Haywad Yusufzai enjoys working in EMS because it allows him to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As a first responder in critical situations, he is often the first to provide immediate medical care and comfort during emergencies. This pivotal role places him in dynamic, fast-paced environments where quick thinking and decisive action are crucial. The fast pace and constant challenges are especially rewarding for Haywad, who thrives in high-pressure situations and enjoys solving problems on the spot.

In February, Haywad will be celebrating his two-year anniversary at Armstrong, marking a significant milestone in his journey as an EMT. Initially drawn to the profession by his aspirations of becoming a firefighter, his fascination with fire trucks and equipment fueled his pursuit of EMT certification. Over time, his experiences have revealed a passion for patient interaction, and he is now enrolled in a Paramedic program which he is expected to complete this upcoming spring.

Beyond the adrenaline of the job, Haywad finds deep purpose and fulfillment in his role. Being directly involved in saving lives and helping people through their most vulnerable moments is a responsibility he holds close to his heart. He takes great pride in knowing that his work has a real impact, offering both medical care and emotional support when it’s needed most. For Haywad, EMS isn’t just a job—it’s a deeply fulfilling career that allows him to make a profound difference every day.

Haywad has earned the title “Star of Life” due to his exceptional growth and commitment to continuous improvement in both his skills and patient care. He often takes on the role of training new employees and has become a role model for incoming providers. Haywad always goes above and beyond to ensure his patients receive the highest quality care.

Robert “Bobby” Hatzikonstantis joined EMS to gain firsthand experience in healthcare, choosing a field that combines unique challenges with the opportunity to help people in critical moments. From the very beginning, Bobby was drawn to the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of EMS, where quick thinking and decisive action are essential. The ability to make a real-time difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments has been deeply rewarding for him.

Bobby finds immense purpose and fulfillment in the hands-on nature of his work and in serving his community. He often reflects on the significance of providing both medical care and emotional support to people on their worst days. The chance to bring comfort and reassurance during moments of crisis has been the most impactful and gratifying work of his life.

Over the years, Bobby has also forged lifelong relationships with his coworkers, partners, and managers, whom he considers a second family. The camaraderie and sense of belonging he’s found at Armstrong Ambulance have been invaluable, providing him with support and a close-knit community that shares a common mission.

Bobby has earned recognition as a Star of Life for his unwavering dedication to supporting his coworkers and his eagerness to mentor and teach others. He creates a welcoming atmosphere for new employees and fosters a collaborative learning environment. Many team members look to Bobby for guidance, knowing he is always willing to lend a helping hand. His leadership, compassion, and commitment to both his patients and colleagues make him a true asset to the EMS profession.

Bobbi Tremblay began her EMS career in April of 1997 as an EMT at Armstrong Ambulance Service in Arlington, MA. She quickly rose through the ranks to become a base supervisor in Peabody, MA and then later in Wilmington, MA. Bobbi was an excellent EMT for many years, but a shoulder injury began a new journey for her. After surgery to address her issue, Bobbi joined the Communications Department in 2006 as a Call Taker and quickly became an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.

Since joining the Communications Department 17 years ago, Bobbi has been a cornerstone of Armstrong’s dispatch operations. Bobbi has done, and will do, anything asked for the betterment of the team, including picking up shifts, training new staff, and offering suggestions on how to improve processes and the room as a whole. Throughout Armstrong Ambulance, Bobbi is known for her skill and empathy by callers and colleagues alike. Whether it’s her fellow Dispatchers, crews out on the road, or anyone who calls into her line, Bobbi treats everyone with respect, patience, and genuine kindness.

Bobbi has thoroughly enjoyed every role she has held in EMS, but she admits to enjoying EMD the most. Says Bobbi, “When Armstrong started emergency medical dispatching for multiple towns, it quickly became my favorite position. In my time here, I have assisted in delivering a baby and giving CPR instructions multiple times. My most satisfying call was for a facial laceration where I recognized the situation as being an assault. I was able to obtain identifying information as well as the location of the incident to update police prior to their arrival.” Clearly, Bobbi’s natural compassion helps her excel at her job.

In her free time, Bobbi loves to spend time with her grandkids and her dogs, Marley and Koda. Bobbi also has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and gardening when she is not busy helping others!

During Samantha “Sam” Migliore’s senior year of high school, while manning the cash register at her after-school job, she noticed a woman who didn’t appear much older than her wearing an EMT uniform. At that moment Sam realized that joining the EMS field was an attainable goal. That fall she enrolled in an EMT course and obtained her certification soon after.

Sam began working for Armstrong Ambulance in 2019, the day after she graduated from high school. She quickly fell in love with EMS, enjoying the work and the meaning behind it. Sam finds it deeply rewarding to assist patients during some of their most challenging moments. She recognizes the necessity of bringing a sense of calm to a chaotic scene.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam took a two-year leave of absence from her studies to work full-time on the front lines. She dedicated most of her time to Armstrong Ambulance’s COVID-19 response efforts focused on testing and vaccinating individuals across Massachusetts. Sam is proud to have worked alongside such motivated and resilient teams during the pandemic.

Combining her two passions—healthcare and education—Sam decided to pursue a degree focused on healthcare upon her return to school. As a Field Training Officer at Armstrong, Sam developed a uniform curriculum to train the next generation of EMTs with the tools they need to succeed in the field. Sam feels that teaching is the most rewarding aspect of her job, and aims to instill in trainees the same passion for EMS that drives her. To know Sam is to know why it’s easy for Armstrong Ambulance to recognize her as an incredible instructor, consummate professional, highly skilled clinician, mentor to many, and all-around great person.

Sam is currently a senior at UMass Lowell. In spring she will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. From there, Sam hopes to continue her education by enrolling in Physician Associate (PA) school where she can further her emergency medicine skills.

In her free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, taking road trips across New England, and spending time with her puggle, Rocco.

Delaney Kenny has been an EMT with Armstrong Ambulance since 2019. Delaney states that she has always had a desire to work in the medical field and help other people. Her passion was sparked while in high school, when Delaney went on her first overseas trip to Panama, where she did outreach work, specifically with orphaned children. That trip to Panama really confirmed Delaney’s desired career path. She started in EMS, in hopes of learning basic assessment tools and how to interact with patients. She credits her time at Armstrong with improving her patient care skills and so much more.

Since she has been at Armstrong, Delaney has been recognized many times for her caring and empathy by colleagues, supervisors, and patients. We often receive heartfelt thank you notes praising Delaney for being kind, caring, and courteous while also providing excellent patient care. Patients have said that her kindness while they were in pain has “made their day.” Delaney sets the bar high when it comes to patient care and leads by example for every new hire she trains. She cares for every patient with the thoughtfulness and attention that we would want for our own family members.

During the height of the pandemic, instead of shying away from the fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, Delaney stepped up to help Armstrong run several municipal testing locations in addition to her regular BLS shift work. Delaney also played a big role in the emergency vaccination projects and was a huge contributor in Armstrong’s efforts to vaccinate the entire Massachusetts State Police force. During that time, her leadership skills became evident, and she was chosen to become a Field Training Officer to guide new EMTs during their field orientation.

In addition to her work at Armstrong, Delaney has continued her overseas volunteer work, most recently in July 2021. Delaney was the clinical lead for a team of fifteen student volunteers from the organization Royal Servants, who were engaged in outreach efforts at primary schools and orphanages in Nairobi, Kenya. Delaney was tasked with managing strict COVID regulations for the team, amongst other activities, and ensuring that everyone was compliant with protocols. The group enjoyed a successful month-long mission and upon return to the states, Delaney jumped right back into her EMT duties at Armstrong.

When not in the field, Delaney enjoys finding new coffee shops, reading, and spending time with her friends and her two dogs. She is currently attending Paramedic school and looks forward to applying what she is learning in the classroom to her work in the field. One of her favorite things about her career in EMS is showing up to a scene and getting to make a new connection with another human being in such a short period, with the hopes of helping them.

Armstrong Ambulance is proud to call Delaney Kenny a 2022 Star of Life!

Nick Henderson started his EMS career wanting to follow in his family’s footsteps as a third-generation Firefighter for his hometown in Norwell, MA. He finished an EMT program in 1999. At that time, Norwell was moving towards becoming a Paramedic-level service and Nick was advised to get his Paramedic certification before applying. In order to gain the year of 911 experience required for the Paramedic school application, Nick got a job as an EMT with AMR in Brockton. He quickly moved to the Boston metropolitan area and started with Newton Rescue 1, a dedicated BLS 911 truck. In 2001, he was accepted to EMTS Inc. with Cape Cod Community College (CCCC).

Nick finished medic school with EMTS, Inc. and CCCC in late 2002. After all that time, he found firefighting was not a fit for him, and decided he wanted to be in the medical field instead. He started as a Paramedic on March 29, 2003, a date he remembers well, as it was one week after his wedding.

Over the years, Nick worked for a few different EMS agencies, but finally settled with Armstrong Ambulance in 2012. During Nick’s tenure, Armstrong has received many heartfelt notes from patients thanking him for his compassionate care. He worked his way through several positions at Armstrong, including Field Training Officer, Training Coordinator, and Field Operations Manager, and currently is proud to serve as Senior Clinical Manager.

According to Nick’s colleagues, Nick is passionate about the ins and outs of EMS and strives to constantly improve himself and all those around him. When Nick was promoted to Senior Clinical Manager, instead of retreating away to his office, he continued to work plenty of shifts on the front lines. It is not uncommon to spot Nick working an emergency shift on the weekends, gaining feedback from other field providers and spreading his vast knowledge to those who are hungry to learn. Nick is a talented Paramedic who pays great attention to even the slightest of details. He truly listens to his patients and takes the time to get to know each one. He often leads teams through uncertain and nerve-wracking situations while maintaining a calm demeanor that allows his team and patients to feel secure in his care.

However, it is as an educator that some of Nick’s greatest qualities are truly on display. Nick is dedicated to helping our providers reach clinical excellence. He is thorough, approachable, and patient when training new providers, and never fails to lend a hand to those whom he knows may be too scared to ask for it. Nick encourages questions and never shames those around him for not knowing something. He famously states “the stupidest questions are those never asked” to almost every trainee or provider he works with. Nick is constantly looking to better himself and dedicates his time to improving his clinical and interpersonal skills.

When not on duty, Nick enjoys spending his time with his kids, as well as being outdoors – hunting, fishing and ATVing.

Armstrong Ambulance is proud to call Nick Henderson our 2022 Star of Life!

Ron Keech has been an EMT at Armstrong Ambulance Service for over five years and embodies the core spirit of the job. He is a profound leader, mentor, and inspiration to all of those who have the pleasure of working with him. Ron was recognized by Region III for his outstanding contributions to EMS due to his incredible patient care and his willingness to help his colleagues become better providers by educating them in the field. He has been a well-respected and impactful Field Training Officer for four years, and continues to receive high marks from colleagues, healthcare partners, and members of the community.

Ron consistently takes new hires “under his wing” as a mentor and friend. As described by a fellow employee: “What makes Ron particularly remarkable is that he is not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also an incredible teacher and leader. He goes above and beyond on every call, not because he has to, but because it is so intertwined in who he is as a person. Whether he’s fluffing the pillows for a patient, discussing the most cost efficient in-home medical equipment, or showing off a piece of artwork he’s been working on to a particularly artistically inclined patient, he will do anything to connect with those around him. Ron gives others the tools to become the best healthcare provider they can be. Ron has a profound influence on those around him, and demonstrates that working with patients is about so much more than just the skills learned in the classroom. All who know Ron look up to him so much for all the heart and dedication he brings to the job.”

Everyone at Armstrong Ambulance Service recognizes Ron as a stand out employee and an amazing human being. He shows constant professionalism everyday and goes above and beyond the call of duty, every hour of every shift. Ron regularly receives accolades from patients and family members about his kind, compassionate way of helping and for truly making a difference in their lives. Ron is never seen without a smile or a positive word and everyone benefits from being around him.

John Sossei began his service to the public when he served as a non-commissioned officer crew chief for the United States Air Force aboard a C-5 Galaxy military airlift jet. As a crew chief, John developed keen leadership skills and focused dedication to duty and service to his country and others. Upon his honorable transition from the Air Force, John gained an interest in EMS and began exploring a career as Paramedic. He served as an EMT, and then trained as a Paramedic and worked in a high volume urban county-based 911 EMS system in California, where he gained significant ALS field experience.

When John relocated to the East Coast, he began working for Armstrong Ambulance Service, which provides Paramedic services to multiple 911 service areas and entities in the Metro-Boston region. John is highly regarded as a role model to his peers for his work ethic and command presence, as well as for his kind, firm, and honest demeanor. He is refreshingly and respectfully direct, and is highly supportive with orienting staff by delivering honest feedback combined with encouraging support. His ability to successfully educate, support, critique, and develop Paramedics in the field training process reflects his qualities as a gifted leader.

John has quickly advanced throughout his career as a seasoned and astute clinician, peer leader, Field Training Officer, and AHA instructor. His clinical acumen brings a calm, highly-skilled ALS clinician to the scene of the most complex 911 and critical inter-facility patients. His willingness to accept and integrate feedback is a testament to his humility and maturity.

John’s natural leadership as an EMS provider is demonstrated through his passionate and measured advocacy for his patients, his partners, and the Paramedicine profession. John Sossei has the well-earned respect of his peers, as he naturally comports himself as a consummate Paramedic professional. 

For more than 17, years, Sean Mangan has served as one of the most experienced Paramedics/ Field Operations Managers at Armstrong Ambulance. Sean’s deep commitment to excellence shines through his work, and his colleagues all agree that his patient-centered approach is inspiring to everyone around him. Sean began his career with Armstrong Ambulance in 1997 as an EMT. In 1998, he became a Paramedic and worked one of the busiest municipalities in the Greater Boston area. Sean was known to receive many compliments by patients and community partners as he handled situations with the utmost expertise and care. In 2011, he was promoted to Field Operations Manager where he excels at managing Armstrong’s expansive and growing service area by using his keen judgment, clinical skills and customer service talents. On April 15, 2013 Sean was on duty and responded to the Boston Marathon bombing. He was one of the initial medics on-scene within the first few minutes of the first explosion and did not hesitate to respond to those in need. Once on scene, Sean quickly began coordinating Armstrong’s response with Boston EMS Command which was a critical component in saving lives. Sean is described as bright, funny and always willing to help out a colleague whenever, and wherever it is needed. He is a certified CRP instructor who can be found volunteering at various EMT programs within the local community. Sean is well respected by his peers and is frequently sought out as a resource for difficult situations and issues. Sean’s wife and son are as proud as we are of Sean’s Star of Life award.”

Now in his 6th year with Armstrong Ambulance, Glen Biddiscombe has added tremendous value to the company and we are extremely grateful for his vital contributions. Glen began his career with Armstrong Ambulance in 2008 as a Dispatcher, where he coordinated 911, ALS, BLS and Chair Car calls in a busy setting. In 2009, after excelling in his communications, role, Glen completed his EMT certification and became a field provider, demonstrating his commitment to exceptional and compassionate patient care. Since that time, Glen has shown his versatility, flexibility and knowledge base by simultaneously working in multiple roles as an EMD dispatcher, EMT, and lead preceptor. Glen is known for being compassionate, calm and composed, a critical thinker who makes great judgment calls, and for his exceptional technical skills as a public safety dispatcher, EMT, CPR Instructor and Lead Preceptor. As a Lead Preceptor, Glen passes on his high standards of care and customer service to new and current employees. Glen was awarded the role of Lead Preceptor for his ability to think proactively in both every day and crisis situations, as well as having earned the respect of his peers. Glen’s positive image sets a high standard for others in the company. Glen’s reputation for being, smart, kind, patient, a great teacher, well liked, approachable and “just an all-around good guy”, has his co-workers continually seeking him out for assistance and advice which he is always willing to give. Glen always has positive words to say about his colleagues and shares encouragement with fellow employees. Glen was on duty as an EMT and in the center of the April 19th manhunt in Watertown for the Boston Marathon Bombers. Glen’s unwavering dedication to his EMS role was shown during that day and evening when the unimaginable was yet to unfold. We are proud of Glen as is his wife and daughter for being a Stars of Life recipient and are extremely fortunate to have him as part of the Armstrong Ambulance family.”

Robert Scott Morency has worn many different hats in his pre-hospital care career. Since his discharge from the US Navy in 1991—he was a corpsman in the Marines for seven years—Scott has dedicated his life to serving the sick and injured in Massachusetts as a Paramedic, firefighter, EMS manager, risk and safety manager, and clinical educator.

In Scott’s current role as Armstrong’s clinical services manager, he instructs not only Armstrong employees but also first responders and EMS providers from local police and fire departments in such areas such as ACLS, CPR, PALS, PHTLS, TECC, LEFT, AMLS, and TEMS. Scott is a true people person, and he is able to relate to his students in both the private and public sector, making him an invaluable resource.

Scott also serves as a clinical liaison between Armstrong and various municipalities, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, urgent care centers, and assisted living facilities, giving them an easy channel of communication and tailoring programs to meet their specific needs.

Throughout his eight years at Armstrong Ambulance, Scott has gained an impressive reputation as an instructor, and he continues to receive high marks from his students. He is known for making complicated subjects easier to understand, and he can connect to providers at all career levels. Scott has a passion for improving pre-hospital care through education, and he is frequently called on to mentor new EMS providers.

Scott has made a lasting impact on our employees and also significantly impacted the development of all trainees by building a Patient Care Simulation Laboratory on site at Armstrong Ambulance. As a result of his efforts, Armstrong’s customers benefit tremendously by practicing patient care and emergency response skills in a realistic home- or hospital-like setting.

Scott’s other major accomplishments and contributions include serving as Armstrong’s Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO) and Safety Committee Chair, as the Northeastern Law Enforcement Council’s (NEMLEC) Tactical Medical Operator/Supervisor, and as a member of the Massachusetts Region IV Pre-Hospital Systems Committee.

When he is not working, Scott enjoys spending time as a Delivery Captain in the summer and as a competitor on the Ridgeway Racing snowmobile team in the winter months.

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.

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.

Joe Johnson clearly found his calling when he started his EMS career 19 years ago. Through those years, he has worked as a Chair Car Driver, an EMT, and a Dispatcher. Currently an EMT for more than eight years with Armstrong Ambulance Service,
Joe consistently demonstrates excellence in every interaction, whether with patients, colleagues, or facility staff.

Humble to a fault, Joe is an ideal Star of Life. He is the epitome of a team player and is always pitching in to lend a helping hand to his fellow employees. Joe consistently picks up shifts when staffing is needed, cleans extra trucks, and assists fellow EMTs. Joe has gained a reputation for being a dependable, hardworking and responsible coworker and is well respected by both his peers and the managerial staff. Additionally, Joe is known for his loyalty to his Armstrong colleagues, even going so far as to organize a fundraiser for a fellow EMT.

Joe is always looking for ways to make company improvements. He comes up with creative and practical solutions to issues and communicates them so that best practices can be implemented.

Joe has stated that the most rewarding part of his job is helping the public and easing anxiety for patients and their family members. He said he “does it all for just a smile.” Joe does the right thing, because it is the right thing to do. He needs neither accolades nor recognition.

Joe has also been commended numerous times by both patients and partner facilities. Each day he demonstrates his capability to connect with and calm every patient. Joe is always even-tempered and excels in even the most urgent situations. His ability to relate to and work with various types of people has not only benefitted the many patients he has transported, but also the new EMTs that have come on board as well. Anytime a new EMT is trained by Joe, he or she leaves with a new mentor and friend. Armstrong Ambulance is proud to honor Joe Johnson for his work in 2015 and his eight years as an EMT with our service.

After a long and successful career in retail management, Rick made a career change and found his way to Armstrong Ambulance as a Chair Car Driver. Throughout his six years at Armstrong, he has touched many lives and treated hundreds of patients with kindness and compassion. Rick looks at each and every one of his patients as unique and they leave their transport with him feeling truly special.

During his Armstrong career, Rick has been the epitome of dedication and loyalty. He is routinely commended by his patients for his patience, kindness, and excellent care. He takes pride in his work and positively influences everyone he interacts with throughout each and every day.

Rick is extremely respected by his peers, which is one of the reasons he was promoted to Chair Car Supervisor. Rick has always taken the time to listen to each and every one of his fellow chair car drivers, and works diligently on coming up with solutions in order to make processes more efficient and employees more engaged. Rick is constantly looking out for all of his colleagues and goes so far as to make sure that they have all that they need, both professionally and personally.

Rick has made an incredible impact on transforming Armstrong’s Chair Car Division and has been an exemplary leader. He puts customer service above all and will not leave for the day until the last chair car call is complete. He takes pride in his entire fleet of chair cars and makes sure that they are all clean, well-stocked, and in the appropriate condition to represent the legacy of Bill Armstrong.

Rick has the ability to form lasting and honest relationships with both his patients and employees in a constructive way that only a true leader could do.

When he is not working, Rick enjoys spending time with his wife, Cathy, of 28 years and his son, Michael.