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.

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.