Since April 2017, Eric Thompson has been an exemplary Paramedic at Community Care Ambulance Network. His commitment to upholding and enhancing industry standards has kept both his skills and those of his team at the forefront. Eric, a natural educator, fosters creative thinking and self-reflection among peers. Most notably, his unwavering dedication to patient advocacy highlights the values of Community Care Ambulance. Congratulations, Eric, for setting the gold standard in patient care.

Larry Clay joined Community Care Ambulance in 2003 as an EMT. He has been providing care since 1997 when he first became an EMT and Fire Fighter. Larry is the quiet strength of his shift—he is ever-ready to assist patients, his coworkers, and the community.

Larry responded from home to a tragic house fire after hearing the call on the radio. He wanted to be present in person to assist at the heartbreaking scene. Afterward, Larry continued to provide emotional support to coworkers and the community during this difficult time.

When Larry is not working, he spends time with his twin boys, Zachary and Christopher. Together they camp, fish, and enjoy the outdoors.

Jeff started in EMS over twenty years ago, and came to Community Care Ambulance in 2005 as an EMT. He earned his Paramedic certification in 2011.

Jeff is one of the strongest clinicians in our organization. He is always the patient’s advocate and never turns down a chance to help someone. His boisterous demeanor makes him a natural fit to mentor new and seasoned staff alike. Jeff works quickly and calmly to put his patients at ease in even the most critical of situations. He has treated and educated hundreds of grateful patients, including one who called 911 complaining of an allergic reaction. Jeff quickly determined that the patient was actually suffering a STEMI, and was able to treat and get the patient to definitive care.

When Jeff is not working, he can be found hunting, fishing, or playing golf. He also enjoys spending time with his two daughters, aged 20 and 17.

Jonathon began his career at Community Care Ambulance (CCA) in 2006 as a Wheelchair Technician. He immediately expressed interest in helping others and expanding his abilities. He became an EMT in 2007, an Advanced EMT in 2009, and then a Paramedic in 2012. He also became certified as an AHA CPR Instructor, Firefighter, Fire Instructor, and Fire Inspector. He is a Lieutenant at a part-time fire department when not working at CCA.

In his career he has been deployed on two occasions to assist in federal emergencies; first to Hurricane Ike (2008) in Texas and then to Hurricane Irma (2017) in Florida. In May 2021, he was promoted to Operations Supervisor and is now one of the vital connections between the field staff and upper management.

In his spare time, he enjoys photography as well as riding motorcycles with his dog, Charlie.

Corey is a superior EMT and has given the EMS profession greater than 14 years of service. He has served many years with Community Care Ambulance as our most requested EMT for transports and an amazing Community Outreach advocate. Corey functions as a mentor and is recognized for being a strong leader and well respected by his peers. He is focused and committed to doing whatever is best for the patient in the most compassionate and competent manner. Community Care receives positive feedback from patients, co-workers, and various facilities. Corey is a captivating educator, a self-motivator and displays a positive attitude making him an example of a star. For several years, Corey has functioned as the Infection Control Officer and DRIVE instructor for all new hire orientations and annual trainings. Corey has DJ’d and planned several annual company events, and has a passion for Public Relations events such as Safety Town. Corey is most proud of his family and often shares stories of his niece Molly and the fun they have. Corey enjoys musical productions and has played leading and supporting roles in many. For the few quiet moments in his day, you will find Corey and significant other Justin seeking out new food creations and watching their favorite movies. Community Care is very fortunate to have Corey and all of his talents.”

Jake is a charismatic person who displays compassion, education and support to his coworkers and his patients with sincerity and trust. He is able to assist in multiple areas of our organization and consistently is a go to person for just about everything. Jake is often used as a field preceptor and has been known to spend time in our control center as an EMS Dispatcher. Jake has gained the admiration from his peers as being a fanatic about station and truck cleanliness. He is a true lead by example individual and is always prepared for whatever adventure is brought his way. One of Jakes nominations came from his shift partner who describes the countless times she has watched Jake take extra time with patients and the amazing feeling it gives her watching and knowing how he makes it personal to make the patients day better and touch their lives. This sentiment was repeated through Jake’s nominations and clearly displays why Jake is a STAR. Jake has been dedicated to the EMS and Fire profession since 2004 when he began as an firefighter at his local Fire Department and then in 2004 as an EMT with Community Care Ambulance. He became a Paramedic in 2008 and recently completed his Critical Care Training in 2013. Jake is about to be a proud new father in just a few months with his wife Heather. Jake spends his time away from EMS tending to his farm animals and spending time outdoors with family.”

Tonya Chance has provided CCA with over 13 years of dedicated EMS service and is one of CCA’s many success stories. Tonya started her EMS Career working as an EMT progressing through the certifications and is now one of our senior Paramedics and field training personnel. As a vital part of CCA’s patient philosophy Tonya has trained our new hires to smile and always be a patient advocate. It is through Tonya’s everyday interactions that she was nominated by her peers to be a Star of Life as her peers see her continuous positive outlook and approach to her career. Tonya is an avid Harley Davidson rider and has a custom motorcycle that has specialty paint reflecting the pride she has in being a Paramedic. This was a particularly difficult and meaningful journey for Tonya to become a Paramedic. During her first attempt at Paramedic school while being a single mom of three children she was volunteering to render care for her ill father who lost his battle with his illness during mid class. She never regretted spending the time with her father and putting class on hold. In fact, she used this as a goal to finish and become a Paramedic. She was then offered an accelerated program that was conducted over 90 days of fulltime course work and became a Paramedic. Tonya’s ability to interact with field staff and always provide a voice of reason with compassion and empathy has earned her the recognition and admiration of her peers. Tonya has the amazing support of her three children and will be sending her youngest off to college in no time and then you will find her riding off into the sunset on her Harley with her fiancé Donnie when not on duty.”

Erik’s life of service began at a young age, when he became a Boy Scout. During his time as a Boy Scout, Erik enjoyed the first aid lessons he received, and he developed a passion for helping others. Currently, Erik holds the honor of being an Eagle Scout. At the age of 16 he became a Cadet at his local fire department, and became an EMT at age 18. In 2007, Erik continued his education and became a Paramedic. Today, he possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to manage critical patients between hospitals, specialty referral centers, and extended care facilities. Erik joined Community Care Ambulance in 2017 as a Paramedic. He has been nominated as a Star of Life for his exemplary customer service and documentation skills. Erik has profound respect for EMS and he demonstrates it on a daily basis through his interactions with patients, customers, and coworkers.

Erik also writes extremely good patient reports, which are so well done that we now use one of his reports in documentation class to teach new employees how to write correct reports. Well written documentation is so vital for all aspects of patient care, from complete medical records, proper billing, and support of the organization. Erik is a great source of information. He is always available to answer questions and he encourages others to become more involved in EMS and CCA.

Even when he is not on the clock, Erik’s priority is always helping others. One day, after his shift, he was on his way to eat when he came across a man who had been in a motor vehicle accident. Without hesitation, Erik quickly helped pull the driver from his burning car. Erik is always thinking of others, and he demonstrated that during this off-duty response.

During his time off, Erik enjoys spending time with his wife and six children – ages 19, 17, 15, 13, 10, and 6.  They enjoy backpacking, fishing, and hunting. Erik also enjoys reading and watching cartoons.

He is a highly skilled Paramedic who provides quality clinical care to all of his patients, which is why he is a 2018 Star of Life.

Trudi and her family came to the United States when she was just five years old because Martial Law had been declared in the Philippines. She later studied art at the Cleveland Institute of Art and then spent over 20 years working in Graphics Production.

In March of 2014, Trudi decided that she wanted to transition into a more fulfilling career – Emergency Medical Services. She became a Wheelchair Technician at Community Care Ambulance, so that she could assist people in their discharge trips and pre-hospital travel. Trudi always makes sure that she leaves her patients with the lasting impression that she truly care for them. She anticipates and strives to understand the unique needs of patients and customers. Our wheelchair technicians demonstrate personal commitment to the organization’s core values, and Trudi goes above and beyond.

Trudi’s coworkers describe her as someone who puts patients before herself, ensures that patients are kept comfortable and safe at all times, always has a positive attitude, and someone who brings a smile to everyone she meets.

In her spare time, Trudi enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and watching movies. She is also known to sing for weddings, and was once the lead singer in a Journey cover band.

Trudi is nominated as a Star of Life in recognition of her dedication and commitment to providing the highest-quality service to each person she meets and helps every day.