Jeff Lineberger is a dedicated Operations Support Technician at Medic. Lineberger’s strong work ethic continues to set an excellent example for his colleagues across the Agency. Jeff ‘s attention to detail, while not losing sight of the overall picture, makes him a valuable asset to Medic Operations Supervisors for unit preparedness and deployment management. Jeff ‘s relentless dedication to his role does not end with the just the task at hand; he continues working until the project is complete. This tireless work ethic can be seen in Lineberger’s willingness to help colleagues both on the job and off, being a positive influence no matter what is presented to him and setting a great example to all of those around him with his boundless commitment. These values have been demonstrated without waiver from the beginning of his career to the present. He is a true asset to Mecklenburg EMS Agency and to the 2014 Star of Life conference.”

Ute Dorflinger’s caliber of work as Medic’s ePCR Coordinator speaks for itself. Ute has a determined, head-on approach that has made an enormous impact particularly with Medic’s Electronic Patient Care Report software, ensuring that paramedics and EMTs have the best technology available to assess patients and accurately document critical information. Dorflinger’s dedication and accountability are apparent to all. She shares Medic’s goals of always looking for improvement and uses her skills as a collaborator to build solid working relationships with the Office of NCOEMS, Premis, Medusa Technologies, departments across the Agency, hospital personnel, and most importantly, her fellow Medic colleagues. Ute’s stellar track record of successful process improvements and project management exemplify the characteristics of a 2014 Stars of Life recipient.”

Sharon started at MEDIC in 2014, and she has continuously worked to improve not only her department but the agency. She is an active EMT with Mint Hill, and she has led several work groups designed to improve employee well-being, most recently one on providing resources for employees outside of the Employee Assistance Program.

Sharon has also worked to implement a new HR system that will allow employees to make changes to benefits at their convenience instead of filling out paper forms. She has also served on several agency work groups as a subject-matter expert.

The staff who work directly for Sharon say that one of her finest attributes is that she leads by example. She is available for them and every staff member of the agency, and she is widely regarded as being a person you can truly count on. When someone has an issue, she will take the time to listen and help him or her resolve their problem, whether or not she is busy with other duties.

Sharon is also known for teaching in an encouraging manner while making sure that her employees have the resources they need. According to one MEDIC employee, “She has been one of the most influential and exceptional managers.”

Nick embodies the ideals of advocacy, respect, compassion, and integrity. He is an exceptional clinician, educator, mentor, and colleague, and an exemplary leader.

We’re constantly impressed by how he consistently and courageously meets challenges, overcomes obstacles, and pursues excellence in all areas of his life.

Nick shows compassion and kindness for every patient. His calm, open-minded approach never falters, and because of this, he’s always able to establish a rapport with not only the patient but those around him. Nick’s presence and demeanor alone create an atmosphere of confidence and unity that allows the job to be done in a professional manner and with the best outcome.

One of the most striking things about Nick’s attitude as a provider is the amount of patience with which he tackles every obstacle, whether it’s a noncompliant patient or a new hire’s lack of driving skills. He puts Medic’s mission into action every day by preparing providers to save a life, hold a hand, and be ready to respond in our community where and when our patients need us.

At home, he is a full-time husband and father to three young girls, and he supports his wife as she manages an animal hospital. Nick recently learned blacksmithing and established an eco-responsible food system, planting crops and breeding rabbits to provide sustaining food for his family and his community.

Sherri Steele joined Medic five years ago. She serves in our Billing Services Department, specializing in Veterans Administration (VA) claims.

Working on VA claims is very tedious and time consuming. According to Sherri’s supervisor, “she should get combat pay for for handling such challenging situations.” Despite the obstacles, Sherri always goes above and beyond to get results. She helps Medic patients get their VA claims paid by working with the local hospital medical records departments.

Sherri was nominated as a Star of Life by her department manager. She was selected for her continuous demonstration of many of Medic’s core values, including putting our patients first by educating them about their benefits.

Although she is not a clinician, Sherri is truly a Star. Her dedication to a job well done benefits some of our most vulnerable patients every day.

Tiffany Johnson has served at Medic for 17 years. More than just a job, Tiffany believes that EMS is her calling.

A mentor to many, Tiffany’s coworker noted, “Tiffany has no problem sharing her knowledge and taking time out to help you strengthen your skills to be a better Paramedic.” Tiffany assists others during times of need, and handles difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact.

With seven nominations from fellow employees, selecting Tiffany Johnson as a 2017 Star of Life was a no brainer. As a Paramedic Crew Chief, Tiffany exemplifies Medic’s mission, “saving a life, hold a hand,” both on and off duty. Tiffany treats each patient like a family member; with respect and dignity, no matter the nature of the call. Former patients have asked for Tiffany because of the excellent care they received from her.

Tiffany’s dedication to her community continues even when she is not on duty at Medic. In her free time, Tiffany serves with a volunteer group of women who have adopted Hunter Woods Nursing Home.

Ryan Lowe currently serves as a Medic Field Training Officer at Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Medic) and has been a medic for over twenty-one years.

In additional to being an exceptional paramedic, Ryan’s commitment to professionalism and excellence in medical care is ideally suited to help develop the new employees at Mecklenburg EMS Agency. Ryan takes pride in all that he does and always represents the Agency in a positive manner.

Similar to Medic’s Mission Statement, Ryan is prepared to respond in his community when and where patients need him. Ryan supports Medic’s mission everyday by being an outstanding role model and is truly deserving of the Stars of Life award.

From the start, Luis Barrera has proven himself to be mature and wise beyond his years. In a relatively short period of time, these traits helped Luis earn a place on MEDIC’s SWAT team after only being a Paramedic for a few years. Shortly after being named to the SWAT Team, Luis was promoted to Field Training Officer, where he displayed his innate leadership talents. This position is only bestowed on the Agency’s highest performers. After being named as a Field Training Officer, Luis made the decision to become a Relief Operations Supervisor. Composed of talented men and women responsible when a full time Supervisor is out, Relief Operation Supervisors set an example to their fellow employees.

He is smart, calm, and considerate. Luis treats every patient with kindness and respect, and provides incredible medical care. Luis never fails to lift the spirits of a coworker with a kind word or to take extra time to ensure a coworker really understands MEDIC’s goals and their role in helping attain them. Luis is a very strong clinician who works hard to mentor and provide advice and guidance to his fellow employees. Finally, Luis has exceeded all expectations by participating on improvement projects and is making a huge impact with his insight, input, and work. He has developed into a well-rounded, high performing employee who manages to balance the interests of our patients, our people, and the Agency. Not only can he be relied on to put his best foot forward every day, but he continuously strives to make MEDIC a better place to work.

Lawrence “Larry” Billotto is recognized as a Star of Life this year for his dedication to the mission of MEDIC. Since 1998, Larry has kept MEDIC’s fleet in tip-top shape as a skilled mechanic. His knowledge of his job is unsurpassed. In fact, he serves
as one of the primary Road Safety System Controllers on all Agency vehicles, and participates in multiple Agency improvement project work teams.

When not at work, Larry continues to embody the principles of MEDIC. Larry works as an EMT for Novant Healthcare Special Events and as a volunteer firefighter in his community. Sacrificing his personal time to help others, Larry is also active in his church, participates in mission trips, and helps others that are less fortunate by showing them compassion and care. According to his coworkers, these are the qualities that embody the meaning of a Star of Life.

More than 30 years ago, Ray Kirby started his EMS career as a volunteer. Balancing his role as a husband, father, volunteer, full-time employee and college student, Ray became a certified Paramedic.

Embracing opportunity, Ray continued his education by becoming an instructor in several disciplines, including attaining a credential as an instructor in Pediatric Advanced Life Support. As a Crew Chief and Field Training Officer, Ray has touched multiple lives as a caregiver, mentor, and trusted colleague. Several years ago, Ray suffered an on the job injury that limited his ability to physically serve as a field employee. Ray began to question his role in EMS, and at times struggled with his future in our business. Rather than dwell in his misfortune, Ray used his injury as an opportunity to expand his role as a leader and educator by beginning to work in Central Medical Emergency Dispatch. To this day, Ray continues to serve Mecklenburg County. Recently, Ray has become a National Emergency Medical Dispatch Instructor.

In order to achieve this credential, Ray traveled to Greenville, South Carolina at his own expense. He returned to Charlotte to help teach the first ever PALS class taught to the Paramedics of Mecklenburg County. To no one’s surprise, Ray was successful in achieving this certification and is now one of only a few employees within our agency to achieve such a status. This type of commitment defines who Ray Kirby is and how he continues to contribute to MEDIC.