Since joining Huron Valley Ambulance in 2020, Abraham Paternoster has distinguished himself through an impressive combination of professional growth, clinical excellence, leadership, and compassion. Abraham began his career with HVA as a Mobility Transportation Driver before progressing through EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic school, earning his Paramedic license in 2022.

Abraham’s dedication and abilities quickly earned the confidence of his colleagues and leaders. After becoming a Paramedic, he was promoted to Senior Paramedic and, most recently, to Field Training Officer. In this role, Abraham uses his knowledge and experience to mentor students and new employees, challenging them to reach their full potential while providing the encouragement and support they need to succeed. He is also a member of HVA’s HAZMAT and Special Pathogen Response teams, providing patient care in complex and challenging situations.

Known for his positive, easygoing, and professional demeanor, Abraham is a natural leader and role model. He treats everyone he encounters with respect and brings an enthusiasm for learning to his work each day. A motivated self-learner, Abraham continually seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and learn from other experienced providers—a quality that strengthens both his own practice and his effectiveness as a mentor.

That same dedication is evident in Abraham’s patient care. He is a skilled clinician who remains calm, focused, and professional even when caring for critically ill or injured patients. Abraham approaches every patient with compassion, empathy, and respect, recognizing that excellent care means attending to a person’s emotional well-being as well as their medical needs.

Outside of EMS, Abraham’s adventurous spirit takes him outdoors, where he enjoys wilderness survival training, hiking, backpacking, dispersed camping, and ultimate frisbee. He is also working toward another personal challenge: completing his first half-marathon.

From his remarkable professional growth to his commitment to patients and colleagues, Abraham exemplifies the qualities of a Star of Life. Huron Valley Ambulance is grateful for the many ways he serves his team and community and is proud to recognize Abraham Paternoster as a Star of Life.

Monroe Community Ambulance is proud to recognize Carrie Boulton as a Star of Life. Carrie has dedicated nearly two decades to serving her patients, colleagues, and community, joining MCA in 2006. She currently serves as a Paramedic Team Leader, a dual role that showcases her clinical expertise, professionalism, and leadership.

Even among first responders, who are known for their versatility, Carrie stands out for the many roles she fills with skill and dedication. On any given day, she may be in the field caring for patients, serving as a training officer for new employees, sharing her expertise during an emergency drill, or supporting MCA supervisors with a wide range of operational responsibilities. Whatever the assignment, Carrie brings experience, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to those she serves.

Perhaps Carrie’s greatest strength, however, is her deep commitment to the people behind the uniform. For many colleagues, Carrie is the first phone call after a difficult incident or when they are facing other mental health challenges. She holds numerous advanced certifications in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and peer-to-peer support and is an active member of the Monroe County CISM Team. Her specialized training, combined with her willingness to listen and support others with compassion and empathy, makes her an invaluable resource not only to MCA but also to first responders throughout Monroe County.

Carrie’s distinguished service personifies the spirit of a Star of Life. As a skilled clinician, trusted colleague, compassionate source of support, and friend to many, she has become a vital part of the fabric of Monroe Community Ambulance. MCA is profoundly fortunate to have Carrie on its team and proud to recognize her as a Star of Life.

Huron Valley Ambulance proudly recognizes EMT and Field Training Officer Nathan Cagna as a 2025 Star of Life. Nathan joined HVA in 2024 after completing the EMT Work-Training Program, quickly distinguishing himself as a dedicated clinician, mentor, and teammate.

Nathan’s journey to EMS is remarkable. After serving 12 years on a specialized team in the British Armed Forces, he relocated to the United States to be near his wife’s family. Though he had no prior medical background, Nathan was drawn to EMS for its teamwork and its mission of helping others. His natural leadership and strong work ethic allowed him to excel during training, and he rapidly became known for his professionalism, positive attitude, and passion for patient care.

In the fall of 2024, Nathan was promoted to Field Training Officer, where he now guides and supports new employees. He is often seen helping colleagues study policies and protocols, patiently mentoring them to succeed. Nathan particularly enjoys collaborating with University of Michigan Physician EMS Fellows, finding their perspectives invaluable in shaping how he teaches prehospital care. His peers describe him as approachable, encouraging, and always willing to lend a hand.

Beyond his service at HVA, Nathan is committed to lifelong learning and plans to begin Paramedic training this year. At home, he enjoys spending time with his wife, hiking with their dog, and competing in pistol shooting competitions. Nathan and his wife are excitedly preparing to welcome their first child, a baby girl.

Through his dedication, professionalism, and impact as both a caregiver and mentor, Nathan has earned the respect of his coworkers and the admiration of the community.

Scott Bernhardt has worked for Huron Valley Ambulance Service for 8 years. Whether delivering babies or saving the lives of loved ones, Scott feels honored serving his community through his work.

In January 2015 Scott and his partner were the first to respond to a call with multiple pediatric patients, which unfortunately included one fatality and several children in critical condition. Scott was able to quickly assess and triage at the scene and relay to dispatch the resources needed to assure optimal patient outcomes. Calm, professional, and caring, Scott was able to provide excellent clinical care in an emotionally challenging environment.

Scott is loyal, honest, and committed to his company. He rarely misses a day of work and fills in when necessary for his fellow medics. In his time off, Scott enjoys vacationing with his family. Huron Valley Ambulance Service is proud to honor Scott as a 2016 Star of Life.