Facing down fire is nothing new for Aaron Fajardo, a Firefighter/EMT with more than a decade of experience. But facing down gunfire is, quite fortunately, a rarer occasion.

Last July, Aaron was part of a three-man engine crew dispatched to a collision involving two vehicles. Within minutes of the engine’s arrival on scene, one of the motorists involved in the crash began firing a gun in the direction of Firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency responders. Aaron instinctively shielded the patient he was caring for with his own body. He secured cover for himself and removed the patient from the direct line of fire. More than two dozen law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and apprehended the gunman.

Aaron’s compassion toward others and his enthusiasm for the job are palpable. He is motivated to learn, grow, and earn more responsibility. Though Aaron only joined the Rural Metro Fire Department four years ago, he has not hesitated to take the steps needed to advance his career and secure a bright future.

A dedicated firefighter/EMT, Craig Boydell is an indispensable member of Pima County Fire Operation’s Critical Incident Stress Management team. Craig willingly responds at a moment’s notice to help his peers, along with providers from neighboring fire protection and EMS agencies, after significant, traumatic events. He has provided much-needed support at numerous local, state, and regional incidents, including the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Craig has a strong focus on both physical fitness and mental fitness. He is a certified fitness instructor and fire academy physical training instructor. Craig is also an active member of his department’s Health & Wellness and Safety Committees.

Craig is a natural leader and is dedicated to helping the next generation succeed, including the high school students to whom he provides introductory training on careers in the fire service. Craig has served Pima County for the past 16 years.

Christopher Alleman has led Arizona Ambulance Transport through changes and challenges since 2011. Christopher is highly respected both within our organization and in the larger EMS community. Christopher spent more than 30 years in EMS in the Seattle area, and has broad experience ranging from founding and owning his own service to serving as lead operations supervisor for AMR Seattle. In his spare time, Christopher serves as Fire Chief of the Tombstone Volunteer Fire Department, protecting “the town too tough to die.”

Christopher’s steady hand on the tiller has navigated Arizona Ambulance through turbulent times over the past eight years. Christopher spearheaded the development of our robust training operation, and he sets the professional, compassionate tone of the mobile healthcare we provide our patients. Christopher has built a culture within the organization that has driven increased recruitment and retention of our staff. Christopher Alleman epitomizes the character and experience of a true EMS leader, and Arizona Ambulance Transport is proud to call him our Star of Life.

Luke Tschirhart truly embodies AMR’s core values through his dedication to the mission. He has been a part of the Rural Metro Fire Department family for more than 10 years now, where he is known as a mentor, leader, and friend. He spends countless hours working alongside our medical director, pre-hospital coordinator, and leadership team to direct committees, perform research, and participate in policy development and revision. He also provides instruction for most of our continuing education hours.

Luke is a Field Training Officer for new Paramedics, guiding them in all aspects of the job while they are on probation. He is also a member of the department’s Technical Rescue Team, where he helped to design and build the program from the ground up. This included SOG/SOP development, equipment selection, and countless training hours. No matter the time of day or number of calls, Luke responds promptly with a smile on his face to provide the best possible customer service and patient care.

Shane Vargas began his career with the Rural/Metro Fire Department more than 15 years ago. A strong proponent of personal growth and development, Shane became a Fire Captain nearly six years ago and earned his Paramedic certification last year. He has his sights set next on becoming a Battalion Chief.

In December, Shane and his crew responded to a working house fire. Upon arriving on scene, they learned a person was inside and made entry. Shane located an unresponsive woman inside the home and dragged her out, with smoke and flames hot on his heels. After transferring care to other Paramedics, Shane returned to the burning structure to search for other occupants and then worked to prevent the flames from spreading to surrounding homes.

During her 15-year career, Paramedic Katrina Scaife has made a huge difference in the world, one life at a time.

Last fall, a woman contacted a local newspaper about the kindness and compassion Trina and her partner showed to the woman’s sick, elderly father. After transporting the man and his daughter to a hospital 150 miles from home, Trina returned to the hospital with a change of clothing, toiletries and money to help with their transition. Trina did something similar for a homeless man who lost his few possessions and nearly drowned after a flash flood.

The “den mother” of her shift, Trina is known for educating co-workers and students on the qualities of a well-rounded caregiver. She is a role model for and frequent mentor to women who are new to the EMS field.

After serving in the US Army, the United Nations peace keeping forces, and the Elfrida Fire Department, Christopher Waters found his true calling in EMS. Helping people in their time of need, easing pain, quelling fears, and saving lives is what he was meant to do.

Chris worked at the Sunsites/Pearce Fire Department full time, attaining the rank of Captain, while simultaneously volunteering at his hometown fire department. Chris’s EMS career has spanned 20 years, nine of which have been with his second family at Arizona Ambulance.

During his service as an EMT for Arizona Ambulance, Chris has proven time and again that he is one of our finest clinicians—bringing to work each day a wealth of experience, skill, and knowledge. Just as importantly, Chris exhibits deep compassion in his patient care, a personal touch that stays with his patients and their families for years.

Chris is a natural leader and mentor; he is looked up to by our young EMTs and Paramedics as well as highly respected by his long-time peers. Chris befriends our new employees on their first day with Arizona Ambulance, makes them feel comfortable, and treats them as though they have been with us for months. He shares his clinical knowledge as well as his practical experience without ever acting “superior” or talking down to others. If there is an operational problem that arises, Chris will bring it to leadership’s attention along with two or three solutions he has already thought out.

Chris exudes a calm demeanor under high stress situations. He is calm, cool, and organized during critical patient care moments where every second counts, as well as is possessing of excellent and vital communication skills during calls.

We are proud to recognize Chris as a Star of Life for his contributions to Arizona Ambulance as well as the entire community.

Kari has worked for the Rural Metro Fire Department for thirteen years, and has been a mentor and instructor for many new and transitional fire academies and classes. She is a 1403 Live Burn instructor and holds many EMS instructor certificates, including CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMT, PHTLS and AMLS. She is currently going through the Regional Technical Rescue Academy.

Kari has taken her foundation and support from her family, along with her love and respect for her brothers and sisters in the field, all of whom continue to mentor and mold her. Her dedication to EMS is shown by her optimistic views on every call she runs. She is constantly training and educating herself, and is always compassionate and smiling with a positive outlook that ensures that everyone she encounters is validated.

Kari’s greatest joy is raising her eight children with her soul mate.