Southwest Louisiana native Tyler Weaver has served as an EMT with Acadian Ambulance for almost five years. Tyler works out of Lake Charles and was previously partnered with fellow Star of Life, Paramedic Mike Richard.
Tyler enrolled in college to study nursing but found that he was not called to work in a hospital setting. Instead, Tyler earned his EMT certification and has enjoyed every moment working for Acadian.
Tyler has established himself as a courteous, compassionate, and professional patient care provider. He has a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and attention to detail, which have earned him respect from Acadian’s management team as well as Tyler’s peers, patients, and customers.
In addition to his EMT role, Tyler is also a new hire preceptor.
“A motto I try to live by every day is something an old school medic once told me: ‘To know one patient felt better due to my actions makes it all worth it,’” Tyler says.
Tyler is currently attending Acadian’s National EMS Academy to earn his Paramedic certification, with plans to remain at Acadian for the duration of his career.
Tyler has one young son. He is also an avid scuba diver and has visited the Bahamas, Costa Rica and the Cayman Islands.
Pasadena, Texas, EMT Chris Nix, has served Acadian Ambulance for almost six years. Caring for the community runs in Chris’s family: both of his parents worked for a local ambulance service in his hometown in Alabama. In high school, Chris began taking college courses and played in the school band, where he was regarded as the best saxophonist in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Shortly after high school graduation, Chris earned his EMT certification. “After working for several different types of EMS—transport, rural, urban, and metro 911—for seven years, I wanted to branch out and see exactly how far my EMS career could take me. I wanted to work in a large EMS environment where I could learn and be exposed to some of the most advanced technologies available. That’s how I wound up in Houston nearly five years ago,” Chris says.
In addition to his position as an EMT, Chris is a preceptor, adjunct instructor at Acadian’s National EMS Academy, and high school Explorer post advisor. Chris also participates on strike teams assisting areas affected by natural disasters. Chris is considered the voice of reason and a steady hand that guides his Paramedic colleagues.
“Chris is known for two things among our Houston team: his hard work and his people skills,” says his Operations Manager, Adam Fitzhenry.
Chris has been recognized as an EMT of the Year by the City of Pasadena, and was honored for this achievement by Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36). Chris has also won Acadian’s President’s Performance Award for his dedication, commitment, and leadership.
Chris and his husband enjoy traveling, movies, food, reading and discovering new things and places.
Acadian Ambulance Paramedic Michael D. Richard originally joined the company in 2008 as an EMT. Mike later advanced to the Paramedic level. After spending a few years pursuing other career opportunities, Mike came back to Acadian in 2015. In 2017, Mike became a Critical Care Transport Paramedic working in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and in 2018, he was promoted to a Paramedic Field Supervisor position. While in Lake Charles, Mike was ambulance partners with EMT Tyler Weaver.
Currently, Mike operates a Rural Responder Sprint Truck in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, and handles some of the area’s governmental relations. Mike also serves as a preceptor and mentor for new hires.
Acadian Operations Manager John DuBose says, “Not only is Mike good at his job, but he makes others around him want to do better. He leads by example and challenges employees to always do the right thing.”
Mike is known for his remarkable work ethic, exemplary Paramedic skills, positive attitude, and leadership. Mike regularly receives compliments from governmental officials, firefighters, and police officers for his professionalism and kindness.
Mike played bass in a band for six years when he was younger and says The Beatles and Led Zeppelin are his two favorite bands. Mike is married and has four young sons. In his free time, Mike and his wife enjoy exploring coffee from micro-roasters across the country.
Acadian Ambulance Paramedic Emily Wright found a career in EMS through an unconventional path that previously saw her performing with a comedy show on cruises. Emily met her future husband on the cruise and relocated to Lafayette, Louisiana, to be with him.
“I’m a native of England, and I have traveled the world, singing in various places in France, the United States and the Caribbean. I even once performed alongside Patti Smith!” says Emily.
After settling in Lafayette, Emily enrolled in Acadian’s National EMS Academy to pursue her EMT certification. Emily joined the company in July 2016 and was assigned to their Houston service area. It didn’t take long before Emily enrolled in an accelerated Paramedic program in Houston to earn that certification and advance her career.
Emily is one of the Houston area’s top preceptors for new hires. In addition to these roles, she serves as an associate quality improvement coordinator and is president of the area’s safety, health and wellness team. Emily is a recipient of Acadian’s President’s Performance Award.
Acadian Operations Manager Adam Fitzhenry describes Emily as, “dedicated, determined and possessing a very strong work ethic.”
Emily is working to earn her Critical Care Transport Paramedic certification and aspires one day to join Acadian Air Med as a Flight Paramedic.
Alex Durio joined Acadian Ambulance in 2008, as an EMT-Basic in their New Orleans, LA, operations. Soon thereafter, he realized that EMS combined his passion for medicine with his love of public service, and he began paramedic school. After completing his certification in 2010, he returned to his hometown of Lafayette, LA, to work for Acadian’s “Hub City” operations. He has certainly thrived in this role, and was recently named as Acadian’s 2014 Louisiana Paramedic of the Year. In December 2011, Alex placed his EMS career on hold to join the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Gone for nearly a year, Alex returned to Acadian and picked up right where he left off. Because of his service to our country, Alex was awarded the Paramedic of the Year Commendation Medal in 2013 by the Attakapas Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Alex is an avid outdoorsman, and spent many years in the Boy Scouts of America. He is currently enrolled in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, pursuing a degree in mathematics.”
Eldrina Coleman started her career with Acadian Ambulance as a van operator in 2011, and in 2012, she received her EMT-Basic certification from the National EMS Academy. Named as Acadian’s 2014 Texas EMTBasic of the Year, she recently took the next step in her career by enrolling in the NEMSA’s paramedic program. Eldrina works in the Austin,Texas, area, and is a member of the North Central Texas safety committee and an All Safe instructor. She is also a highly-respected preceptor for new van operators and EMTs. To give back to the Austin community, Eldrina owns and operates Humanity, a non-profit hair salon for the elderly. Housed in a nursing facility, Humanity offers complimentary hair and nail care for male and female senior citizens.”
Callie Callais majored in geophysics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, but during her college tenure, decided a desk job was not for her. She found her calling in Gretna, LA, where she enrolled in the National EMS Academy and graduated in the fall of 2011 as an EMTBasic. She is currently Acadian’s 2014 Louisiana EMT-Basic of the Year. Callie works in Acadian Ambulance’s Orleans operations, and often assists with large-scale New Orleans events such as the Jazz & Heritage Festival and Voodoo Music Experience.When she isn’t working, she enjoys Mardi Gras, camping, hiking, and concerts. She is still quite fascinated by rocks, and enjoys traveling and bringing back different minerals for her collection.”
Stanley Caballero has been employed with Acadian Ambulance for only 14 months, but during that time he has made such an impact that he was named Acadian’s 2014 Texas Paramedic of the Year. He works full-time in McKinney, Texas, and is also a mentor to new employees and critical care paramedics. Stan’s strong work ethic and compassion for others exceeds far past his day-today job duties as a paramedic. Stan is involved with a non-profit hunger relief organization called Numana, which empowers people to package meals and send them all across the world to serve the starving. Recently, he was a part of a worldrecord breaking event in Nashville, Tenn., where more than 530,000 meals were packaged for the hungry around the world in less than one hour.”
Taylor is a Mamou High School graduate. He was raised with strong family values. Both of his parents are extremely hard working and successful in everything they do. This background led him to success in his job at Franks Casing Crew in Lafayette, Louisiana. He began as a shop hand and worked his way up to a completion supervisor. The time away from his family led him down a new career path. This is where his story with Acadian Ambulance begins.
Taylor has been employed by Acadian since August 2016 as an EMT Basic working out of Evangeline Parish in Ville Platte. Taylor arrives to work on time, and completes his daily duties without hesitation. He works well with his partner to ensure his station and unit are in mint condition and ready for what the day might bring. Taylor is an excellent Basic and has a “can do” attitude with any task assigned to him. He has a hunger for knowledge, and is currently in a Paramedic class.
Taylor is a Louisiana man, through and through—hard working with good Southern values, family-oriented, and dedicated to providing for his family. He is married to Krysten and is father to 2 beautiful children; stepson Jayden and baby daughter Brylee. Taylor enjoys coaching Jayden’s baseball team. He is an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoys woodworking, gardening, and working around his family farm.
His partner and the Acadian family have nothing but amazing things to say about Taylor as a person and an employee. He is highly respected by his co-workers and team members in the medical community. His peers write that he is driven and passionate, and strives to be better tomorrow than he was today.
Family, faith, and hard work form the foundations of Taylor’s upbringing. Those traits are very evident in his work here at Acadian Ambulance.
Taylor says, “I was lucky enough to be put with a long time employee that knows the Acadian Way. I can only hope to make such an impact on my patients throughout my career as he has with his.”
We are proud to share with you Taylor Walden, Star of Life and Acadian Medic of Year from Central Louisiana.
“Infectious positivity” is the best way to describe Texas Medic of the Year Alex Aste, and that trait carries over into every aspect of his job at Acadian in Houston.
Alex joined Acadian with plenty of experience. He has a bachelor of science degree in paramedicine, worked as a combat medic during two separate tours in the Italian Army, and saw action in Afghanistan on a Medevac unit.
Alex came to the United States in 2011 to continue his education and received a bachelor’s degree in human biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of California San Diego.
Unfortunately, when Alex moved to Houston with his wife, who was pursuing a law degree, his Paramedic certification was not recognized, and he was forced to start over with his EMS education.
Now Alex is at the top of his class in the Paramedic program at Alvin Community College in Houston, and he’s looking forward to graduating in August and working again as a Paramedic.
Alex always puts the customer first and provides exemplary service regardless of the situation—he already has an impressive number of commendations. He has had perfect attendance and has never been late for work since starting with Acadian in August 2016.
He also plays an integral role in the Houston Life Gift Operations. In fact, if he isn’t at school or working an extra shift, you will find him serving as a Life Gift Operator.
Jerret was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, lived in New Orleans as a child, and moved to Central Louisiana when he was 14. He has called Alexandria home since then.
Jerret is a Navy veteran, serving from after he graduated high school in 2006 until 2009. He trained to be a Hospital Corpsman and became a field medic. His duty station was with the 1st Battalion 8th Marines for two years. He later deployed for seven months to the forward operating base in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Jerret speaks of having a great “feel of community” while in Iraq, helping civilians and young children who were injured and needed medical attention. He received a Commendation medal after his tour in Iraq.
After his service in the Navy, Jerret went on to work at Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria. He spent three years supporting surgical services as a scrub tech and cleaning surgical instruments, then decided to enroll in the next EMT Class at NEMSA.
Jerret was hired by Acadian. He went through a rough period of time, both personally and professionally, and there was a separation of employment with Acadian. During that separation he became a Paramedic. Life lessons learned during this time helped mold Jerret into the man he is today.
Jerret was then rehired by Acadian. Within six months, he was promoted to Alternate Operations Supervisor/Paramedic Field Supervisor. He took on the challenge of the Critical Care Transport class in October 2015 and now works as a Critical Care Medic on U261.
Jerret received nominations from his peers across our seven-parish area for the Paramedic of the Year for Central Louisiana. That is testimony to his professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to what he does as a Paramedic and a PFS.
Jerret is a single “hands-on” father to three daughters and a son. He faces daily challenges being a mediator and helping the children balance emotions while traveling between two households. Jerret spends time and is involved in his children’s school activities, but he doesn’t stop there. Church is also a huge part of their lives. The family attends his grandmother’s church, where his father is a deacon and his uncle is the choir leader. Jerret and his children participate in church activities.
Jerret is a humble, professional, lead-by-example Paramedic. He sets a benchmark for others to achieve. He is able to communicate and assist others in creating a more enjoyable and positive workplace.
Jerret said about his nomination:
“There was a point in school where individual awards and trophies were my benchmark. As an adult and Paramedic, I now understand that it takes a community to be successful. I owe my nomination to the very ones who voted for me, as I am a piece of every medic and every basic I have encountered.”
Acadian Texas Paramedic of the Year Alec D’Storm is always professional and comes to work ready to shine. As a role model who strives for excellence, he holds other employees to a higher standard, and that makes them strive for excellence, too.
Alec showed his aptitude and commitment to his career early on. He graduated in the top of his class and has received a Meritorious Service Award.
Based in Bexar County, Alec has been with Acadian since 2014, and he has become one of the most well-known medics in our area.
He has a background in management and puts that knowledge and experience to work in his role at Acadian. Or should we say many roles: He is a preceptor for EMTs and Paramedics, a Safe Baby Program trainer and co-coordinator, and a PALS, ACLS, and CPR instructor.
Alec has volunteered for many different projects, including being the face of EMS at career days at area schools and Shattered Dreams programs. He has been loaned to Acadian’s Safety Management Systems as a medic for an onsite clinic, helped to make training videos, and assists with Baptist mobile health events.
And even with this lengthy list, he’s always looking for ways to contribute more. Alec started helping with our local Explorer program recently, and he assisted with our latest acquisition, too.
Jackson County Paramedic Coty Peardon is known as an “A-team player” who always steps up to help out. Often, Coty volunteers before he is even asked. Coty has also been the recipient of many local, state, national, and departmental awards, commendations, and titles.
When Coty was 16, he joined an EMS scouting group called Venturing that offered camping, whitewater rafting, and ambulance ride-alongs. There, Coty learned the true merits of teamwork while finding his calling to help others, and a passion for EMS was born.
After graduating high school, Coty enrolled in Northwestern Technical College’s EMT-Intermediate/BS program, in Georgia’s prestigious EMS Region 1. During the yearlong EMT program, Coty worked full-time as a cardiac monitor technician, obtained his AHA BLS instructor certification, and still graduated with honors.
While continuing to work full-time as an EMT and attend Paramedic school, Coty made time to develop additional skills. Coty achieved his National Senior Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Operator, and Paramedic Rope Rescue certifications before graduating with honors and receiving the Excellence in Advanced Airway Award.
Coty hasn’t slowed down since joining the Acadian Ambulance team in November 2015. Within a few months, Coty obtained his Critical Care Certification, once again landing among the top in his class.
Coty is currently helping to revamp the new-hire process in Jackson County, establishing an Acadian Explorers Post, and creating an EMS competition. Coty is also actively pursuing his flight paramedic certification.
Acadian is proud to recognize Coty as our Louisiana/Mississippi Paramedic of the Year as well as an AAA Star of Life.
Tyler Niblett decided as a teenager that he had a mission in life to serve and to help others.
Tyler’s father, Craig, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when Tyler was 14, and died six weeks later after a very short and traumatic battle. Tyler remembers with fondness and gratitude some of the outstanding caregivers who had an impact on him during this difficult time. These health care providers helped Tyler understand and cope with what was going on around him, and they cared for his dad as if he were their only patient. Their passion and skill led Tyler to decide that he, too, would become a caregiver who would make the same impact in the lives of others.
At age 16, Tyler became an Explorer with Mobile Fire and Rescue, marking the beginning of his career in EMS.
In 2013, Tyler balanced his duties at the fire department with enlisting and training in the Army National Guard. Tyler also started a “Share the Road” fundraiser and organized a 12-week bowling league that raised money to help pay for a family friend’s medical expenses following an accident.
When Tyler graduated from high school, he was given the “Heart of a Servant” award, the highest honor given by his school in recognition of volunteer service to the community.
The day after finishing high school, Tyler left for basic training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Returning home, Tyler registered at Fortis College to obtain his EMT certification and returned to the Mobile Fire Department as a volunteer.
In 2015, Tyler completed his EMT course and passed NREMT on the first attempt. Tyler faced challenges finding a position because he was only 19, and many EMS organizations were unwilling to hire an EMT younger than 21. Tyler did not let this stop him—with drive, diligence, and quite a bit of that Tyler-charm everyone knows, he landed his first position with Newman’s Ambulance. Shortly afterward, Tyler joined Acadian.
Tyler will mark his two-year anniversary with Acadian in July 2017. Tyler is enrolled to begin Paramedic training at Acadian’s National EMS Academy and is a volunteer with the St. Elmo’s Fire Department.
Tyler serves his community with passion, whether at work, at home, or in volunteer service.
Acadian Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Tyler as a Star of Life as well as Acadian’s Louisiana/Mississippi EMT of the Year.
When it comes to involvement and teamwork, Acadian Ambulance Texas EMT Rhonda Dees-Lockwood, shines daily. Rhonda joined Acadian in 2011 during the Northstar acquisition, and has since been an anchor on one of the region’s dedicated 911 trucks, functioning at the EMT-Intermediate level.
Rhonda is actively involved in Acadian’s Critical Support Intervention Team, and is a Safety Committee member. Rhonda is a preceptor and a station monitor, and participates in community events while representing our organization.
Rhonda’s life outside of work demonstrates similar threads of service to others. Rhonda is actively involved in the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
It is this dedication to serving her community, coupled with her commitment to serving her patients, that make Rhonda a clear choice for our 2017 Acadian Ambulance Texas EMT of the Year.
Sloane Brown, Paramedic with Acadian Ambulance in Texas, found her passion for EMS when working as a lifeguard for the City of Allen. At 19, Sloane saved her first life when one of her peers became unresponsive and apneic. Sloane followed her training as a lifeguard to open the patient’s airway and provide rescue breathing until Paramedics arrived.
Sloane’s father enrolled her in the very next EMT class. After completing it, Sloane and her father attended Paramedic class together in Burnet County, then volunteered together with the local fire department.
Sloane joined Capital EMS in December 2012, then Acadian Ambulance in June 2015. Sloane works in Lampasas County, and has recently become a preceptor. In addition to working full-time, Sloane is taking a full load of college courses.
When Sloane is not studying or saving lives, she enjoys spending time with her friends and her two dogs, Stark and Diezel.
Sloane was chosen as a Star of Life as she is Acadian’s Texas Paramedic of the Year.
Ramona Hanks was chosen as Acadian’s Texas EMT of the Year. Mona is one of Acadian’s original Texas pioneers, joining Acadian in 2006. She serves on the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Committee advocating employee ownership to her fellow co-workers, and is also on the Safety Committee and a member of the Critical Incident Stress/Peer-Support Team.
Mona also works with the Bridge City Fire Department, serves on the board of the Golden Triangle Special Olympics, and volunteers in her church. She has been honored as a previous winner of the Southeast Texas EMT of the Year award and has received the Acadian Pride award, the Acadian Spirit award and four Meritorious Service awards for exemplary service.
“I always wanted to be an EMT,” Mona said. “I love what I do. I’m the one who’s able to let the family know what’s going on. My goal is to better myself as a partner and to help with the whole picture—the patient, the family, and the facility.”
Erin Lally is Acadian’s Paramedic of the Year for Texas operations. Erin joined Acadian in 2008 and became a Paramedic in 2011. Also a Critical Care Paramedic, Erin provides a higher level of care and increases safety for critically ill and injured patients being transported from hospital to hospital. She also maintains an outstanding HSE performance record, creating a more positive work environment.
While she is an active volunteer for the Bridge City Fire Department, her long-term goal is to become a Flight Paramedic. In addition to being an outstanding clinician, Erin is a strong advocate for customer service.
Erin is invested in the success of Acadian in Texas and demonstrates this by her dedication to her patients and her involvement in her community. Erin says, “Acadian has helped me grow as a person and as a Paramedic. I love my patients, and I love my job.”
Allison Salamoni was chosen as Acadian’s 2016 EMT of the Year for the Louisiana/ Mississippi operations. Allison has been employed with Acadian since 2012 and is stationed in Plaquemine, Louisiana.
Allison received her EMT training through Acadian’s National EMS Academy. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University’s Fire and Emergency Training Institute, where she received firefighter and hazmat training which she put to use while working as a firefighter with the Port Allen Fire Department. Allison also graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies and a minor in Family and Consumer Sciences.
In her first year with Acadian, Allison and her partner were dispatched to an older man’s house for a fall. They assumed they would just be helping the patient back up, and would then carry on with their day. Instead, they ended up walking into any patient’s worst nightmare. The patient lived alone, and his neighbor had not seen him get his mail in a few days and decided to check on him. The neighbor found him wedged between his bed and nightstand, and immediately called 911. The patient had been stuck there for three days, incapacitated, on the floor. Allison and her partner assessed the patient and found him to be severely dehydrated. Allison cleaned him up, and got him into the best position of comfort she could at the time. She and her partner began to transport and pushed through the morning rush-hour traffic of Baton Rouge. Allison say she will forever remember this call, as all she could think about was her own family as she cared for him. This is one of those calls that reminds her day-in and day-out of why she does this job.
Acadian can count on Allison to represent the team in the most professional manner. She has served as one of the Governmental Relations Coordinators for the Baton Rouge area. She has also been a champion for wellness and fitness and serves on the safety committee. She genuinely cares about her patients.
Allison is an avid runner and competes in marathons. Her other hobbies include strength training and cooking.
Sarah Young was selected as Acadian’s 2016 Paramedic of the Year for its Louisiana/Mississippi operations, and has been employed with Acadian since March of 2014. She is stationed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Born in Juneau, Alaska, Sarah later moved to Washington State and began her EMS career at a fire-based EMS service. She attended paramedic class in Idaho. When she travelled to Baton Rouge for her clinical ride time, she soon decided that she wanted to make Baton Rouge her home.
Sarah has an amazing attitude and is a great employee and clinician. She sets the tone of the day by leading by example. She is a great leader for her co-workers and is a mentor every day on the job. As a safety and wellness committee member, Sarah is also a strong advocate for EMS safety.
Sarah remembers her most memorable call, hands-down, as the first time that she delivered a baby. She says, “Sometimes we are unable to save our patients despite our best efforts, but with childbirth you get to be there as a life is just beginning. It is such an incredible feeling to help a mother bring her little one into this world. To be there for their first moments and then to see the joy come across the mother’s face as she sees her baby for the first time, is incredible and unforgettable.”
To Sarah, being a paramedic means having the honor to serve her community and to be able to assist those in need. She says, “It is not something I take lightly, because that moment is the scariest time for a patient, and we have the ability to assist them through it and treat them with our skill set. I treat each patient as if they were a family member of mine, because they deserve the same kindness and compassion that we show to our loved ones when they are in need.” Sarah loves that her job allows her to “work within a dynamic team of first responders and other medical personnel to have a positive outcome for our patient. We are stronger together.”
When not working, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and loves being outdoors.
