Nicole Hughes of Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to her community through her work supporting veterans participating in the Greater Peoria Honor Flight Program. An Army veteran herself, Nicole brings a deeply personal understanding of the importance of honoring those who have served and ensuring they receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.

Nicole has taken a leadership role in strengthening the medical support AMT provides for Greater Peoria Honor Flight participants. Recognizing the unique medical needs of the veterans who make these journeys, she has worked collaboratively with the Honor Flight organization to ensure appropriate, dependable, and compassionate medical staffing. Her efforts have helped enhance the safety and overall experience of participating veterans while strengthening the partnership between AMT and this respected community organization.

Nicole also coordinates and supports the AMT employees who participate in Honor Flight missions. She provides direction, promotes teamwork, and helps ensure that each member of the medical team approaches the experience with professionalism, compassion, and a shared commitment to serving veterans. Her leadership allows AMT clinicians to focus on providing the support necessary for veterans to safely participate in a meaningful and memorable experience.

For Nicole, the mission carries special significance. Her own Army service gives her a personal connection to the veterans she supports and a profound appreciation for their sacrifices. Rather than simply participating in Honor Flight, Nicole has sought opportunities to make the program stronger and to ensure that the veterans it serves are supported throughout their journey.

The impact of her work has been recognized beyond AMT. Community partners have repeatedly expressed their appreciation for Nicole’s contributions, dedication, and commitment to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight Program. Their recognition reflects the relationships, credibility, and trust she has built with veterans and community organizations alike.

Through her leadership, collaboration, compassion, and commitment to service, Nicole has made a meaningful difference for veterans, colleagues, and community partners. Her work reflects a powerful continuation of her own commitment to service: a veteran now helping ensure that other veterans are honored and cared for.

Advanced Medical Transport is proud to recognize Nicole Hughes as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Sara Rolando, Director of Operations at Medics First, is an exceptional EMS leader whose commitment to service extends from the patients and professionals in her organization to the broader community.

In her leadership role, Sara oversees the complex demands of emergency medical response while ensuring Medics First provides reliable, compassionate care for non-emergency transports. She leads with integrity, resilience, and a deep respect for the people around her, earning the trust of employees and community partners alike.

Sara is particularly passionate about helping others grow. She invests in her team members through coaching, thoughtful feedback, and skill development, creating an environment where employees feel supported and motivated to succeed. When challenges arise, Sara approaches them as opportunities to learn, improve, and strengthen the organization. Her ability to inspire others while maintaining high standards has made her a trusted and respected leader.

Her commitment to improving community health and safety is equally evident. Under Sara’s leadership, initiatives such as the Medics First AED Grant Program work to place lifesaving automated external defibrillators in public spaces, helping communities become better prepared to respond when sudden cardiac arrest occurs.

Through her compassion, integrity, and community-first approach to leadership, Sara strengthens not only Medics First but also the people and communities it serves. Medics First is proud to recognize Sara Rolando as a Star of Life.

Ryan Zavada is a deeply dedicated member of Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, where he has served with distinction for the past 12 years. His EMS journey began 23 years ago as a volunteer Emergency Medical Responder with the Long Point Fire Department. Today, as a highly skilled Critical Care Paramedic, Ryan provides expert and compassionate care for patients with the most complex and delicate needs.

In June, Ryan and his partner were entrusted with transporting a young hospice patient whose final wish was to pass away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. Along the route, the patient’s family asked if the ambulance could slow down so she could glimpse her beloved horse one last time. Upon learning about the patient’s lifelong devotion to the animal, Ryan and his partner made a safe stop, allowing her to share a final, tender moment with her horse before continuing home. This simple yet profound act of compassion brought immeasurable comfort and joy to the patient and her family during a heartbreaking time.

Ryan’s actions reflect the very best of what EMS represents. He understands that his role is not only to provide excellent clinical care but also to honor the dignity, humanity, and emotional needs of every patient. His calm, reassuring presence helps ease the burdens of those experiencing some of life’s most difficult moments, and he takes pride in being both a source of kindness and professionalism.

Beyond his patient care, Ryan serves as a mentor and role model for newer providers, consistently demonstrating Advanced Medical Transport’s core values: Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical, and Sustainable.

Advanced Medical Transport proudly recognizes Ryan Zavada as a Star of Life for his compassion, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.