Wayne Gooding
Throughout his 35-year career at Jackson Community Ambulance, Wayne Gooding has made significant contributions to the field of EMS, particularly through his leadership in developing Jackson Community Ambulance’s Community Paramedic program. Wayne has served as a Community Paramedic since 2016, when the role was first introduced. His extensive and well-rounded service in EMS reflects a deep commitment to both emergency medical services and public health.
In addition to his role as a Community Paramedic, Wayne has served as a Supervisor, Critical Care Paramedic, and Field Training Officer. Wayne also developed JCA’s Bike Response Team for special event support and is a seasoned team leader for our National Response Team. He has been deployed several times, including responding to Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 World Trade Center attack.
Wayne is a vital part of the JCA team, and his years of service have made impacts far beyond immediate patient care, improving the core health of the community. Thank you for all you do, Wayne! We are proud to have you on our team.
Steve Jaskot
With over 45 years of dedicated public service, Steve Jaskot has made a lasting impact in the field of emergency medical services. As a full-time Community Paramedic with Jackson Community Ambulance, he plays a vital role in post-acute care, providing crucial patient follow-ups. Steve’s approachable nature and sense of humor allow him to connect effectively with challenging patient populations, fostering trust and improving care outcomes.
Steve holds a paramedic instructor-coordinator license, underscoring his expertise in both training and mentorship. Beyond EMS, he has undergone extensive training in firefighting and reserve police services, proudly serving in these roles for more than four decades. A versatile and skilled professional, Steve is an active member of Jackson Community Ambulance’s Hazmat Team and National Response Team and is currently deployed to regions impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
In addition to his daily responsibilities, Steve serves as a seasoned leader at large-scale events, including NASCAR races at Michigan International Speedway and the Faster Horses music festival, where his experience and leadership are invaluable. Throughout Steve’s career, he has served as a Station Coordinator, Supervisor, and Hazmat Team member with an Advance Hazmat Life Support certification.
Thank you for all you do, Steve. Your service has made a lasting impact on the patients you serve and on the future of EMS. We are proud to have you on the JCA team!
Christopher Paul
Chris has served his community on the Huron Valley Ambulance team since 2016. Chris is considered to be a “unicorn” in EMS as he thrives as a Paramedic in an emergency setting, as well as when acting as a Community Paramedic or Critical Care Paramedic. In a single shift, he may be resuscitating a cardiac arrest, transferring a critically ill patient to a tertiary care center, then providing in-home care to a chronically ill individual.
In addition to his clinical skills, Chris is known for his kind and compassionate personality, which has earned him a reputation among patients and coworkers alike. He consistently goes above and beyond for his patients. Whether it’s a witty joke to lighten the mood or taking the time to educate patients about their conditions, Chris always works in his patients’ best interest. Chris is also known amongst his coworkers as someone who cares about teaching everyone he works with the tangible skills necessary to become a good medic.
His colleagues note that Chris is very knowledgeable and is the best example of what a Paramedic should be.
We are fortunate to have Chris on our team, as he is an excellent example of how to serve as a patient-centered paramedic. Thank you for all you do, Chris; we’re proud to recognize you as a Star of Life!
Emily Kidd
Emily joined LifeCare Ambulance in 2010 and, since that time, has made a significant positive impact on our organization.
In addition to her roles as a Senior Paramedic and part-time Road Supervisor, she also acts as a Field Training Officer ensuring new employees are equipped with the skills they need to be quality EMS providers.
Emily is known amongst her coworkers for having an infectious positive attitude. She dedicates her time to training others, improving working conditions, and building morale. Emily is also a strong patient advocate. She speaks to her patients and their family members with empathy. She provides skilled, quality care to community members in every encounter.
Recently, Emily has further increased her involvement in Emergent Health Partners / LifeCare Ambulance. For instance, she is currently enrolled in the EMS Instructor-Coordinator class. She was recognized by the Michigan Department of Health & Services for excellence in EMS and outstanding service. Her positive attitude is infectious to both her colleagues and co-responding departments.
Thank you for all you do for your coworkers, patients, and community, Emily! LifeCare Ambulance is proud to recognize you as a Star of Life.
Svenja Wahle
Svenja Wahle has served with Huron Valley Ambulance since 2016. During her years at HVA, Svenja has worked her way up from an EMT to a Senior Paramedic. Svenja is known for always having a positive attitude and for continually thinking about ways to encourage growth in those around her. She is very creative and she enjoys teaching newly licensed personnel, regularly helping trainees to prepare for EMS clearance interviews.
In addition to her work as a Paramedic, Svenja has spent some time working in HVA’s 911 Communications Center. She is currently an HVA Field Training Officer and recently developed a comprehensive training program for new EMTs. Svenja also serves on internal committees for operational improvements, and is the Chair of the EHP Supply Group. Her positive outlook and dedication to training new employees have strengthened HVA and bolstered its ability to provide quality care to the communities.
Sean Stringham
Sean Stringham has served with Monroe Community Ambulance since 2014. Sean began his career at MCA as an EMT. After obtaining his Paramedic license, Sean quickly worked his way up the ranks to a Senior Paramedic, and has also completed the training and certifications to work as a Community Paramedic and a Critical Care Paramedic. Sean’s most recent promotion was to MCA Team Leader, in which he serves as a role model, educator, and mentor to his coworkers. Sean has earned a tremendous amount of respect from his coworkers for his excellent patient care, selfless nature, and willingness to spend time helping his coworkers develop their skills.
Sean has been instrumental in identifying and developing needed programs at MCA, including the Critical Care Paramedicine and the Internal Quality Review programs. Most notably, Sean spearheaded the Quality Review program in a desire to help his coworkers grow their skills as EMS providers. He has spent a tremendous amount of his personal time reviewing calls with MCA employees and has incorporated local emergency medicine residents into this review process. His efforts have led to a successful program that allows EMTs and Paramedics to better understand and implement treatments, policies, and protocols.
Sean’s passion for EMS and his dedication to the success of his coworkers is a continual benefit to MCA and the community.
Jill Holmquest
Jill Holmquest has served with Huron Valley Ambulance since 2014. Jill is known for being a compassionate and caring individual who gives 110% in all she does. Jill joined HVA as a Paramedic and has worked her way up to Senior Paramedic and Field Training Officer. She has become certified as a Critical Care Paramedic and a Community Paramedic, and serves on HVA’s National Response, Special Pathogens, and Hazardous Materials Response teams.
Jill’s time as a Field Training Officer has made her a pillar of HVA’s training program. She puts endless time and energy into helping EMS students and trainees. She has gone above and beyond to assist her peers before and after her shift and has dedicated much of her own time to creating programs and curriculums that allow her trainees to excel in their positions. Jill recognizes the value of a nurturing learning environment and ensures her students and trainees have the resources and welcoming space to craft their skills as EMS providers. Jill’s dedication to her students and trainees has developed them into outstanding clinical practitioners.
Jill is looked to as a leader both inside and outside of our organization. In addition to her training role at HVA, she has also taken a special interest in mentoring students from the University of Michigan EMS club and has frequently been a guest speaker at their monthly club meetings. Jill’s passion for EMS has led both of her sons to follow in her footsteps. Cody and Christopher also serve at HVA as a Senior Paramedic and an EMT, respectively.
Jill’s dedication to training the next generation of EMTs and Paramedics is remarkable and stands in direct opposition to the nationwide shortage of EMS providers in the nation. She is creating a bright future for both HVA and the field of EMS.
Joe Weindorf
Joe Weindorf joined the Emergent Health Partners Communications Center in October 2017. In the short time since, Joe has earned the respect and appreciation of his colleagues and has proven himself a capable leader.
Joe was instrumental in solving problems and maintaining operations during Emergent’s recent CAD system implementation. For example, Joe created “cheat sheets” to assist the team in adapting to new processes. These efforts smoothed the transition for all staff, ranging from the veterans with many years of dispatch experience to new hires. Joe’s contributions reduced stress and improved morale. When challenges arise, Joe always steps in to lend a hand to anyone who needs support.
In addition to his skills in the Communications Center, Joe is an EMT serving Emergent’s Monroe County Division.
Joe enjoys spending time outdoors and is thankful for Michigan’s four distinct seasons. Joe especially likes golfing, walking with his dog, and skiing.
Emergent Health Partners is proud to recognize Joe Weindorf as a 2019 Star of Life.
Gary Truitt
In Memory of Gary Truitt
Gary Truitt exemplifies what it means to be a Paramedic at Jackson Community Ambulance (JCA). Gary maintains a positive attitude and is always willing to help educate new employees and partners. No matter the day, Gary is ready to tackle any challenge that is presented to him.
Gary began his EMS career in 1984 as an EMT. Since then, he has provided mobile healthcare at several services, including Reading Ambulance, LifeCare Ambulance, the State of Michigan Department of Corrections, and now JCA. Gary retired from the Department of Corrections in 2009 and has been working full time with JCA since 2011. He is currently one of the South Central Region’s Field Training Officers as well as a volunteer firefighter for Moscow Township.
Gary’s integrity and passion for serving his community have elevated him to become one of the most respected Paramedics within JCA. He maintains a high level of professionalism and deep commitment to his patients, all while sharing his unique sense of humor with others.
When not serving his community, Gary loves riding his motorcycle. It is not unusual to see him riding to work even in inclement weather. Gary also enjoys the outdoors and is known to take his fifth wheel camper down South. Everyone also appreciates the fudge he brings to work every Christmas, all while he spends many hours volunteering during the holidays cooking for the less fortunate.
Donald Brown, III
Donald “Don” has been proudly working at Jackson Community Ambulance (JCA) as a paramedic since 2012. Since 2011, Don has also served his community by volunteering on the Columbia Township Fire Department as a paid-on call firefighter. Don’s is well known for his conscientious work ethic; something he has developed because of his very close family and five years of service at JCA.
Don is a shining example of what a paramedic at JCA should be. Don’s character and outstanding work ethic make him an easy choice for this award. Don is selfless and his supervisors know they can always rely on him to go the extra mile to get the job done.
One fall afternoon, Don was in quarters waiting for that next call to come in. Soon the tones went off and he was called to the residence of a local woman with difficulty breathing. Upon arriving, Don found the first responders working hard on a woman who was only breathing four times a minute. Don and his partner immediately began to assist with ventilations and gave the patient medications to help open her airway. After placing the patient on CPAP, she began to have purposeful movements and was transported to the hospital, where she went on to make a full recovery.