Jason Florance, a Paramedic with American Medical Response in Topeka, Kansas, is recognized as a positive role model for students and newly hired first responders. Known for his dedication to both his patients and fellow public servants, Jason consistently goes above and beyond to serve his community.

Last summer, Jason demonstrated this commitment when he helped an elderly patient who had no air conditioning in their home due to a lack of electricity. Not only did Jason help restore power, but he also reached out to local organizations and police department outreach programs to ensure the patient had access to additional resources. His efforts gave the patient a renewed sense of independence and dignity.

This act of kindness is just one example of Jason’s unwavering dedication. He is also known for helping homebound residents with tasks like mowing lawns, fixing gutters, and rearranging furniture—offering support where others may have limited options. Jason’s compassion and commitment make him an invaluable part of the Topeka community and a true role model in EMS.

With two decades of experience as a first responder, Josh Cavaness embodies the true spirit of EMS through his dedication to caring for people in need. This was recently demonstrated in November 2023, when Josh, while off duty, came across an ambulance crew dealing with a patient whose condition was quickly deteriorating. After assisting the crew in stabilizing the patient, it became clear that the patient needed to be expedited to the hospital—fast. Josh immediately contacted Flight Communication Dispatch and was able to provide detailed information, so that a medical helicopter could be dispatched to the scene and quickly fly the patient to advanced care.

As an experienced U.S. Army combat medic specialist with more than ten years of service at Global Medical Response, Frank Alba is a well-respected EMS leader among his peers and community alike.

Frank is passionate about learning and teaching, often sharing his knowledge with coworkers in classes that he voluntarily leads. Always knowledgeable about the latest innovations in the emergency medical industry, Frank’s colleagues describe him as their go-to person when they have questions about patient care. He has mentored countless coworkers who have sought his expertise. Frank has also received multiple nominations for the “Employee of the Year” Award.

During his tenure at Global Medical Response, Frank has participated in multiple deployments totaling 16 weeks of service.

With more than 35 years of healthcare service—25 of them at EagleMed—Cindy Betts is known for her compassion, knowledge, skill, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Cindy’s dedication is evident in her ability to manage both the rotor and fixed-wing bases in Wichita as well as perform her full-time flight shifts. Also, in addition to serving with her EagleMed colleagues, Cindy works at Wesley Medical Center, the Wichita Level I trauma center. During the pandemic, Cindy not only managed both bases when they were facing staffing shortages and high-volume flights but also did so while working extra hours in the Medical Center’s COVID-19 ICU.

Cindy is unstoppable. Her commitment to serve, even when she is working multiple shifts, is remarkable. She is a mentor to new hires and has helped guide dozens of flight nurses and medics for decades with her knowledge and understanding of clinical care.

Cathy Heikes is being honored as a Star of life for exhibiting tremendous leadership and attention to care during the pandemic response in New York. Cathy, who spent thirteen years in the U.S. Army as a nurse and served in Operation Desert Storm, used her incredible experience to provide support in aiding virus-related emergencies and evacuations in the greater New York area when the region was experiencing a surge of COVID-19 infections.

Cathy’s compassion, skill, and medical expertise, particularly as they relate to traumatic situations, made her an invaluable presence in New York, which had become known as the epicenter of the American coronavirus in the early part of the outbreak. During her deployment, she responded to and cared for a countless number of patients infected with the virus.

In 2004, then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius appointed Cathy to serve on the Southwest Kansas Regional Trauma Council. For fifteen years, Cathy worked with the multidisciplinary council to improve trauma care systems across her home state. 

Also, as the base medical manager for Eagle Med 4, Cathy has trained and mentored countless air medical professionals, developed new practices and protocols and provided exceptional patient care. She believes deeply that she must be willing and capable of doing anything she asks her team to do. 

After working as an electrician and serving as an expeditionary warfare and submarine specialist in the U.S. Navy, Kenny Denk found his calling in the EMS field. He joined AMR in April 2012 after earning his Paramedic certification. Kenny is a skilled clinician who takes great pride in his work. His supervisors often receive compliments about the dignity and respect he shows to patients and colleagues.

Kenny has a heart for community service. He leads his operation’s annual CPR challenge and has organized efforts to honor veterans in his local community. When a need arises, Kenny is not shy about sliding back into electrician mode to help with remodeling and other tasks around the station. Kenny also serves as an assistant Scoutmaster for a Boy Scout troop and a medical representative for an American Heritage Girls troop. Additionally, he has helped lead marriage retreats and is a Eucharistic Minister at his church.

Kenny is most proud of his ability to treat critical care patients. He is currently working to obtain his critical care certification.

Luke Spillman began his EMS career in 2009. Soon after, he became EMT-I certified. Not satisfied with only being the driver on critical patient runs, Spillman enrolled in paramedic school as well as completing his EMT-I to AEMT transition course. In 2013, he started working at Coffey County EMS in Burlington, Kansas. “Luke’s attention to detail is what sets him apart,” said Coffey County EMS Director James Higgins. “He knows that the little things matter–like holding a patient’s hand while they are scared and making sure a patient is comfortable with something as simple as a pillow. Add this to his exceptional skills, and he is an all-around excellent paramedic.” Since he began working at Coffey County EMS, he has volunteered to teach quarterly CPR classes for Coffey County Hospital and EMS staff as well as to the general public. Furthermore, he recently completed his Kansas TO-I certification so he will be able to teach continuing education for EMS providers. “Luke handles himself very professionally. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of EMS and is willing to jump in and help with whatever needs to be done,” said Higgins. It is evident that Spillman is and has always been focused on becoming the best EMS provider he can be and helping his colleagues to do so as well. As he gains more experience, Spillman hopes to work part-time with a FLIGHT SERVICE within the next couple of years. “Behind my accomplishments and goals, is a true desire to help people,” Spillman said. “That’s what makes my efforts worthwhile to me.” Spillman married his wife, Erica, in June 2013. She is very supportive of his commitment to EMS. They reside in Emporia, Kan.”

Melinda Toy demonstrates excellent clinical skills, but it’s outstanding “people care” that sets this Paramedic apart.

Mindy and her partner were recognized last year for saving the life of a cardiac arrest patient. Not only did Mindy perform critical medical interventions, but she kept the patient’s husband fully informed of what was happening and comforted him until his family could get to the hospital. Mindy provided the same mix of deep compassion and excellent care to another patient who wanted to talk about his recently deceased wife. Mindy held the man’s hand and listened intently to his story; his heart stopped at the hospital, but Mindy was successful in helping resuscitate him.

Mindy provides a safety net for her neighbors who have special needs and has volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.