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.

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.

Michael Horbachuk began his EMS journey in 2009 as an EMT for Hunters working part-time while balancing his full-time position as a high school teacher. Michael would share his knowledge freely and with great enthusiasm and quickly established himself as a source of knowledge for many of his peers. 

Michael transitioned to full time, then completed Paramedic school in 2017. He has since quickly established himself as a very skilled care giver. His congenial personality makes him a quick friend to his peers and brings comfort to his patients.  

Michael has become an EMS Instructor and effectively combines his field experience with his talents as an educator and is a positive force in the classroom. He keeps his knowledge and skills sharp both by teaching the next generation of EMTs and by serving as a leader in the Field training officer program.

Through his efforts, care, skill, and passion, Michael Horbachuk is setting the standard for professionalism in our industry. Michael was recently chosen as the Hunter’s Ambulance Service EMS 2019 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Kelly Augeri began her EMS career at Hunter’s in 1999 and achieved her paramedic license 2008. She also served in the Army National Guard and the Westfield Fire Department, which sharpened her natural leadership skills.

Kelly takes charge on challenging scenes while rendering the best of patient care. Kelly is well respected by her peers and fellow agencies. She consistently challenges herself and her colleagues to be better clinicians, patient advocates, and leaders. She is always willing to help others whether by taking on another call or being an encouraging voice in a time of need.

Kelly embodies all of what this profession should be. In addition to her selection for Stars of Life, Kelly was recently chosen for a Hartford Healthcare Award of Excellence.

Heather Roy is the epitome of the axiom “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Heather is a “pint size” provider that out-performs her larger size peers.

Heather was hired in September 2006 within our Special Transportation Division transporting students with special needs. In March 2007, she transferred to the EMS Division as an EMT. Heather excelled in this position and has great respect for her peers, partners, hospital staff, and fellow first responders.

Heather is truly a patient advocate. She surfaces issues for patients that may not be of a medical nature, but are impacting their quality of life, so that they can be addressed.

Always willing to improve herself through reflection after each call she completes, she was the perfect candidate for a Field Training Officer position. Heather has great interactions with the new employees she is assigned. In particular, because of her solid technique, Heather has become the company’s ”lifting guru” for any new employee needing additional lifting assistance in this area.

Heather has also recently accepted and trained to become one of Hunter’s first Certified Car Seat Technicians. She provides proper installation and instruction of car seats for those in need in our community.

Heather is a positive role model for our EMS staff and a great advocate for our organization.

Dennis Dougan was hired as an EMT on December 15, 2008. While working for Hunter’s, Dennis continued his education by going to Paramedic school. In November 2011, Dennis was granted his Connecticut State Paramedic license, then obtained his medical direction in January 2012.

Dennis is a solid Paramedic who exercises self-control and solid scene management, bringing calmness to the most chaotic scenes. Dennis has been able to pass some of this along through his precepting of new Paramedics. We have received positive feedback from those he has mentored and evaluated through the process.

Dennis has had several commendations from the public. Here are a couple of excerpts:

• “We would like to thank you very much for all that you did for my brother-in-law.”
• “The treatment (both physical and emotional) that we received from the Hunter’s Paramedics was exceptional! These Paramedics provided us with the expert care while also keeping us informed of our situation.”
• “Being from out of state with no family or friends close by, the smart thinking of this team was a comfort and a true blessing.”
• “You have two of the finest human beings working for you, and I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much we all appreciate them in their kind heartedness.”
• “Your crew should be complimented for the manner in which they performed, especially in the face of a very difficult task.”

Dennis is a fantastic representative of what EMS is about and we are proud to have him as part of our team.

Daniel Jackson has been employed with Hunter’s Ambulance Service since November 2002. Dan joined Hunter’s as an EMT-IV, then later successfully progressed to obtain his Paramedic license in June of 2003.

Dan possesses many qualities that are appreciated by our organization. When his supervisors were asked to describe him, they all had the same positive response: “Dan is extremely dedicated to his job, and his patients”. His is known to be “respected by
patients, peers, and supervisors alike.”

In addition, Dan is a Paramedic Field Instructor (PFI) and has been critical in precepting and assisting our new Paramedic employees to obtain medical control. Dan’s recommendations while acting as a PFI are valued and trusted by all. He takes the time to critically evaluate each and every call to ensure the best in patient care.

Dan is being honored as a Star of Life for his proficiency and dedication. Hunter’s Ambulance is privileged to have such a committed member on our team.

Jesus Zenon joined Hunter’s Ambulance Service in March of 2011 as a Non-Emergency Driver. He later went on to successfully obtain his Emergency Medical Technician Certification in May of 2014. 

Jesus is known by his supervisors and peers as being helpful and willing to do whatever is needed to assist with call volume and operations. Jesus always goes the extra mile, and as a result of this leadership-by-example he elevates the performance of others.

There are numerous patient and coworker accolades in his file; each and every one of them compliment Jesus for being proficient and compassionate during transports.

Jesus is being honored as a Star of Life for his exceptional professionalism and commitment. Hunter’s Ambulance is privileged to have such a dedicated member of our EMS team.