Action Ambulance is proud to recognize Emergency Medical Technician Gheorghe Munteanu as a Star of Life. Gheorghe has been serving as an EMT for ten years and has spent the past two years making a remarkable impact with Action.

Gheorghe is known for his reliability and willingness to step up at a moment’s notice. No matter the hour, he is ready to hop on the truck and answer a call—even if it means finishing his shift late. His colleagues admire his positive spirit, noting that Gheorghe always greets patients and coworkers with a smile. His patient care is consistently described as nothing short of phenomenal, and he treats each individual with dignity and compassion.

When he is not caring for patients, Gheorghe can often be found outdoors enjoying camping, hiking, or traveling. He recently returned from an adventure in Alaska, a trip that reflects his love of exploration and new experiences.

Action Ambulance is honored to celebrate Gheorghe Munteanu as a Star of Life in recognition of his dedication, positivity, and outstanding patient care.

Emma Reyes joined Action Ambulance Service one year ago and has quickly established herself as an outstanding Emergency Medical Technician. In just a short time, Emma has demonstrated remarkable growth, steadily building her confidence and skills while consistently providing extraordinary patient care. Her compassion, professionalism, and eagerness to learn have made her a valued member of the Action team and a trusted caregiver to the community.

Emma’s colleagues describe her as dedicated and dependable, someone who approaches every call with both skill and heart. Her rapid progress and natural ability are a testament to her bright future in emergency medical services.

Outside of EMS, Emma is preparing for another exciting milestone—her upcoming wedding this October. In her free time, she enjoys watching scary movies, a favorite pastime that shows her adventurous spirit.

Action Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Emma as a Star of Life!

Dana Rhoades has dedicated 28 years to emergency medical services, with the past 16 years at Action Ambulance Service. A skilled and compassionate EMT, Dana has become a cornerstone of the organization through both his patient care and his role in shaping the next generation of providers.

Known for his patience, knowledge, and steady presence, Dana has been instrumental in training countless new EMTs. His mentorship has helped many colleagues build strong foundations for long and successful careers in EMS.

Outside of his time with Action Ambulance, Dana also works in EMS through a second job, reflecting his deep commitment to serving his community. Beyond the ambulance, he keeps busy with construction, facility maintenance, and scrap metal work. When he does find free time, Dana enjoys woodworking, a craft that allows him to balance his fast-paced professional life with creativity and care.

Above all, Dana is devoted to his family. He and his wife are the proud parents of five daughters, who remain his greatest joy and source of inspiration.

Action Ambulance Service is honored to recognize Dana as a Star of Life!

Samantha Mahan began her career with Cataldo in January 2017 as an EMT. In June 2022, she advanced to paramedic, continuing to demonstrate the same steady commitment she has shown throughout her time here.

She currently serves as a Field Training Officer, where she provides guidance and support to new paramedics. Sam has consistently been dependable, often stepping in to pick up extra shifts when needed. Clinically, she is reliable and professional, handling her responsibilities without issue.

What stands out most is her willingness to share her knowledge and experience. She approaches training with patience and consistency, helping new providers develop their skills and confidence. Her role as both a clinician and mentor reflects the qualities we value in our organization.

Samantha has been a solid contributor to the team since joining Cataldo, and her continued dedication makes her a strong candidate for the American Ambulance Association’s Star of Life Award.

Kathleen “Kat” Benoit came to EMS later in life, starting with Cataldo in October 2020 as an EMT. From the beginning she showed a clear willingness to learn and a drive to be the best provider she could be. She leaned on those around her to grow in the field and quickly established herself as a reliable member of the team.

Her passion for her new career led her to paramedic school, and in 2022 she earned her medic certification. Since then, she has worked on one of our busiest ALS trucks, consistently showing up ready to work and approaching each shift with a positive attitude.

During this past winter, Kat was involved in a particularly difficult call where a child was born in arrest while the mother still had a heroin needle in her arm. Kat handled the situation with composure under extreme pressure. Her quick and precise actions contributed directly to saving the child and mother’s life.

Kat is also known for her steady presence and reliability. She shows up week after week on a demanding assignment, never complains, and takes each call as it comes. Her commitment, both in critical moments and in the day-to-day, makes her Cataldo’s 2025 Star of Life.

Jon “Forrest” Mullaly has dedicated more than two decades to emergency medical services, embodying the very best of what it means to be a clinician, colleague, and leader. Known for his selflessness, empathy, and ability to bring light even in the darkest moments, Jon is a trusted presence both in the field and among his peers.

Throughout his career, Jon has demonstrated clinical excellence, leadership, and compassion on countless calls. One particularly memorable incident involved a young woman in severe respiratory distress. From the street, Jon could see she was cyanotic. Without hesitation, he and his partner quickly moved her into the ambulance and began advanced interventions—including subcutaneous epinephrine, magnesium infusion, and continuous albuterol. By the time they arrived at the hospital, the patient was speaking in full sentences, alive because of Jon’s decisive care.

Jon’s dedication also extends beyond patient care. When a crew in Waltham was dispatched to their first pediatric cardiac arrest, Jon was off duty. Hearing the call unfold, he drove to the hospital—not as a responder, but as a supporter. He knew the weight of such an experience and arrived simply to listen, comfort, and remind his peers they were not alone.

In another call, Jon and his partner responded to a cardiac arrest at a YMCA in Melrose. Thanks to staff members trained in CPR and AED use, the patient had already received lifesaving interventions. Jon and his partner stabilized and transported the patient to the hospital in remarkably good condition. For Jon, who also teaches CPR and first aid, this was a powerful reminder of the importance of community training—and he went out of his way to commend the YMCA staff for their heroic actions.

These moments reflect the essence of Jon Mullaly as a Paramedic: technically skilled, calm under pressure, deeply compassionate, and profoundly supportive of both patients and peers. Armstrong Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Jon “Forrest” Mullaly as a Star of Life.

Emma’s EMS journey began in 2020, just weeks after graduating high school. Originally preparing to start nursing school, she made a last-minute decision that would change the course of her life. Inspired by her father, a retired firefighter paramedic whose stories of service had long captured her imagination, Emma followed her instincts, withdrew from nursing, and enrolled in EMT school the very same day.

Since then, Emma has dedicated the past five years to serving her community with professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She quickly earned a reputation for her strong clinical skills, sound judgment, and calm leadership in even the most challenging circumstances. These qualities have been tested time and again—on calls where the outcome was uncertain and where her actions made all the difference.

In early December 2023, Emma responded to a devastating motor vehicle accident involving multiple pedestrians, including a detail police officer and a utility worker who had both sustained catastrophic injuries. Faced with a chaotic and heartbreaking scene, Emma’s training and composure guided her as she performed critical lifesaving measures, including applying tourniquets in an attempt to control massive bleeding. Though the outcome was tragically not what anyone had hoped for, Emma’s response demonstrated the resilience, determination, and courage it takes to serve in EMS. She continues to carry the weight of that day as a reminder of the profound responsibility of her profession—and the strength it demands of those who answer the call.

Not long after, Emma found herself on the other end of the spectrum of emergency medicine, responding to a 45-year-old pregnant woman suffering from placenta previa who had already lost nearly a liter of blood. Recognizing the urgency, Emma and her partner initiated advanced life support measures that stabilized both the mother and her unborn child long enough to reach the hospital. There, an emergency C-section was performed, and thanks in part to Emma’s swift and skilled interventions, both mother and baby survived. It was a powerful reminder of the impact prehospital providers can have, and a testament to Emma’s expertise under pressure.

Emma also serves as a SWAT Paramedic with the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), a consortium of 68 police departments and two Sheriff’s Departments across Middlesex and Essex Counties. NEMLEC supports more than 1.7 million residents in 925 square miles, providing specialized services such as hostage rescues and armed standoffs. Emma’s role on the SWAT team highlights her expertise and commitment to serving in the most high-risk situations.

Beyond her work in the field, Emma has embraced opportunities to mentor new EMTs and paramedics, educate students, and collaborate with colleagues across surrounding municipalities. Her dedication to developing others has strengthened the EMS community and helped shape the next generation of providers.

Her leadership and commitment to growth led to her promotion as a Field Supervisor—making her one of the youngest in the organization’s history. Now serving as a Field Operations Manager, she continues to lead with maturity, compassion, and determination. It is this combination of skill, resilience, and leadership—shaped by both the triumphs and the tragedies of her career—that makes Emma Beaupre a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Haywad Yusufzai enjoys working in EMS because it allows him to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As a first responder in critical situations, he is often the first to provide immediate medical care and comfort during emergencies. This pivotal role places him in dynamic, fast-paced environments where quick thinking and decisive action are crucial. The fast pace and constant challenges are especially rewarding for Haywad, who thrives in high-pressure situations and enjoys solving problems on the spot.

In February, Haywad will be celebrating his two-year anniversary at Armstrong, marking a significant milestone in his journey as an EMT. Initially drawn to the profession by his aspirations of becoming a firefighter, his fascination with fire trucks and equipment fueled his pursuit of EMT certification. Over time, his experiences have revealed a passion for patient interaction, and he is now enrolled in a Paramedic program which he is expected to complete this upcoming spring.

Beyond the adrenaline of the job, Haywad finds deep purpose and fulfillment in his role. Being directly involved in saving lives and helping people through their most vulnerable moments is a responsibility he holds close to his heart. He takes great pride in knowing that his work has a real impact, offering both medical care and emotional support when it’s needed most. For Haywad, EMS isn’t just a job—it’s a deeply fulfilling career that allows him to make a profound difference every day.

Haywad has earned the title “Star of Life” due to his exceptional growth and commitment to continuous improvement in both his skills and patient care. He often takes on the role of training new employees and has become a role model for incoming providers. Haywad always goes above and beyond to ensure his patients receive the highest quality care.

Kristen Hunter has been a dedicated member of the Action Ambulance Service, Inc. team for more than 16 years. During her time here, she has become a beloved Supervisor and a trusted mentor to her peers. Known for her positive outlook and can-do attitude, Kristen is always willing to go the extra mile to support her co-workers and ensure the best care for her community.

Outside of work, Kristen enjoys spending time with her two children, Caleb and Talor, as well as her two dogs, Justice and Liberty. She also has a passion for decorating and loves to make every occasion special.

Action Ambulance is proud to recognize Kristen Hunter as our 2024 Star of Life, honoring her outstanding service and dedication to both her team and the communities she serves.

Jon Hibbard has been an essential part of Action Ambulance Service, Inc. for over two years, bringing with him an impressive 45 years of experience in the EMS industry. During his time with Action Ambulance, Jon has quickly risen through the ranks, taking on pivotal roles such as Field Operations Supervisor, Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator, Clinical Manager, PIF Coordinator and Critical Care Paramedic. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in improving both patient care and operational efficiency.

In addition to his work at Action Ambulance, Jon has served as the EMS Officer for the Bradley International Airport Fire Department, the Warehouse Point Fire Department, and has worked nearly 30 years as a Paramedic for the GPA Travelers Championship Golf Tournament, further highlighting his dedication to emergency services. His vast experience and commitment to his profession have had a profound impact on the communities he serves.

When Jon isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Ashley and three children—Jeffrey, Jameson, and Kensington. Action Ambulance Service is proud to honor Jon Hibbard as our 2024 Star of Life, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the EMS field and his unwavering dedication to his community.

Robert “Bobby” Hatzikonstantis joined EMS to gain firsthand experience in healthcare, choosing a field that combines unique challenges with the opportunity to help people in critical moments. From the very beginning, Bobby was drawn to the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of EMS, where quick thinking and decisive action are essential. The ability to make a real-time difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments has been deeply rewarding for him.

Bobby finds immense purpose and fulfillment in the hands-on nature of his work and in serving his community. He often reflects on the significance of providing both medical care and emotional support to people on their worst days. The chance to bring comfort and reassurance during moments of crisis has been the most impactful and gratifying work of his life.

Over the years, Bobby has also forged lifelong relationships with his coworkers, partners, and managers, whom he considers a second family. The camaraderie and sense of belonging he’s found at Armstrong Ambulance have been invaluable, providing him with support and a close-knit community that shares a common mission.

Bobby has earned recognition as a Star of Life for his unwavering dedication to supporting his coworkers and his eagerness to mentor and teach others. He creates a welcoming atmosphere for new employees and fosters a collaborative learning environment. Many team members look to Bobby for guidance, knowing he is always willing to lend a helping hand. His leadership, compassion, and commitment to both his patients and colleagues make him a true asset to the EMS profession.

Kevin Moore has been a dedicated member of the EMS field for 43 years, beginning his career as an EMT and advancing to become a Paramedic. He lives on Plum Island in Newburyport, MA, with his wife, and has spent his career providing compassionate and attentive care to every patient he encounters.

Kevin consistently goes above and beyond for his patients, offering them his full attention from the moment he arrives on scene until he hands them over to hospital staff. He often takes the extra step of checking in on his patients in the emergency room, not just to see how they are doing but also to evaluate how his treatment plan aligns with their current condition. In cases where patients require transfers to another hospital, Kevin frequently volunteers to accompany them, ensuring continuity of care and demonstrating his genuine concern for their outcomes.

Despite his four decades in the field, Kevin remains open to learning. He consistently seeks to improve, learning from each challenging case, as well as from his partners and supervisors. His commitment to growth and adapting to new approaches exemplifies his dedication to his profession.

Throughout his long career, Kevin has made a lasting impact not only on his patients but also on the entire EMS community. Cataldo Ambulance Service is proud to nominate Kevin Moore as a 2024 Star of Life for his unwavering dedication and exemplary service.

William “Bill” Loftus-Rooney, an EMT with 14 years of experience, is being recognized as a 2024 Star of Life for his extraordinary bravery and quick thinking in saving two juveniles from a life-threatening situation. Known for his leadership, calm demeanor, and resolve in difficult circumstances, Bill’s actions on February 23, 2024, exemplify his dedication to patient care and emergency response.

On that day, Bill and his partner were returning to their service area in Holyoke, Massachusetts, after leaving a local emergency room. As they passed Van Horn Pond in Springfield, their ambulance was flagged down by two minors who had ventured onto unstable ice, causing one to fall through. Bill and his partner were the only emergency responders at the scene, with only a few bystanders nearby. After assessing the situation, Bill moved to the edge of the ice to help while his partner found the best access point and called for backup from the Springfield Police, Springfield Fire Department, and tech rescue team.

Bill approached the struggling minor in the water, but the ice gave way beneath him, and he fell in as well. Despite the dangerous situation, Bill managed to lift the minor out of the water and onto the ice. His partner, a bystander, and the Springfield Fire Department worked together using a makeshift rope to pull the minor to shore. Bill then extricated himself from the ice, ensuring both his and the minor’s safety. He immediately provided care for the patient, transporting them to the hospital for hypothermia treatment before returning to duty—changing into a dry uniform and finishing out his 24-hour shift.

Bill was born and raised in Western Massachusetts and is committed to providing exceptional care to the residents of Holyoke and the surrounding communities. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with friends, going to the gym, and cooking. Bill is currently enrolled in Paramedic school, and his colleagues are excited to see him take the next step in his career as an Advanced Life Support provider.

For his bravery and dedication, Bill Loftus-Rooney is a deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life Award.

Emily Chandler is being recognized for her commitment to training and retaining EMTs and Paramedics. Through her work as Program Director and Lead Paramedic Instructor for NCTI of Massachusetts, she has helped bring new skilled, committed first responders to the EMS profession. In her expanded role as EMS Programs Manager for AMR Springfield, she is the driving force behind bringing the award-winning Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program to Massachusetts.

Thanks to Emily’s oversight, Springfield has graduated a total of 13 EMT EWYL classes and three Paramedic classes with EWYL graduates. Emily also travels throughout the country to mentor and facilitate new EWYL rollouts and program oversight. She has become one of the faces of this successful program.

Through her many graduates—who embody her knowledge and patient-care expertise—Emily impacts thousands of lives across Massachusetts and the entire country, every day. She is proud of her accomplishments but continues to look for ways to improve EWYL, the NTCI Paramedic and EMT programs, and herself.

In 2019, Lilliana Ferguson enrolled in an EMT course for academic credit and to gain patient contact hours. She began her mobile healthcare career at UMass EMS in college before relocating to the Boston area and joining Cataldo Ambulance Service.

Lilliana states that she initially joined the Cataldo team, “because of Cataldo’s good reputation in the Boston area” and the call volume and population diversity for patient contact hours. She adds, “I fell in love with EMS. Every day is different, and you never know what to expect. You get to meet a lot of people and be exposed to their lifestyles.”

Lilliana became a Paramedic in 2021 and has since become extremely adept at managing high-acuity patients. She is always prepared to confidently surmount any complications or barriers to ensure patients always receive exceptional care. Over the course of her EMS career, Lilliana has been a field training officer at both the BLS and ALS levels. Her experience, knowledge, and positive nature makes her a great role model for her peers.

Christopher “Chris” Crowell initially enrolled in an EMT course in college for academic credit and to gain patient contact hours. Soon after, he joined the Atlantic division of Cataldo Ambulance Service, the contracted ambulance provider in his hometown of Lynn, Massachusetts. Chris fell in love with EMS immediately, and notes that “when it’s rewarding, it is extremely rewarding.”

Chris has an innate talent for establishing trust with patients with whom it might be more difficult to build rapport. As a BLS Clinical Field Supervisor, he applies these same skills to effectively manage team members in the field. He leads colleagues with the same empathy and understanding he learned by managing complex patient situations.

Cataldo team members rely on Chris to handle any situation that is thrown at him in a way that is consistent, fair, and reliable. His friendly and outgoing nature helps all team members feel welcomed and supported as he assists them in diffusing difficult situations while ensuring that patient care is never compromised. “Knowing that people rely on me and have confidence in me is what keeps me coming back to work every day,” Chris adds.

Bobbi Tremblay began her EMS career in April of 1997 as an EMT at Armstrong Ambulance Service in Arlington, MA. She quickly rose through the ranks to become a base supervisor in Peabody, MA and then later in Wilmington, MA. Bobbi was an excellent EMT for many years, but a shoulder injury began a new journey for her. After surgery to address her issue, Bobbi joined the Communications Department in 2006 as a Call Taker and quickly became an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.

Since joining the Communications Department 17 years ago, Bobbi has been a cornerstone of Armstrong’s dispatch operations. Bobbi has done, and will do, anything asked for the betterment of the team, including picking up shifts, training new staff, and offering suggestions on how to improve processes and the room as a whole. Throughout Armstrong Ambulance, Bobbi is known for her skill and empathy by callers and colleagues alike. Whether it’s her fellow Dispatchers, crews out on the road, or anyone who calls into her line, Bobbi treats everyone with respect, patience, and genuine kindness.

Bobbi has thoroughly enjoyed every role she has held in EMS, but she admits to enjoying EMD the most. Says Bobbi, “When Armstrong started emergency medical dispatching for multiple towns, it quickly became my favorite position. In my time here, I have assisted in delivering a baby and giving CPR instructions multiple times. My most satisfying call was for a facial laceration where I recognized the situation as being an assault. I was able to obtain identifying information as well as the location of the incident to update police prior to their arrival.” Clearly, Bobbi’s natural compassion helps her excel at her job.

In her free time, Bobbi loves to spend time with her grandkids and her dogs, Marley and Koda. Bobbi also has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and gardening when she is not busy helping others!

During Samantha “Sam” Migliore’s senior year of high school, while manning the cash register at her after-school job, she noticed a woman who didn’t appear much older than her wearing an EMT uniform. At that moment Sam realized that joining the EMS field was an attainable goal. That fall she enrolled in an EMT course and obtained her certification soon after.

Sam began working for Armstrong Ambulance in 2019, the day after she graduated from high school. She quickly fell in love with EMS, enjoying the work and the meaning behind it. Sam finds it deeply rewarding to assist patients during some of their most challenging moments. She recognizes the necessity of bringing a sense of calm to a chaotic scene.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam took a two-year leave of absence from her studies to work full-time on the front lines. She dedicated most of her time to Armstrong Ambulance’s COVID-19 response efforts focused on testing and vaccinating individuals across Massachusetts. Sam is proud to have worked alongside such motivated and resilient teams during the pandemic.

Combining her two passions—healthcare and education—Sam decided to pursue a degree focused on healthcare upon her return to school. As a Field Training Officer at Armstrong, Sam developed a uniform curriculum to train the next generation of EMTs with the tools they need to succeed in the field. Sam feels that teaching is the most rewarding aspect of her job, and aims to instill in trainees the same passion for EMS that drives her. To know Sam is to know why it’s easy for Armstrong Ambulance to recognize her as an incredible instructor, consummate professional, highly skilled clinician, mentor to many, and all-around great person.

Sam is currently a senior at UMass Lowell. In spring she will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. From there, Sam hopes to continue her education by enrolling in Physician Associate (PA) school where she can further her emergency medicine skills.

In her free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, taking road trips across New England, and spending time with her puggle, Rocco.

Jacqueline Helms began her career in EMS four years ago as a sophomore in college. While working on her bachelor’s degree in physiology and neurobiology at the University of Connecticut, Jacqueline became an EMT-B in order to get her foot in the door of the field of medicine. She quickly fell in love with the job.

Jacqueline worked at Fallon Ambulance Service throughout college, and joined the Action Ambulance team shortly after finishing her degree. She has greatly enjoyed working in such a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and especially loves that she gets to learn something new from every patient and coworker she meets.

Eleven years ago, Leslie O’Dell began her EMS career by accident. After her former husband left the military, Leslie moved to a town with a wilderness medical school. She was already an experienced hiker and had always wanted to take a Wilderness EMT course to help with search-and-rescues, so she signed up for the class. She had never considered making a career as an EMT, but the final two weeks of the course were set up for urban EMS and she was able to test for her EMT-B certification after its completion. So, at the age of thirty-five, Leslie received her EMT qualifications and began working on the local town ambulance.

Although Leslie initially thought her stint as an EMT on an ambulance would be temporary, she fell in love with the job. She currently works as a full-time Advanced EMT for Action Ambulance and per diem at her local fire department, Conway Fire & Rescue.