Jason Billington was born and raised in Amsterdam, New York.
Jason served his community as a Volunteer Firefighter and was quickly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2010 he became an EMT, after attending Fulton-Montgomery Community College for his training.
Jason joined Mohawk Ambulance Service in July 2012 as an EMT, and was soon promoted to Driver. Jason proved himself to be a vital asset through hard work and dedication, and was promoted to Field Training Officer and Driver Trainer.
Jason continues to strive to improve his skills and the skills of his co-workers. Jason enjoys serving the community and spending time with his family. Jason is planning to attend Paramedic School in the near future.
Mohawk Ambulance Service is proud to honor Jason as an American Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life. Since joining Mohawk, Jason has been recognized with Distinguished Service Awards in 2014 and again in 2016.
Lyle Armstrong’s EMS career began in 1988 when he graduated from a Wyoming EMS First Responder Course with the aim of improving the safety of his local whitewater club. In 1989, he was hired as a career firefighter by the Rock Springs Wyoming Fire Department (RSFD).
Over the next few years, Lyle responded to several incidents that inspired him to further his training and experience within the EMS profession. Lyle took an EMT Basic course in 1994 and began working part time for Vase EMS in Rock Springs. Lyle advanced to ALS by obtaining his Wyoming EMT Intermediate Certification in 1996, and continued to work part-time for Vase EMS for 10 years.
Lyle always states that his goal is to be the best firefighter/EMT that he can be. Lyle’ career evolved as he served two years as firefighter, two years as fire captain, 14 years as Battalion Chief, and finally by serving almost seven years as fire chief. In the midst of his career progression, he also continued to advance his education, obtaining his Associate Degree in Fire Science and completing the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
Lyle’s focus was to give as much back to emergency services as it had given to him. Lyle served as an adjunct instructor from 1994–2007 for the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Office teaching hazardous materials awareness, operation, incident command, and technician courses throughout the state. Through the years, Lyle also served as an adjunct instructor for several of the Wyoming Fire Schools. From 2003–2014, Lyle ran a business providing training to the industry on firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and EMS.
Lyle has also been active in many local leadership activities and committees. Lyle served as the City of Rock Springs Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator from 1993–1995, and Emergency Management Coordinator 1995–1999 and 2008–2015. Lyle was a member of the Sweetwater County Local Emergency Planning Committee from 1994–2014 and was the Chairman of the Sweetwater County Ambulance Service Board, Rock Springs from 2013–2014. The board was tasked to oversee the area’s medical transportation and successfully created, marketed, and executed a five-year ambulance contract.
Lyle has also served in several state positions. As the RSFD fire chief Lyle also served as the administrator for the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Regional Emergency Response Team 4. Lyle served on the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Firefighter Certification Committee from 1999 to 2011, serving six of those years as chairman. During those six years, the committee was successful in obtaining NPQS (ProBoard) national certification of seven of the committee’s 17 fire certification levels. Lyle also served six years on the Wyoming Fire Chiefs’ Executive Board, with two years as president of that organization. Lyle also served on the Wyoming Fire Chiefs’ Legislative Committee from 2005 to 2014.
On December 12, 2014, Lyle retired from the RSFD and moved to Del Norte County, California. Looking to continue his efforts to give back to the community, Lyle filled a vacant Board of Directors position on the Smith River Fire Protection District from July 2015–November 2016. Lyle also participates on the Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services Emergency Operations Center team and was hired as a part-time EMT at Del Norte Ambulance in April of 2016.
Lyle is a natural leader and his experience in the field makes him a very valuable asset. Lyle is the EMT-B that all Paramedics want to work with. Many younger EMTs seek Lyle out for ideas, help, and guidance.
Lyle is always upbeat, ready to help others, and prepared to take on tough assignments. Lyle Armstrong is not only a terrific EMT, but he is also a terrific human being.
Gabe is an accomplished Medic and an amazing leader. Gabe is a Tactical Medic and is on Trinidad Ambulance District’s Rescue Task Force. In addition to being a full-time employee with the Trinidad Ambulance District, Gabe is a dedicated community servant, serving as second in command at a local volunteer fire department. Gabe is also a sworn member of the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office where he frequently rides patrol shifts.
Gabe’s dedication to public safety is what makes him a Star of Life. Gabe puts his life on the line every day for EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement, in order to make his community safer and a better place to live.
Renee has worked at St. Francois County Ambulance District for over 10 years. In addition to her career in EMS, Renee also teaches classes at Mineral Area College to aspiring EMTs and Paramedics.
Renee’s excellent communication skills, willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, and can-do attitude, have earned her this nomination for a Stars of Life of Award. Renee’s compassionate and caring behavior make her a widely respected supervisor at St. Francois County Ambulance District.
Throughout his 11 year career with Nature Coast EMS, Graham has consistently gone above and beyond to demonstrate dedication and commitment to his organization, fellow team members, and patients. Graham can always be counted on to represent Nature Coast EMS at many public events each year such as the annual Christmas parade, and he helps organizes the annual Nature Coast EMS Trunk or Treat which provides a safe place for the people of Citrus County to bring their families to for Halloween. Every October, Graham helps raise money for cancer awareness by selling t-shirts for team members to wear.
Additionally, Graham has received many accolades from his patients for his compassionate care and willingness to share his personal time giving back. In fact, the readers of the Citrus County Chronicle obviously agree as Graham was recognized as their 2016 Healthcare Hero. The “Healthcare Hero” is an award designated for individuals who truly make a difference in the health of the Citrus County Community.
Graham is a consummate professional who continues to be an engaged and active team member. Graham has flourished into a patient centered, compassionate paramedic, who is dedicated to serving his community. Nature Coast Emergency Medical Services is fortunate to have Graham as part of our family.
Deanne graduated from Purdue University in 2009 with a focus in behavioral neuroscience.Deanne’s desire to utilize her degree led her to enroll in EMT school in 2010, and she began her new career with Cataldo Ambulancein 2011. Since then, Deanne’s love for EMS has grown, and she has taken on many roles. Deanne has served as a BLS road crew, an FTO, educator, and facilitator. This diverse experience has helped Deanne become a confident, well-rounded, healthcare provider. Though Deanne has worked in many different roles, she really enjoys being a part of the road crews where she is able to make a difference in her patient’s lives.
Deanne is a committed EMT, FTO, and team player. Deanne will do what is asked without hesitation and often brings new ideas and suggestions to the forefront. Among other things, Deanne is professional, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile to help her team and patients.
Deanne takes each shift seriously and is always on top of her game. Deanne is well respected among her peers and others around her. Patients often will call or write to express how much they appreciate Deanne’s help. Over this past year, Deanne has really stepped up to fill in as a facilitator for many of Cataldo’s educational classes. Deanne creates lasting relationships with those around her and her constant professionalism has helped her to de-escalate a few situations. Deanne continues to offer new ideas and suggestions to bridge the relationship between staff and crew members. Deanne is selfless and works for the best interests of her patients, the company and the EMS industry as a whole.
Beth Keegan began her career at Armstrong Ambulance Service in 1995 as a payroll manager, back when run reports were handwritten and timecards were printed on paper. After succeeding in her payroll position, Beth was promoted to the position of Payroll and Benefits Manager, where she excelled for many years. Beth was subsequently promoted to her current role as Director of Human Resources, a title she has now held for over 11 years. Through her years counseling employees from their first interview with the company, throughout their career at Armstrong and beyond, Beth has built a solid rapport with both field personnel and management.
Beth Keegan exemplifies Armstrong Ambulance’s commitment to its employees. She is a proven leader with an expertise at forming trusting relationships, and a passion for both human resources and the ambulance industry. Beth has always taken the time to listen to each and every one of her employees. With a smile on her face, Beth is constantly looking out for all of her colleagues and always acting as their greatest advocate. She prides herself on her ability to provide employees an alternative channel to express their concerns. Beth has consistently demonstrated a high degree of integrity, influence, and pride to support both the needs of the organization and staff.
Beth enjoys her work because she wants to give back to her employees who give so much to their patients every day. Beth is a true Star of Life to all of the men and women who proudly wear the Star of Life on their uniforms. Armstrong Ambulance is proud to nominate our Director of Human Resources, Beth Keegan, for her great work and support of EMS.
Ryan Lowe currently serves as a Medic Field Training Officer at Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Medic) and has been a medic for over twenty-one years.
In additional to being an exceptional paramedic, Ryan’s commitment to professionalism and excellence in medical care is ideally suited to help develop the new employees at Mecklenburg EMS Agency. Ryan takes pride in all that he does and always represents the Agency in a positive manner.
Similar to Medic’s Mission Statement, Ryan is prepared to respond in his community when and where patients need him. Ryan supports Medic’s mission everyday by being an outstanding role model and is truly deserving of the Stars of Life award.
Kasey Ras is an Assistant Operations Supervisor/Paramedic and started her career with Sunstar in November of 2010. When Kasey was asked what led her to EMS, she responded that, when working as a sales representative, she had witnessed a very bad accident. Kasey felt helpless and had no idea what to do but knew she never wanted to have that feeling again. Kasey quit her job in sales, started EMT school, and has never looked back. Since joining Sunstar, Kasey has proven to be a great asset to our team.
Since starting in EMS, Kasey has been both a Preceptor and Field Training Officer. Kasey is a Preceptor with St. Petersburg College’s EMS program, where she mentors and trains new students. In 2015, Kasey was promoted to Assistant Operations Supervisor. Kasey is very safety-conscious in every aspect of her job. Kasey strives to be her best daily and holds others around her to that same standard.
Sunstar Paramedics is proud to nominate Paramedic Kasey Ras as a 2017 AAA Stars of Life recipient. She is a truly dedicated employee who loves what she does and lives by our CARE PLUS Values.
Kasey always strives to do the right thing, no matter the situation. Kasey was honored with the CARE PLUS Award for an act of kindness that many others would never have recognized. After transporting a veteran to the local VA, Kasey noticed a man sitting on the ground outside of the ER. Kasey stopped and asked him if he needed help. The man replied that he wanted to go inside to get help for multiple issues, including housing, but he had his dog and didn’t know what to do. The man advised Kasey that he loved his dog and could not bear to lose him. After a few minutes talking to the man, Kasey called her wife and had her come pick up the dog in order for this man to go in and get the help he needed. Kasey and her wife took this dog in and cared for it as their own while the man worked with the VA to find permanent housing. After a few days, the veteran was placed in permanent housing and Kasey reunited him with his beloved dog.
Kasey’s everyday commitment to her patients, partners, citizens of Pinellas County and Sunstar Paramedics makes her the ideal nominee. Sunstar Paramedics is very proud to have a leader like Kasey on our team.
Kenneth “Ken” began serving his community through EMS in 1989 as an EMT and Firefighter, but quickly accelerated to an Advanced EMT that same year. In 1993, Ken expanded his knowledge once again and became a Paramedic. Shortly after becoming a Paramedic, Ken became an instructor with the American Heart Association. In 2001, Ken became an instructor with the National Rifle Association with the intent to educate youth in accident prevention. To further serve his community, Ken joined the Ohio Military Reserves, and also became a special topics Instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. Continually furthering his education, Ken has since become a CICP-Paramedic. Ken strives for excellence in each patient interaction; ensuring their clinical needs as well as emotional needs are cared for to the best of his ability. Education is one the most important jobs Ken does, whether it is educating patients to alleviate fears on what will happen next in their care, mentoring new or less experienced EMT’s and Paramedics, or training for the American Heart Association.
Ken also serves as the President of the IAEP local 252 collaborating with fellow coworkers and the management team at Community Care Ambulance, and is an active member of the Safety/Wellness Committee.
Ken cares deeply about the communities he serves and has a solid rapport with the facilities in the area. Ken ensures his patients are not only cared for clinically, but emotionally as well as he attempts to ease their fears. Last year, Ken stepped up to play the important role of Santa at the Children’s Christmas Party which was a huge success. Ken is dedicated, caring and compassionate in his work.
Lorrane “Lory” started her EMS career in Sioux Falls in 1994. Since that time, Lory has served as a Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Flight Paramedic and Field Supervisor. Lory has managed multiple areas of ambulance operations ranging from scheduling to supplies. Over the years, Lory has served as the liaison to the rural Fire Department in the area, including currently serving as the peer coordinator for the CISM Team. In her spare time, Lory serves locally as a volunteer Firefighter and EMT for her local community of Valley Springs.
Lory has faithfully served in her community since 1994. During this time, Lory’s dedication to her community has been fundamental to her success in EMS. Lory continually demonstrates the actions and values of an EMS professional, and is a role model to those around her. Whether volunteering as an EMT and Firefighter in Valley Springs or the serving as the peer coordinator of the local CISM Team, Lory can be found serving in her community long after her shift is over. Lory is well respected among the local volunteer services and she is a vital member of the Paramedics Plus Sioux Falls Family.
Andy is a valuable member of the Community Ambulance, Macon division team. Andy is an active member of the Community Ambulance Disaster Response Team, which in October of 2016, was called on to participate in a statewide effort to aid with patient evacuations surrounding Hurricane Matthew. As part of this deployment, Andy participated in what ultimately became the largest coastal evacuation in state history.
In addition to his full time role as a Paramedic, Andy also serves as a Preceptor and Field Training Officer. Through these roles, Andy is able to share his knowledge, skill and passion for patient care with those who are new to EMS or our organization. As an educator and mentor, Andy has played a vital role in helping with training efforts within the organization, through National Registry skills testing and annual skills assessments for associates.
As a clinician, Andy demonstrates a high level of compassion and professionalism while taking care of the patients he serves. Andy is able to build a trusting rapport with his patients, taking the time to connect with each patient, put them at ease and provide a high level of care. Andy is able to maintain a calm composure in the field, even during the most stressful situations. Andy is knowledgeable of clinical protocols and works within them to provide the best possible care to his patients.
A true EMS professional, Andy is dependable, punctual and has a strong work ethic. As an incredibly reliable associate, Andy readily and enthusiastically takes on new tasks and challenges. Though incredible knowledgeable and skillful, Andy demonstrates humility and honesty with his patients as well as his peers. Andy Jenkins is, without a doubt, a true “star” in the field of EMS.
Theresa “Trese” has been a dedicated member of the Pacific West Ambulance team since September 14th, 2014 and has been in the EMS field since 2002. Trese has worked in many facets of providing emergency medical care, showing the ability to be versatile, knowledgeable, and compassionate. On a daily basis, she demonstrates being a team player with co-responders directing scenes, and by educating newer EMT’s and Paramedics.
Trese was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor in the Spring of 2016, where she provides support to upper management, fellow supervisors, and field staff. Trese aspires to become a Field Trainer for new paramedics and EMT’s joining the Pacific West team. Trese’s vision is to improve training by bringing new and innovative ideas to the table and developing her employee’s skills and ability to advance in the EMS industry.
It is with great pride that Pacific West Ambulance nominates Theresa Helstowski as our Star of Life for 2017. Trese Helstowski is a caring, devoted, and genuine individual; her commitment to high quality patient care shows in every step she takes with her job and every interaction she has with her patients. Our company and community thanks Trese for her unwavering service and countless hours of hard work.
Thomas joined MedStar three years ago in the fleet services department. Thomas’ fleet role is to inspect every ambulance just before it is deployed into the field to assure the vehicle is in top condition before it hits the streets of Fort Worth. Thomas joined MedStar because he was looking for meaningful work—the type of work he could be proud of whenever he sees ‘his’ units on the streets, responding to calls for help. What Thomas likes most about being part of the MedStar team is the people he gets to work with, “These are simply good people. They are fun and very understanding about the important role every member of the team plays ensuring we can put an ambulance in front of an address.”
Thomas was chosen by his peers as a Star of Life nominee, in recognition of his dedication to not only his role, but to the MedStar team.
John began his EMS career at Life EMS Ambulance in 2008 after 25 years working in another field. John began as an EMT-Basic, working in mobility and as a ReadiMedic before becoming a Paramedic. John received his paramedic license in 2009 and was promoted to a level II in 2011. Recently, John has spearheaded the new ICP role, working closely with Tandem 365 to service clients through the integrated care system. John feels that this is his most rewarding career experience to date. John said, “Seeing what EMS can be and will be has been the most rewarding experience.” John has also made LPGA standby a success the past two years.
John’s humility, actions, and performance point to his love of EMS and dedication to his career. Life EMS Ambulance is proud of John, who truly is deserving of the Star of Life award.
Brian has more than 21 years of experience in emergency medical services spanning from rural to large city services. Brian began his career working at a small rural ambulance service as an EMT-Intermediate. Brian then worked in 911 dispatch centers for Sheriff’s offices as well as the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. After receiving his paramedic licensure, Brian started working for an ALS/critical care EMS organization. Brian came to Lakes Region EMS as the MN Operations Manager and has shown his extensive experience in many areas to help lead the organization forward.
Brian Galowitz has been the Minnesota Operations Manager at Lakes Region EMS for just over one year. In this short time, Brian has utilized his previous experience both clinically and within management to help move the organization forward; leading the organization’s second largest change, a switch-over to a new dispatch center. Brian shows leadership skills everyday through his compassion for the crews, his ability to manage multiple situations calmly, and his capacity to help make transitions happen effortlessly. Brian truly has become an integral part of our organization.
Aaron Gagnepain has been a full time paramedic with Taney County Ambulance District Paramedics (TCAD) for the past three and a half years. Aaron comes to TCAD with several years of military experience, both ground and air medical civilian experience, and experience providing EMS education across our region.
Aaron routinely demonstrates a sincere dedication to the profession, providing excellent patient care and impeccable documentation. Aaron teaches, coaches, and mentors both new and experienced providers. Aaron has shown a high level of self-awareness and maturity, making difficult decisions that positively impact patients’ lives. Aaron is always striving for improvement and displays a willingness to help make those around him better. Aaron is a role model for his fellow providers and in 2016 was voted by his peers as Paramedic of the Year. TCAD Paramedics is proud to name Aaron Gagnepain as a Stars of Life nominee.
David has been in EMS for five years and part of the MedStar team since 2015. As a child, David spent a lot of time in hospitals and knew from an early age that healthcare was the career for him. While living in Alaska, David enrolled in a paramedic program that had a clinical affiliation with MedStar and did his school internship in Fort Worth. David decided MedStar was where he wanted to be. Once David was accepted for the paramedic position, he moved to Texas, and the rest is history.
David’s favorite aspect of EMS is helping people. It is because of David’s willingness to serve others that he was chosen by his peers as a Star of Life nominee.
Bridget started at LifeCare Ambulance Service in 2001, working first as a paramedic and now in the dispatch center for the past six years. Bridget also received her Instructor/Coordinator license, and has been teaching the MFR/EMR course at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) for the past three years.
Bridget first discovered her interest in EMS while taking the Medical First Responder course as a prerequisite for her then chosen field of Physical Therapy. Bridget soon decided that EMS was her real interest and never looked back. Bridget went on to enroll in the EMT program and paramedic courses at Kellogg Community College.
Bridget’s co-workers and supervisor nominated her for a Star of Life as a result of the extra efforts she has put forth in improving LifeCare Ambulance Service’s dispatch operations. Bridget recently created and implemented LifeCare’s new dispatch training manual as well as a new training and orientation program for the dispatch team. Part of this orientation includes a presentation Bridget put together for new field staff to see during their training. Bridget has also been hard at work improving employee recruitment and retention.
Bridget is always willing to help others, and take the lead when needed. Bridget works diligently to make sure our patients are happy with the service they receive. This means going the extra mile to make sure we have the documentation needed to get a patient’s ambulance transfer covered, or working with the hospital and facility staff to get transfers scheduled. Bridget is always looking for ways to help and LifeCare is proud to nominate her for a Star of Life Award.
Darick has been a paramedic for six years, and is currently Madison County Ambulance District’s (MCAD) Chief Medical Officer. Darick is the go-to person for Madison County, and is truly phenomenal at his job. Darick manages MCAD’s Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement to ensure ongoing excellence.
Darick mentors fellow staff and continually helps improve their performance. Additionally, Darick serves his community in number of ways. Darick is MCAD’s CPR and first aid instructor for the local police department, fire department, and home health staff. Darick also works with MCAD’s Chief to provide AED training to churches and community centers that have AEDs on their premises.
Madison County Ambulance District is truly proud to have Darick as an integral part our team and to nominate him for a Star of Life award.
