Gabe is an accomplished Medic and an amazing leader. Gabe is a Tactical Medic and is on Trinidad Ambulance District’s Rescue Task Force. In addition to being a full-time employee with the Trinidad Ambulance District, Gabe is a dedicated community servant, serving as second in command at a local volunteer fire department. Gabe is also a sworn member of the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office where he frequently rides patrol shifts.

Gabe’s dedication to public safety is what makes him a Star of Life. Gabe puts his life on the line every day for EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement, in order to make his community safer and a better place to live. 

With more than 22 years at AMR, Robert’s leadership has shone during some of the most challenging events in his community’s recent history.

During the Waldo Canon Fire in 2012, Robert was one of the first units on the scene at the Mount St. Francis Nursing Facility. As the Field Supervisor, he determined the facility needed to be evacuated and quickly implemented a plan. His quick thinking and actions contributed to a successful evacuation and ultimately saved many lives.

On November 27, 2015, Robert coordinated with both fire and police personnel during the Planned Parenthood shooting, an incident that lasted more than six hours. His leadership ensured the treatment and transport of 12 victims.

Robert is now using his knowledge and experience from these difficult events to begin implementation of tactical EMS deployment in Colorado Springs and throughout the region.

Julia Spring, Chief Flight Nurse, is receiving the Star of Life award for her continued selfless leadership of the AMR Air Clinical Operations. Julia has spent the last 30 years in the flight medicine world and has been with AMR Air since its inception in 2002. Her work this year to ensure that the organization achieved reaccreditation as a CAMTS operator was a testament to her dedication to the quality and safety of patient care and operations. Additionally, due in large part to Julia’s efforts, AMR was able to add neonatal transports to the level of service provided. Julia leads the clinical operations of AMR Air and AMR Air Hawaii, which are the highest practicing critical care level of prehospital medicine for AMR.

Dominic “Junie” Verquer has been a fixture in the Trinidad, Colorado community for many years. As a lifelong resident, it is hard to go anywhere in town without running into people who know Junie. In addition to being an EMT+ and the Public Outreach Coordinator for Trinidad Ambulance, Junie is also the County Coroner and is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Hoehne Fire Protection District. Junie’s life has been filled with examples of his dedication to community service and volunteerism.

Junie exemplifies the qualities of a true Star of Life. He is always ready to help, regardless of the time of day or the weather, and always without remuneration. The Trinidad Ambulance District wouldn’t be what it is without Junie Verquer. We are proud to call him our colleague and our friend, and to recognize him as the Trinidad Ambulance District’s Star of Life.