Kevin Horst is a Paramedic at Bay Cities Ambulance in Coos Bay, OR. He began his EMS career over ten years ago as a volunteer with Bridge Fire Department and North Bend Fire Department, and as a part-time employee with Bay Cities Ambulance. Kevin quickly realized that a career in EMS and working in an ambulance was the way he could best serve others in his community. He decided to leave his career as a Journeyman Electrician to pursue his goal of becoming a Paramedic.

Kevin started as an EMT-Wheelchair Van Driver for Bay Cities Ambulance as he continued to pursue his degree in paramedicine. He spent the next five years working full-time in the ambulance and attending school to earn his Associate of Applied Science and Paramedic degree at SWOCC in 2016. Kevin enjoys his full-time work in the ambulance because he “loves serving his community in this capacity.” He also enjoys teaching the next generation of EMS professionals through actively participating in our FTO and internship programs with the local community college.

When Kevin is not at work he enjoys hiking, backpacking, and hunting with his wife and daughter.

Kiefer was born and raised in Powers, Oregon. In high school he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was class valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society. He has always had an interest in the medical field and decided to pursue EMS at his local college.

Kiefer has been a Paramedic since 2014 and has worked at Bay Cities Ambulance since 2016. In addition to a being a Paramedic, Kiefer is also Bay Cities Ambulance’s Safety and Operations Committee President. He enjoys EMS because each shift is different than the last, and he has a passion for the new challenges and opportunities that critical care presents.

When he is not working, Kiefer enjoys golfing and elk hunting with his friends and family. His wife, Ericka, is a huge support system and has been a key part of his success in the field. Kiefer also enjoys spending time with his kids, Kayle, Kipton, Ensley, and Kannon.

Randy has been serving our rural Oregon coastal community since 1994. He started as a volunteer firefighter at Coos Bay Fire Department and quickly discovered his passion for EMS. Randy then started his EMS career, first earning his EMT Basic then his EMT Intermediate while volunteering with the Coos Bay Fire Department.

Randy started with Bay Cities Ambulance in November 2002. He worked his first six years as an EMT Intermediate, often being the primary caregiver, and refined his skills and knowledge. Then in 2007, Randy started the hard work that resulted in his earning his AA degree in paramedicine in 2009.

Since becoming a licensed Paramedic with Bay Cities Ambulance, Randy has continued to advance in his chosen profession, progressing to Field Training Office and then Paramedic Supervisor.

Now in his 15th year with Bay Cities, Randy has advanced to Administrative Supervisor. In that role he has numerous different responsibilities, including helping to establish our Community Paramedic Program.

We are privileged to have Randy as part of our team here at Bay Cities Ambulance, and, as the organization continues to grow, we’re excited to watch Randy grow with us.

Briggett has been around EMS her whole life, as many of her family members volunteered with their fire department and ambulance service—her grandmother was a volunteer Paramedic for 40 years, and a great one at that. Believing that she wouldn’t follow in her family member’s footsteps due to her uneasiness around blood, though, Briggett decided to pursue a career in music at Oregon State University.

During a break from school, Briggett attended two events where her friends needed medical attention, and that led her to realize that EMS, not music, was her true calling.

Briggett has been a Paramedic for three years now, and she is truly loving it. She enjoys the people she works with every day—the hospital staff, fire department, police department, and her coworkers. She is proud to serve her community, and everyone at Bay Cities Ambulance is proud of her.

When she’s not serving her community, Briggett enjoys spending time with her daughter, Carryn, and niece and nephew, Ireland and Crew. She also enjoys hunting, fishing, softball, and playing the piano.

Briggett received the Paramedic of the Year award, and we are excited to nominate her as a 2018 Star of Life.

James has been serving his community in many different ways for the past 15 years. Starting at the age of 16, James began as a volunteer cadet firefighter for Greencares’ Fire Department. While with Greenacres, James obtained his First Responder certification, followed by his EMT certification.

After turning 18, James moved into the Coos Bay Fire Department as a cadet in their student residency program. While serving with Coos Bay Fire Department, James was able to obtain his EMT Intermediate certificate, as well as various other certifications for rescue operations.

James’ first paid EMT position was with the City of Myrtle Point as an EMT Intermediate. By the time James turned 21, he began working full time for Bay Cities Ambulance and progressed towards earning his paramedic degree. Since becoming a licensed paramedic with Bay Cities Ambulance in 2009, James has continued to advance in his chosen profession, rapidly progressing to Senior Paramedic, Field Training Officer and finally, becoming our organization’s Chief Quality Assurance officer.

After 10 years with Bay Cities Ambulance, James says he gets the most satisfaction by training new EMTs and paramedics and empowering them to continue to advance in their chosen career field. Bay Cities Ambulance is proud to nominate James as a 2017 Star of Life.

Padrick started working for Bay Cities Ambulance shortly after his 21st birthday. Since then, Padrick has made his way up from wheelchairs to working full time on the ambulance. Padrick received his paramedic degree in one of the first paramedic courses offered at Southwest Oregon Community College. Shortly after receiving his degree, Padrick transferred to the Roseburg Division and assisted in growing it into what it is today. Padrick was on the first Bay Cities Ambulance that arrived on scene at the Umpqua Community College shooting and he transported numerous patients that day. Padrick now runs the Supply & Acquisition Department at Bay Cities in addition to his full time duties on the ambulance.

Padrick shows dedication, thoughtfulness, and commitment to a job well done each day. Padrick leads by example, and for this reason, Bay Cities Ambulance is proud to call him a Star of Life.

Prior to beginning his career in EMS five years ago, Don Weeks was laid off from his job manufacturing bridges, such as the Hoover Dam Bypass and the San Francisco Seismic Retro-Fit Project. Don had promised himself that if he was ever laid off he would go back to school. Don has always liked helping people and a career in EMS made sense for him.

Don started working for Bay Cities Ambulance four years ago as a part time wheel chair driver and EMT. During this time Don decided that he wanted to become a Paramedic. Don secured a full time position working on an ambulance as an EMT, while going to school. Two years later, he became a nationally registered Paramedic. Within a few months he was promoted to Senior Paramedic, the position he holds today. Don looks forward to the future when he can become a Field Training Officer and train future generations of Paramedics.

Don and his wife, Nicole, have one daughter and are expecting their second daughter this summer. Bay Cities Ambulance is proud to honor Don Weeks with the American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.