time, Tiffany serves with a volunteer group of women who have adopted Hunter Woods Nursing Home.
James Garvin began his career in EMS relatively late in life. Prior to becoming an EMT, James worked for 21 years as a machine operator for a nationally known paper production company. During his employment with the paper company, James became a member of the fire brigade and Emergency Response Team. When James retired in 2006, he joined Muskogee County EMS. Since that time, James has furthered his education and is now a Paramedic. In addition to his duties as a field provider, James is also a supervisor, Field Training Officer, a certified CLEET officer, and a tactical medic with the Muskogee Police Department.
James has embraced his new career with passion and professionalism. Soon after James started as an EMT, he saw a need to enhance our service’s mapping programs. On his own time and without expectation, James wrote and distributed a 30-page mapping companion that provides simple, easy-to-follow directions to the most obscure streets, avenues, and roads in our county. Even with our current mapping programs, medics still rely on the directions in James’s book when they receive a call for an address on an unknown street.
Over the last 10 years with Muskogee County EMS, James has received numerous awards and accolades. Some of James’s many recognitions include EMT-Basic of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Paramedic of the Year, Employee of the Month, and—most importantly to him— multiple code saves.
When asked what he likes most about his job, James is quick to say that it is the satisfaction of knowing he’s helped save someone’s life. “When I get there and they are in cardiac arrest, not breathing, no pulse, and then later they are being discharged from the hospital and sometimes even coming to see you and say ‘Thank you,’ well, it’s just something that can’t be explained. It’s the best thing in the world,” James explained.
Each day James exemplifies the standard for Muskogee County EMS in his professionalism, compassion, and exemplary performance. Muskogee County EMS is honored to present James Garvin as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.
Randall “Randy” Frederick is a full-time, Field Training Officer and EMT. Randy began his career at North East Mobile Health Services (NEMHS) as a wheelchair van operator. Randy found his calling and became an EMT, a role he has filled admirably for the last four years. Randy was quickly promoted to a Field Training Officer, where he has excelled and provided knowledge and guidance to many of our newer employees.
Randy is the person you would want to take care of you. Randy has a certain calmness, and connection to people that conveys, “It’s going to be OK,” without saying a word. One of our most-praised Field Training Officers, Randy is compassionate, kind, and has a talent for providing guidance and encouragement to new employees.
Recent evaluations of Randy by his trainees feature positive comments that he is “knowledgable,” “unbelievably patient,” and “made me feel welcome and was always encouraging”. Randy was also described as “one heck of a nice guy”.
Perhaps Randy best expresses his status as a Star of Life in his own words. Recently, Randy was discussing the transport of patients going to a hospice care center with a new employee. Randy said, “These are some of my favorite calls. Certainly not the passing of a life, but rather having the honor and privilege to be a small part of a person’s final journey. To stop at a beach and smell the ocean, to visit a favorite place, we can help someone have peace and dignity. That is what EMS is really all about.”
While attending college in 2007, Kerry Flynn began working in Armstrong Ambulance’s billing department. After receiving her Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification, Kerry began working on Armstrong Ambulance’s communications team. As an Armstrong Ambulance Dispatcher, Kerry performs a multitude of jobs and gracefully balances the needs of patients, facilities, employees, and the company. Kerry has a natural talent for emergency dispatching and is commended by her peers for her ability to solve complex problems.
Kerry’s nomination for Stars of Life comes as no surprise. She consistently receives positive feedback from crews, management, and facilities regarding the exceptional job she performs. Kerry constantly demonstrates advanced knowledge of dispatching and company procedures, and excels as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. She is dynamic, patient-centric, friendly, and energetic. Kerry excels in every facet of her role and Armstrong Ambulance Service is proud to nominate her as a Star of Life.
