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Delaney Kenny

EMT/Field Training Officer

Delaney Kenny has been an EMT with Armstrong Ambulance since 2019. Delaney states that she has always had a desire to work in the medical field and help other people. Her passion was sparked while in high school, when Delaney went on her first overseas trip to Panama, where she did outreach work, specifically with orphaned children. That trip to Panama really confirmed Delaney’s desired career path. She started in EMS, in hopes of learning basic assessment tools and how to interact with patients. She credits her time at Armstrong with improving her patient care skills and so much more.

Since she has been at Armstrong, Delaney has been recognized many times for her caring and empathy by colleagues, supervisors, and patients. We often receive heartfelt thank you notes praising Delaney for being kind, caring, and courteous while also providing excellent patient care. Patients have said that her kindness while they were in pain has “made their day.” Delaney sets the bar high when it comes to patient care and leads by example for every new hire she trains. She cares for every patient with the thoughtfulness and attention that we would want for our own family members.

During the height of the pandemic, instead of shying away from the fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, Delaney stepped up to help Armstrong run several municipal testing locations in addition to her regular BLS shift work. Delaney also played a big role in the emergency vaccination projects and was a huge contributor in Armstrong’s efforts to vaccinate the entire Massachusetts State Police force. During that time, her leadership skills became evident, and she was chosen to become a Field Training Officer to guide new EMTs during their field orientation.

In addition to her work at Armstrong, Delaney has continued her overseas volunteer work, most recently in July 2021. Delaney was the clinical lead for a team of fifteen student volunteers from the organization Royal Servants, who were engaged in outreach efforts at primary schools and orphanages in Nairobi, Kenya. Delaney was tasked with managing strict COVID regulations for the team, amongst other activities, and ensuring that everyone was compliant with protocols. The group enjoyed a successful month-long mission and upon return to the states, Delaney jumped right back into her EMT duties at Armstrong.

When not in the field, Delaney enjoys finding new coffee shops, reading, and spending time with her friends and her two dogs. She is currently attending Paramedic school and looks forward to applying what she is learning in the classroom to her work in the field. One of her favorite things about her career in EMS is showing up to a scene and getting to make a new connection with another human being in such a short period, with the hopes of helping them.

Armstrong Ambulance is proud to call Delaney Kenny a 2022 Star of Life!

 

Nicholas Henderson

Senior Clinical Manager

Nick Henderson started his EMS career wanting to follow in his family’s footsteps as a third-generation Firefighter for his hometown in Norwell, MA. He finished an EMT program in 1999. At that time, Norwell was moving towards becoming a Paramedic-level service and Nick was advised to get his Paramedic certification before applying. In order to gain the year of 911 experience required for the Paramedic school application, Nick got a job as an EMT with AMR in Brockton. He quickly moved to the Boston metropolitan area and started with Newton Rescue 1, a dedicated BLS 911 truck. In 2001, he was accepted to EMTS Inc. with Cape Cod Community College (CCCC).

Nick finished medic school with EMTS, Inc. and CCCC in late 2002. After all that time, he found firefighting was not a fit for him, and decided he wanted to be in the medical field instead. He started as a Paramedic on March 29, 2003, a date he remembers well, as it was one week after his wedding.

Over the years, Nick worked for a few different EMS agencies, but finally settled with Armstrong Ambulance in 2012. During Nick’s tenure, Armstrong has received many heartfelt notes from patients thanking him for his compassionate care. He worked his way through several positions at Armstrong, including Field Training Officer, Training Coordinator, and Field Operations Manager, and currently is proud to serve as Senior Clinical Manager.

According to Nick’s colleagues, Nick is passionate about the ins and outs of EMS and strives to constantly improve himself and all those around him. When Nick was promoted to Senior Clinical Manager, instead of retreating away to his office, he continued to work plenty of shifts on the front lines. It is not uncommon to spot Nick working an emergency shift on the weekends, gaining feedback from other field providers and spreading his vast knowledge to those who are hungry to learn. Nick is a talented Paramedic who pays great attention to even the slightest of details. He truly listens to his patients and takes the time to get to know each one. He often leads teams through uncertain and nerve-wracking situations while maintaining a calm demeanor that allows his team and patients to feel secure in his care.

However, it is as an educator that some of Nick’s greatest qualities are truly on display. Nick is dedicated to helping our providers reach clinical excellence. He is thorough, approachable, and patient when training new providers, and never fails to lend a hand to those whom he knows may be too scared to ask for it. Nick encourages questions and never shames those around him for not knowing something. He famously states “the stupidest questions are those never asked” to almost every trainee or provider he works with. Nick is constantly looking to better himself and dedicates his time to improving his clinical and interpersonal skills.

When not on duty, Nick enjoys spending his time with his kids, as well as being outdoors – hunting, fishing and ATVing.

Armstrong Ambulance is proud to call Nick Henderson our 2022 Star of Life!

Peter Chirigotis

BLS Field Supervisor/Hospital Liaison

Peter has been in EMS with Transformative Healthcare for seven years, and is currently a BLS Field Supervisor & Hospital Liaison.

Peter is inspired by helping the community through EMS and has built great relationships with patients and their families.

 

Jose Caballero Ortega

District Commander/Paramedic

Jose began at Transformative Healthcare in 2013, where he worked as an EMT while attending college. After serving as a Paramedic in a high-volume 911 system on Massachusetts’s North Shore, Jose returned to Transformative Healthcare this year as a full-time Paramedic.

His time spent working as an EMT, AEMT, and now a Paramedic has given Jose a unique perspective and molded him into an exceptional EMS leader.

Jose is originally from Chicago and loves to return to visit his family.

 

Linda Devereaux

Community Paramedic

Linda joined Cataldo Ambulance Service in 2008 as an EMT and worked her way up to Paramedic. Linda entered EMS unexpectedly, but felt that after her time spent in many other trades, EMS offered her a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of strangers, and she certainly has many times over. Linda shows enormous pride for her work, never settling for anything but superb performance.

Linda always put the patient’s needs first from the moment she is dispatched for the call. She knows that when she punches-in for duty, it is about her job and helping the citizens of the cities we serve. We all know it is our job to care, but sometimes our body language can really speak volumes about how we feel, and patients can read that. Linda’s body language always shows care and concern. She goes right to their side, and offers human-to-human contact that can sometimes be more healing for individuals than any medication we have available.

Linda is a vital member of not just the Cataldo community but the EMS community, and her dedication and respect for the work she does goes above and beyond.

Katherine Carroll

Communication Supervisor/EMT

Katherine’s impact in EMS began in 2004 when she graduated from Bunker Hill Community College’s Medical Technician Program. Katherine joined Cataldo in 2015 as both an EMT and a Dispatcher. She has played a vital role as a member of the Cataldo community. Whether on the road or on the phone, Katherine has always stepped up and gone above and beyond for every patient.

In 2018 Katherine was promoted to a Supervisor, where she has stepped up as a leader and has continued to go the extra mile for each and every call. She is an asset, not just to Cataldo Ambulance Service, but to the profession as a whole. Katherine is an extremely committed Dispatcher and Supervisor and she truly deserves this recognition for her dedication and compassion.

Andrew Sweeney

Paramedic

Andrew Sweeney has worked in mobile healthcare for 12 years. His passion for working with people drove him to a career in EMS, beginning as a wheelchair van driver. In 2007, Andrew became an EMT Basic, and in 2009, a Paramedic. He has been with Action Ambulance since September of 2018, working as a full-time Paramedic.

When asked to describe the best part of his job, Andrew says, “I get to interact with such a vast cross section of the population; from the smiles on expecting parents’ faces when you tell them that it’s a boy or girl, to the comfort of holding a lonely old person’s hand at the end so they don’t face that alone. The ability to bring comfort to and help people never gets old.”

In his short time at Action, Andrew has demonstrated his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve patients. He has also shown his innate aptitude for teamwork: He is always willing to help his company and his peers. His love of people and of serving as a Paramedic is evident to everyone. Action Ambulance is lucky to call him part of the family.

Shannon Kean

Emergency Medical Technician

Shannon came to Action Ambulance as a brand new EMT Basic in 2016. She is extremely bright and excels at her job, and she is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients and her colleagues at Action. As a result, Shannon has been nominated numerous times for Action’s internal STARCARE awards program.

One colleague wrote about Shannon and her partner, “I would like to nominate two EMTs for a STARCARE award. Approximately two weeks ago, my uncle—who receives hospice care—was discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital. I had Action come and transport him home. My cousin who was with my uncle stated, ‘Those two EMTs were awesome, they made us all feel so comfortable and like we had known each other for years.’ My Aunt said, ‘Oh my God those two girls were awesome. They treated him really well and were making me laugh.” I truly appreciate the professionalism of Shannon Kean. The family is going through a lot, especially that day, and to hear how comfortable they made my family just demonstrates how much of an asset they are to Action.”

While working at Action, Shannon attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services in Boston. She graduated in 2018. Along with her love of helping people, Shannon also loves and competitively rides horses.

Action is grateful that Shannon chose our organization when seeking her first mobile healthcare position. Action Ambulance is proud to recognize Shannon Kean as a 2019 Star of Life.

Ronald Keech

Emergency Medical Technician & Field Training Officer

Ron Keech has been an EMT at Armstrong Ambulance Service for over five years and embodies the core spirit of the job. He is a profound leader, mentor, and inspiration to all of those who have the pleasure of working with him. Ron was recognized by Region III for his outstanding contributions to EMS due to his incredible patient care and his willingness to help his colleagues become better providers by educating them in the field. He has been a well-respected and impactful Field Training Officer for four years, and continues to receive high marks from colleagues, healthcare partners, and members of the community.

Ron consistently takes new hires “under his wing” as a mentor and friend. As described by a fellow employee: “What makes Ron particularly remarkable is that he is not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also an incredible teacher and leader. He goes above and beyond on every call, not because he has to, but because it is so intertwined in who he is as a person. Whether he’s fluffing the pillows for a patient, discussing the most cost efficient in-home medical equipment, or showing off a piece of artwork he’s been working on to a particularly artistically inclined patient, he will do anything to connect with those around him. Ron gives others the tools to become the best healthcare provider they can be. Ron has a profound influence on those around him, and demonstrates that working with patients is about so much more than just the skills learned in the classroom. All who know Ron look up to him so much for all the heart and dedication he brings to the job.”

Everyone at Armstrong Ambulance Service recognizes Ron as a stand out employee and an amazing human being. He shows constant professionalism everyday and goes above and beyond the call of duty, every hour of every shift. Ron regularly receives accolades from patients and family members about his kind, compassionate way of helping and for truly making a difference in their lives. Ron is never seen without a smile or a positive word and everyone benefits from being around him.

 

John Sossei

Paramedic & Field Training Officer

John Sossei began his service to the public when he served as a non-commissioned officer crew chief for the United States Air Force aboard a C-5 Galaxy military airlift jet. As a crew chief, John developed keen leadership skills and focused dedication to duty and service to his country and others. Upon his honorable transition from the Air Force, John gained an interest in EMS and began exploring a career as Paramedic. He served as an EMT, and then trained as a Paramedic and worked in a high volume urban county-based 911 EMS system in California, where he gained significant ALS field experience.

When John relocated to the East Coast, he began working for Armstrong Ambulance Service, which provides Paramedic services to multiple 911 service areas and entities in the Metro-Boston region. John is highly regarded as a role model to his peers for his work ethic and command presence, as well as for his kind, firm, and honest demeanor. He is refreshingly and respectfully direct, and is highly supportive with orienting staff by delivering honest feedback combined with encouraging support. His ability to successfully educate, support, critique, and develop Paramedics in the field training process reflects his qualities as a gifted leader.

John has quickly advanced throughout his career as a seasoned and astute clinician, peer leader, Field Training Officer, and AHA instructor. His clinical acumen brings a calm, highly-skilled ALS clinician to the scene of the most complex 911 and critical inter-facility patients. His willingness to accept and integrate feedback is a testament to his humility and maturity.

John’s natural leadership as an EMS provider is demonstrated through his passionate and measured advocacy for his patients, his partners, and the Paramedicine profession. John Sossei has the well-earned respect of his peers, as he naturally comports himself as a consummate Paramedic professional. 

 

Widmac Laterion

Paramedic & Educator

Widmac Laterion began his career in mobile healthcare in 2013 when he began working as an EMT at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. While at school, Widmac quickly became a Field Supervisor for the program with an interest in teaching new recruits. Widmac played an instrumental role in restructuring the summer training/field internship program. He earned a degree in Nutrition/Pre-Med in 2017.

Widmac joined Cataldo Ambulance Service in 2014 as an EMT. He soon  transitioned into the role of Field Training Officer. While at Cataldo, Widmac’s passion for teaching others continued to grow, and he began teaching CPR classes. This quickly grew into a leadership role within Cataldo’s On-boarding and Orientation program.

In 2017, Widmac both started a Paramedic school and joined the Army National Guard as a combat medic. In 2018, Widmac received his Paramedic certification and started a dual role at Cataldo as a field medic and educator. Widmac’s long-term goal is to become a physician in the Army.

When not working in EMS, Widmac can be found giving back to his community as part of the Allied Health Academy Program at Everett High School in Everett, MA.

Mary Anselmo

Paramedic

Mary Anselmo began her career at Cataldo Ambulance as a BLS provider 13 years ago and has since worked her way up to becoming a Senior Paramedic.

Cataldo Ambulance is proud to nominate Mary as a 2019 Star of Life for the years of compassionate care she has provided and for always putting the patient first. In addition to being clinically astute, Mary is known for her humility and for always going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure her patients and their family’s comfort and understanding of the situation.

Having worked in a high-volume EMS system for years, Mary has experienced her share of challenging calls. She continually uses these experiences to grow into a better person and healthcare provider. For Mary, every call is an opportunity for growth and learning, and she remains calm under pressure and is an excellent teacher. Mary takes the time with each crew member and student, considering each of their individual needs and strengths.

Mary is an asset not just to Cataldo Ambulance Service, but to the profession as a whole. Mary is an extremely dedicated Paramedic, mother, and wife and she truly deserves this recognition for her dedication and compassion.

Sean Mangan

Paramedic-Field Operations Manager

For more than 17, years, Sean Mangan has served as one of the most experienced Paramedics/ Field Operations Managers at Armstrong Ambulance. Sean’s deep commitment to excellence shines through his work, and his colleagues all agree that his patient-centered approach is inspiring to everyone around him. Sean began his career with Armstrong Ambulance in 1997 as an EMT. In 1998, he became a Paramedic and worked one of the busiest municipalities in the Greater Boston area. Sean was known to receive many compliments by patients and community partners as he handled situations with the utmost expertise and care. In 2011, he was promoted to Field Operations Manager where he excels at managing Armstrong’s expansive and growing service area by using his keen judgment, clinical skills and customer service talents. On April 15, 2013 Sean was on duty and responded to the Boston Marathon bombing. He was one of the initial medics on-scene within the first few minutes of the first explosion and did not hesitate to respond to those in need. Once on scene, Sean quickly began coordinating Armstrong’s response with Boston EMS Command which was a critical component in saving lives. Sean is described as bright, funny and always willing to help out a colleague whenever, and wherever it is needed. He is a certified CRP instructor who can be found volunteering at various EMT programs within the local community. Sean is well respected by his peers and is frequently sought out as a resource for difficult situations and issues. Sean’s wife and son are as proud as we are of Sean’s Star of Life award.”

Jesse Godin

Dispatch Supervisor – EMT

Many nominees are recognized for a specific remarkable rescue or event that tests their courage and or professional skills in the field of EMS. The achievement of such recognition in many instances would not be possible without the support of those who work on their team throughout the year performing in many roles of EMS. Jesse is an example of one of those team members, who report for work every day in the organization supporting field personnel who are deserving of such recognition during a specific heroic event. His leadership as a supervisor in communications plays a significant role ensuring that field personnel have the information and resources necessary for a safe response and effective on scene delivery of quality patient care. Of particular note are the contributions and initiatives that are unseen by the public and so important for the success of the company overall with supervision of telecommunicators, EMD, EMDQ, reporting and daily support of the billing office that drives the economic engine of the company. Jesse is a father and husband with core family values. His primary personal interest is with his family. Jesse is a professional fireworks technician and in fact played a role in the 2013 July 4th fireworks display in Boston. He could be considered a jack of all trades with a technical expertise. Jesse is always goal focused and enthusiastic with an intense interest in solving problems. His intense interest often inspires others to perform better both at work and at home. He has made Cataldo Ambulance Service his home since March of 2008. Jesse is the senior supervisor of the Boston Communications Division. A train the trainer for the 911 Sentinel Patriot system, CTO, EMD, EMDQ, Rescue Net data reporting and ePCR billing compliance team. Supervisor Jesse Godin is an exemplary member of the Cataldo team. His recognition is not based on a single specific event. Recognition for his nomination is much more difficult to achieve. It requires contributions and initiatives that support the team overall every day on every shift from the field to dispatch and the overall economic health of the organization. Significant responsibility in the daily operation of the Boston Communications Division, Jesse supervises and assists team members as needed during shifts with technical work in receiving and dispatching emergency calls. He assists with management duties and requests in a wide variety of ways from special projects to on-going day to day reporting and problem solving. It’s important for him to know that the telecommunicators in dispatch are professional, knowledgeable and focused on customer service. This assurance comes from his participation as a CTO and assisting the Training Administrator with the initial 911 equipment training and certification of staff or as a CTO. Quality patient care through EMD is a priority for as well and is a member of the EMDQ quality assurance team. Well known to the compliance and billing office resolving ePCR complications and assisting with completion of calls assuring that revenue flow is available for the tools and equipment that are required in the delivery of quality patient care that the Cataldo organization is known for. In closing I would like to say that Jesse is a great example of someone who has earned the Star of Life through hard work and dedication to his EMS organization from the front end delivery of patient care to the back end behind the scenes.”

Brian Gonsalves

Paramedic

Brian is a paramedic for Atlantic Ambulance Service, a division of Cataldo Ambulance Service, based in Peabody, Massachusetts. Brian has organized a city-wide response time improvement effort for school campuses. He is a bright, energetic young professional who takes his commitment to work, workplace, family and community very seriously. Brian ceaselessly communicates with co-workers on ways to improve the performance of the EMS team every time they respond. After experiencing first-hand the delays in access to patients at some school campuses, Brian set about to improve the EMS System’s performance for this special population. In some cases, the difference in “arrival at scene” and “arrival at patient side” times on these sprawling campuses could be as much as five to six minutes. As he began, what he found was a wide variety of procedures among the schools in the city where he works and resides with his wife and two children. He quickly assembled schematics of the schools from public safety databases which included door numbering and descriptions of functional areas of the schools and their associated facilities. He added satellite mapping images to assist responders in navigating their approach to the campuses based on their ultimate destination. This guide will be placed in each of the ambulances serving the City. Brian contacted school department officials, ultimately arranging with the Superintendent to make an “EMS System response 101″ presentation to a citywide meeting of Principals. To that group, he described the potential for improved response and proposed options for training by facility and drill scenarios. That group now has a greater understanding of how their direct action, both in preparation and in individual incidents, can impact the lives of the students in their charge. In addition to the many hours of volunteer time he has already invested, Brian has assured the Superintendent that as he rolls out the city-wide plan to improve the schools’ responses to medical emergencies, Brian will be there to provide the EMS perspective for the staff. Brian is already talking about taking this model as a proposal to each community served by Atlantic Ambulance Service. Based on his energy, creativity and passion for improving care to the children of our communities, we’re sure he will be successful in those efforts as well.”

Glen Biddescombe

Lead Preceptor

Now in his 6th year with Armstrong Ambulance, Glen Biddiscombe has added tremendous value to the company and we are extremely grateful for his vital contributions. Glen began his career with Armstrong Ambulance in 2008 as a Dispatcher, where he coordinated 911, ALS, BLS and Chair Car calls in a busy setting. In 2009, after excelling in his communications, role, Glen completed his EMT certification and became a field provider, demonstrating his commitment to exceptional and compassionate patient care. Since that time, Glen has shown his versatility, flexibility and knowledge base by simultaneously working in multiple roles as an EMD dispatcher, EMT, and lead preceptor. Glen is known for being compassionate, calm and composed, a critical thinker who makes great judgment calls, and for his exceptional technical skills as a public safety dispatcher, EMT, CPR Instructor and Lead Preceptor. As a Lead Preceptor, Glen passes on his high standards of care and customer service to new and current employees. Glen was awarded the role of Lead Preceptor for his ability to think proactively in both every day and crisis situations, as well as having earned the respect of his peers. Glen’s positive image sets a high standard for others in the company. Glen’s reputation for being, smart, kind, patient, a great teacher, well liked, approachable and “just an all-around good guy”, has his co-workers continually seeking him out for assistance and advice which he is always willing to give. Glen always has positive words to say about his colleagues and shares encouragement with fellow employees. Glen was on duty as an EMT and in the center of the April 19th manhunt in Watertown for the Boston Marathon Bombers. Glen’s unwavering dedication to his EMS role was shown during that day and evening when the unimaginable was yet to unfold. We are proud of Glen as is his wife and daughter for being a Stars of Life recipient and are extremely fortunate to have him as part of the Armstrong Ambulance family.”

Robert Scott Morency

Clinical Services Manager

Robert Scott Morency has worn many different hats in his pre-hospital care career. Since his discharge from the US Navy in 1991—he was a corpsman in the Marines for seven years—Scott has dedicated his life to serving the sick and injured in Massachusetts as a Paramedic, firefighter, EMS manager, risk and safety manager, and clinical educator.

In Scott’s current role as Armstrong’s clinical services manager, he instructs not only Armstrong employees but also first responders and EMS providers from local police and fire departments in such areas such as ACLS, CPR, PALS, PHTLS, TECC, LEFT, AMLS, and TEMS. Scott is a true people person, and he is able to relate to his students in both the private and public sector, making him an invaluable resource.

Scott also serves as a clinical liaison between Armstrong and various municipalities, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, urgent care centers, and assisted living facilities, giving them an easy channel of communication and tailoring programs to meet their specific needs.

Throughout his eight years at Armstrong Ambulance, Scott has gained an impressive reputation as an instructor, and he continues to receive high marks from his students. He is known for making complicated subjects easier to understand, and he can connect to providers at all career levels. Scott has a passion for improving pre-hospital care through education, and he is frequently called on to mentor new EMS providers.

Scott has made a lasting impact on our employees and also significantly impacted the development of all trainees by building a Patient Care Simulation Laboratory on site at Armstrong Ambulance. As a result of his efforts, Armstrong’s customers benefit tremendously by practicing patient care and emergency response skills in a realistic home- or hospital-like setting.

Scott’s other major accomplishments and contributions include serving as Armstrong’s Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO) and Safety Committee Chair, as the Northeastern Law Enforcement Council’s (NEMLEC) Tactical Medical Operator/Supervisor, and as a member of the Massachusetts Region IV Pre-Hospital Systems Committee.

When he is not working, Scott enjoys spending time as a Delivery Captain in the summer and as a competitor on the Ridgeway Racing snowmobile team in the winter months.

 

Chelsea Punty

Emergency Medical Technician

Chelsea Punty began her EMS career as a chair car driver with LifeLine in 2015. She then quickly and enthusiastically achieved certification as an EMT in 2016. Since then, she has provided superior patient care on every shift and with every patient. She is a role model to her peers in the quality of care she provides and her positive attitude. She understands that treating a patient in their most vulnerable moments is an honor, and not one to be taken lightly.

Chelsea is one of our top Field Training Officers. She educates to the best of her ability, and continuously supports her peers past their training time with care, compassion, and a drive to see all in the EMS field succeed.

In Chelsea’s spare time, her family comes first and is of utmost importance. She is the primary caretaker of her father, who is struggling with end stage renal failure, diabetes, and blindness. She channels this personal experience to help understand how her patients may feel, and to advocate for them when necessary. Chelsea truly knows the importance of compassion and high quality care. She never allows her personal family situation to negatively affect her role as an EMT, but instead uses these experiences to enhance her ability as a provider.

Chelsea was instrumental in helping organize response to a multiple casualty incident at one of our hospitals in 2017. She is not afraid to be challenged, and takes charge gracefully. She knows and demonstrates the importance of communication and teamwork.

Chelsea is a Star of Life because of her commitment to her serving her community, patients and family. She is active in community outreach and was involved in making sure that our toy drive and food drive were a success. She leads by example and motivates others to be the best they can be.

 

 

Dan Krant

EMT – Supervisor

Dan Krant joined LifeLine as an EMT in 2015. While he began his EMS career with an inquisitive outlook and an interest in the medical field, he always believed he would end up in law enforcement. Over the course of the last few years, Dan discovered that EMS is his passion. Because of this, he has grown as a provider and leader within our company and industry.

Dan is an enthusiastic and passionate Field Training Officer, and greatly enjoys helping hone our new EMTs into the best providers they can be. He welcomes the challenges faced when training and leading his peers. Additionally, his commitment to quality patient care has resulted in his selection as one of LifeLine’s Base Managers.

While many would shy away from difficult or challenging patient interactions, Dan finds joy in problem-solving. He likes when he can successfully calm patients, put someone’s mind at ease, or otherwise positively impact outcomes. Dan maintains singular focus on his patients, and how can he serve them the best as a provider. He also simply enjoys meeting all different types of people.

Dan also understands the value of work-life balance, and encourages others to enjoy life outside of EMS. He uses his personal time to explore the outdoors by camping and hiking.

Dan Krant perfectly embodies the characteristics of a Star of Life because he works diligently to help his patients, peers, friends, and family. Dan is ever-willing to take on more responsibility to benefit others. For these reasons, Lifeline is proud to call Dan a 2018 Star.

Tim Chopelas

Paramedic

Tim Chopelas is a mainstay of Cataldo Ambulance Service in Somerville, Massachusetts, sharing his experience with new EMTs and guiding trainees as they learn new roles.

He started work at Cataldo as an EMT Basic then decided to attend the Northeastern University Paramedic program. He has been working as a Paramedic for more than 20 years now.

His people skills were front and center when he held supervisory positions at Lyons Ambulance Service (Cataldo acquired Lyons in September 2017), and he was instrumental in the early stages of developing the Performance Improvement Program at LAS.

Tim was an ALS Field Training Instructor at LAS and takes an active interest in mentoring new medics, giving his experience and insight, while encouraging them to develop their own skills.

Tim is a role model Paramedic. He’s a skilled clinician and a compassionate caregiver, and he is a committed, hardworking staff member, often working overtime shifts.

He is married, has two children, and lives in Danvers.