Ryan Horn is a Paramedic with AMR in Bridgeport, Connecticut, whose clinical leadership and decisive actions during a critical trauma response helped give a severely injured patient a greater chance of survival.

Ryan responded to a patient suffering from multiple wounds and quickly recognized the severity of the situation. As the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated, Ryan performed a lifesaving chest decompression while aggressively managing the patient’s other critical needs.

When conventional trauma interventions were not enough, Ryan made the critical decision to administer whole blood early in the patient’s care. In doing so, he became the first provider in his region to administer whole blood in the field. The intervention represented an important advancement in prehospital trauma care and provided the patient with a potentially lifesaving resource before arrival at the hospital.

By the time the patient reached the emergency department, they were more alert and responsive. Within days, the patient was sitting up and talking. Ryan’s clinical judgment and intervention also earned recognition from the receiving hospital.

Ryan’s actions demonstrate the importance of bringing advanced trauma care closer to the patient when every minute matters. His willingness to embrace an innovative treatment, combined with his clinical expertise and composure under pressure, exemplifies the highest standards of prehospital care.

AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Ryan Horn as a Star of Life.

Since joining Cataldo Ambulance Service as a Clinical Field Supervisor, Kevin Clark has consistently demonstrated excellence as both a field provider and a leader in training, education, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). His extensive knowledge of prehospital care, combined with his approachable and supportive demeanor, has made him an invaluable resource to providers throughout the organization.

Kevin plays a key role in welcoming and developing new employees, personally leading the orientation program for Cataldo’s West Division. His investment in their success continues well beyond orientation. Kevin guides employees through the Field Training Officer (FTO) process and remains actively involved in their continuing education and CQI development. This continuity allows him to support providers throughout their professional growth while helping foster a culture of learning, accountability, and clinical excellence.

With more than a decade of experience as a Paramedic, Kevin brings extensive expertise to both clinical and leadership settings. His background includes service in high-volume EMS systems in Connecticut as well as experience as a prehospital coordinator at Baystate Medical Center. On challenging scenes, Kevin’s calm and reassuring presence instills confidence not only in his Cataldo colleagues, but also in the first responders working alongside them.

Kevin’s ability to remain composed under pressure, coupled with his commitment to treating others with fairness and respect, has earned him the admiration of hospital staff, peers, and management alike. As a vital member of Cataldo’s management team, he has helped strengthen an organizational culture centered on professionalism, education, and high-quality patient care.

Kevin’s impact extends far beyond the individual providers he mentors. Through his leadership in orientation, field training, continuing education, and quality improvement, he helps develop stronger clinicians and advance the standards of care throughout the organization.

Through his professionalism, leadership, dedication to education, and commitment to clinical excellence, Kevin exemplifies the very best of emergency medical services. Cataldo Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Kevin Clark as 2026 Star of Life.

Since joining Ambulance Service of Manchester in 2002, Dave White has distinguished himself through clinical excellence, leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to developing others. An Operations Supervisor and highly respected Paramedic, Dave pairs exceptional clinical expertise with humility and professionalism, earning the trust of patients, colleagues, and healthcare partners alike.

Dave holds both Flight Paramedic Certification (FP-C) and Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C), bringing advanced clinical knowledge and decades of experience to every patient encounter. Just as importantly, he readily shares that knowledge with others. As a mentor, preceptor, and instructor, Dave has helped shape countless EMS professionals by creating meaningful learning opportunities, building confidence in new providers, and serving as a trusted resource for experienced clinicians navigating complex cases.

His impact extends well beyond individual patient care. Dave played a key role in advancing Ambulance Service of Manchester’s interfacility transport capabilities by developing specialized training in arterial line monitoring and management. He is also collaborating with medical control and the Training and Education Department to implement Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) and blood administration programs, helping expand the advanced critical care services available to the communities the organization serves.

As an Operations Supervisor, Dave is known for his calm demeanor, sound judgment, and unwavering support of his crews. Colleagues routinely seek his guidance during challenging clinical situations, confident that they can rely on his experience, composure, and leadership.

After more than two decades of service, Dave’s passion for EMS remains as strong as ever. His influence can be seen not only in the thousands of patients he has cared for, but also in the providers he has mentored, the programs he has helped build, and the culture of clinical excellence he continues to foster.

Ambulance Service of Manchester is proud to recognize Dave White as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Alexander Megquier is being celebrated for his swift, lifesaving response to a medical emergency involving a dialysis patient. The patient had accidentally opened their fistula and lost a severe amount of blood, leaving them semi-conscious and on the verge of cardiac arrest.

Arriving first on scene, Alexander found the patient covered in blood and immediately put his clinical training into action. With calm precision, he rapidly administered blood products, stabilizing the individual so they could be transported safely to the hospital for advanced care. The patient had lost more than 800 milliliters of blood from the ruptured fistula, yet thanks to Alexander’s quick intervention, they survived—and today credit his response with saving their life.

Alexander’s skill, dedication, and commitment to patient care reflect the very best of the EMS profession. American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Alexander Megquier as a Star of Life!

Aaron Durette is being recognized as a Star of Life for his extraordinary actions following a devastating car-versus-pedestrian accident. Upon arrival, Aaron discovered a pedestrian pinned beneath a vehicle, unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Working closely with the local fire department and fellow first responders, crews rapidly freed the patient.

Immediately after extrication, Aaron began advanced life-saving interventions. He relieved life-threatening pressure on both sides of the patient’s chest and secured the patient’s airway, enabling them to breathe independently. Moments later, the patient’s heart began to beat again.

Aaron’s quick thinking, decisive action, and outstanding clinical expertise gave this patient a second chance at life. His composure under pressure and dedication to his community embody the very best of emergency medical services.

American Medical Response is proud to honor Aaron Durette as a Star of Life.

Ashley Miranda has been an Emergency Medical Technician with Hunter’s Ambulance Service since 2013. In her more than a decade of service, Ashley has consistently demonstrated extraordinary dedication to both her patients and her colleagues.

She is widely recognized as a natural mentor, frequently guiding new employees as they transition into the demanding world of EMS. Even though she is not a formal Field Training Officer, Ashley readily steps into that role, helping new team members build confidence and skill. Her coworkers often note that she fills in the gaps where classroom instruction ends, ensuring that her colleagues are well-prepared for the field.

Ashley’s compassion, professionalism, and steady presence have made her an invaluable part of Hunter’s Ambulance Service. Whether responding to calls or supporting a teammate, she leads by example with her calm demeanor and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Hunter’s Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Ashley Miranda as a Star of Life.

Krystal Daymonde has dedicated more than a decade to serving the community as a Paramedic with Hunter’s Ambulance, following her earlier years of service as an Emergency Medical Technician. Known for her skill, compassion, and professionalism, Krystal has become a cornerstone of her agency’s clinical excellence.

As a Paramedic Field Instructor, Krystal plays a vital role in training and evaluating new Paramedics. Her calm guidance and strong mentorship have shaped the careers of many who now serve alongside her. She is consistently recognized for her outstanding clinical performance, earning the respect of her peers and the gratitude of her patients.

In addition to her EMS credentials, Krystal is also a Registered Nurse. This unique combination of expertise gives her a valuable perspective and strengthens her ability to deliver the highest standard of care in the most challenging situations. Her colleagues often look to her not only as a mentor but also as a trusted clinical leader.

Hunter’s Ambulance is proud to recognize Krystal Daymonde as a Star of Life.

Paul Winter, a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Hunter’s Ambulance Service, part of the Hartford HealthCare EMS Network, has been an integral part of the team since 2022. A military veteran and former Chicago Police Officer, Paul transitioned to EMS and earned his paramedic license in Connecticut in 2022. Since then, he has taken on the crucial roles of Paramedic Field Instructor and Field Training Officer.

Paul is being honored with the AAA Star of Life award because of his outstanding leadership and expertise as both a Paramedic and an FTO. He is one of the most trusted mentors within the organization, with new employees regularly turning to him for guidance and support. His deep knowledge, calm demeanor, and dedication to mentorship have earned him widespread respect from his peers, making him an invaluable member of the team. Paul’s commitment to patient care and professional development exemplifies the qualities that make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Raquel Soto is being recognized for her life-saving interaction with a suicidal patient. She and her partner, Howard Freeman, were the first to arrive on-scene for the call. An adult male was standing atop an eight-story parking structure indicating an intention to jump. Raquel made her way to the roof to establish contact with the patient and quickly established that the man was struggling with psychiatric and substance-used disorders and frustrated with failed treatment efforts, wanted to end his life. With support resources arriving at the ground level, Raquel established a rapport with the patient acknowledging that his struggle was real, and he was being heard. Over the next 20 minutes, Raquel displayed great empathy and ultimately convinced him that there were better solutions to his problems. She got him to step away from the ledge and allow EMS to transport him to the hospital, where he could receive treatment and take the first steps to mental health and recovery. This was an extraordinary, veteran-like demonstration of patient skills from an EMT with just five years on the job.

Dianna Drake has been an EMT with Hunter’s Ambulance Service, now part of the Hartford HealthCare EMS Network, since earning her certification in 2021. She became a Field Training Officer in 2023 and is currently pursuing her Paramedic certification. Dianna’s exceptional dedication and excellence in her role have earned her recognition as one of the most highly rated FTOs, consistently exceeding expectations in clinical quality and serving as a model of professionalism and competence.

Her commitment to advancing her career through paramedic school highlights her passion for patient care and personal growth. Dianna’s drive to continually improve makes her an ideal candidate for the 2024 Star of Life Award, and she exemplifies the values of dedication and excellence in EMS.

Hunter’s Ambulance Service is proud to nominate Dianna Drake for this prestigious recognition.

Glenn Arremony began his EMS career in 1988. He has contributed his talents to American Ambulance for 33 years, where he currently serves as an Operations Manager, Paramedic, and Quality Assurance Director. American Ambulance is proud to nominate Glenn as a 2024 Star of Life for his lifetime of dedication to the EMS profession.

He first became involved in EMS 36 years ago when he took a First Aid and CPR course before joining a volunteer ambulance service and completing his EMT class in 1989. Glenn graduated from Mohegan Community College’s Paramedic Program in 1991, then was hired by American Ambulance as a Paramedic. He has also been certified as a Critical Care Paramedic since 2011. Glenn has served as American Ambulance’s Director of Quality Assurance since 2000. In this role, he is responsible for the oversight and review of all clinical care as well as Paramedic preceptorship. He has held several other roles throughout his time at American Ambulance, including Lead Paramedic and Crew Chief. Additionally, Glenn is a Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer and has worked as a Paramedic program instructor since 2001.

Glenn Arremony has responded to an estimated 25,000 incidents in his career and has positively impacted countless lives through his care, teaching and mentoring, and his advocacy for the EMS system.

Glenn currently resides in Lisbon, CT with his wife Nina.

Mark Dressel is a dedicated Emergency Medical Technician with Hunter’s Ambulance who has distinguished himself within the broader Hartford HealthCare EMS Network.

Known for his unparalleled commitment to EMS, Mark is consistently the first to volunteer for additional shifts and offer his assistance, embodying the very spirit of teamwork that is so essential in mobile healthcare.

Beyond his work ethic, what truly sets Mark apart is his exemplary bedside manner. Patients feel at ease under his care, a sentiment echoed by their families and affirmed by numerous commendations. Moreover, his colleagues hold him in high regard, a testament to the great rapport he has fostered within the team.

In recognizing Mark with the Star of Life Award, we honor not just his technical proficiency, but the warmth and camaraderie he brings to every interaction.

From the moment Alison Hoffner joined the Hunter’s Ambulance team in May 2010, fresh out of Paramedic school, she has been nothing short of exceptional. Bringing with her over a decade of experience as a healthcare tech, Alison seamlessly transitioned her experience and knowledge into her role within the Hartford HealthCare EMS Network.

Alison leads by example. She lends her time and expertise to observing EMT students, enriching their learning experiences. Her dedication to patient care and commitment to excellence are frequently acknowledged.

Alison is a regular recipient of commendations, not just from the patients she cares for but also from their families and the staff of the facilities we work with.

Hunter’s Ambulance proudly honors Alison Hoffner’s service, skill, and expertise and recognizes her as a 2023 Star of Life.

Paramedic Aaron Westervelt, an Operations Supervisor for American Ambulance within the Hartford HealthCare EMS Network, boasts 14 years of service, including 12 years as an EMT before he progressed to the Paramedic level.

As an Operations Supervisor, Aaron is known for his calm demeanor and a consistent willingness to assist. His tenure as a Paramedic showcases solid clinical decision-making. Esteemed by colleagues, Aaron’s role within American Ambulance and the community of Norwich is both notable and appreciated.

In addition to his professional commitments at American, Aaron also serves as a volunteer Fire Chief in Laurel Hill, Norwich, CT. 

American Ambulance honors Aaron as an excellent Paramedic,  well-respected colleague, and skilled supervisor.

American Ambulance, a proud entity of the Hartford HealthCare EMS Network, is honored to highlight the exceptional contributions of EMT Terezia “Tess” Nutt for the Stars of Life Awards. Tess began her journey with us in 2019, when she earned her EMT certification, and she has consistently showcased an unwavering commitment to excellence and growth. This fall, Tess furthered her dedication to the field by adding an EMS Instructor certification to her repertoire.

Beyond her certifications, what truly sets Tess apart is her profound impact as both an emergency dispatcher and an EMT. On a daily basis, she navigates the complexities and stressors of these roles with immense dignity, showcasing a commendable blend of professionalism, empathy, and resilience. Tess’s interactions with her patients are rooted in genuine care and respect, a trait that echoes in her relationships with colleagues as well. Her communication is always precise, thoughtful, and right on point, serving as an exemplar for both new and seasoned team members.

In every role Tess undertakes—EMT, dispatcher, or instructor—she exemplifies a true EMS professional. American Ambulance is proud to honor her dedication, skill, and expertise.

Matthew Skiffington began his EMS career at Hunter’s Ambulance in 2009 as an EMT. He then achieved his Paramedic license in February 2013. After excelling in his field, Matthew was promoted to Field Training Officer.

Matthew’s drive has always left him seeking new challenges and opportunities. Recently, his passion for sharing his knowledge drove Matt to become a Paramedic Field instructor. Matthew’s continued dedication to the betterment of his fellow employees, students, and patients has made a profound impact on everyone around him. He consistently demonstrates strong clinical skills, asserts himself as a leader, and provides the very best of care. His dedication to his peers, patients, and the EMS profession sets Matthew apart in his field.

Matthew was recently chosen as a Hartford Healthcare Award of Excellence recipient.

Ian Pieper began his EMS career at Hunters Ambulance in 2014. In addition to his current service as a combat medic specialist in the Army National Guard, Ian quickly established himself as a dedicated, hardworking stand out employee at Hunter’s. His personality shined, bringing out the best of all those around him. Ian’s skillset was matched only by his dedication to his patients and colleagues.

Furthering his work in EMS, Ian was then promoted to Field Training Officer. In this role, he has bestowed his vast knowledge in the training and excellence of new Emergency Medical Technicians. Ian produces an energy amongst his peers, inspiring others to excel in the profession as he has. His leadership, compassion, dedication and willingness teach others, coupled with his passion for the mobile healthcare profession, makes Ian truly embody all that is best about EMS.

Ian was recently chosen as the Hunter’s Ambulance Service EMS 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Marcello Miranda began his EMS career at Hunter’s in 2005. In addition to serving as a Sargent in the Army National Guard, his commitment to excellence in his profession is demonstrated by his role as a Field Training Officer.

Marcello carefully guides new hires through the orientation process and takes an active role in training EMT students. His willingness and dedication to build the skills of new EMTs has proven to be essential for others to succeed. Marcello’s leadership qualities and the manner with which he uses his field experiences position him as a standout among his peers. His care for his patients exemplifies the skilled care provider that he is. He is a strong leader and willing to help his peers or anyone in need.

Marcello was recently chosen as a Hartford Healthcare -Award of Excellence recipient.

Nicole Mazzone was hired in 2013 as a Non-Emergency Telecommunicator. She excelled very quickly in her duties and transferred to EMS Dispatch in 2015.

Exhibiting a desire to conquer further challenges, Nicole worked diligently to obtain the certifications necessary to transition from Call Receiver to Dispatcher. Nicole continued to show her proficiency and leadership by becoming a Field Training Officer and inspiring our new Dispatchers to strive for excellence. Her most recent certification in Emergency Medical Dispatch Quality Assurance is a critical role in maintaining our center’s IAED accreditation.

Nicole stands out as a leader among her peers. Nicole exhibits extreme professionalism under pressure. She is efficient, clear minded, calculated, fair, knowledgeable, and takes pride in every aspect of each job that she performs. Nicole is a true example of what a leader embodies through her dedication to her profession.

Nicole was recently chosen as the Hunter’s Ambulance Service 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient for Telecommunications.