Lori Peterson, a Paramedic and Field Training Officer at Medstar Ambulance, is recognized by her peers for her exceptional dedication to patient care and unwavering support for her colleagues. Known for treating every patient as if they were a member of her own family, Lori’s compassionate approach is a hallmark of her work.

In addition to providing top-notch care, Lori serves as a valuable resource for both new and experienced EMS personnel, as well as local first responders and hospital staff. Her knowledge and willingness to share her expertise make her an integral part of the team. Lori is always there to lend a hand, whether someone is facing personal or professional challenges, and she consistently brings a positive, caring attitude to every shift.

Lori’s exemplary behavior and willingness to go above and beyond for her patients and colleagues have earned her the respect and admiration of all who work with her. Medstar Ambulance is proud to nominate Lori Peterson as a 2024 Star of Life, recognizing her outstanding contributions to EMS and her community.

Kylend Hetherington of Medstar Ambulance was nominated by his peers as a Star of Life for his persistent positivity, dedication to patient care, and unwavering willingness to assist with anything asked of him. Known for his sharp uniform and kind-hearted approach, Kylend consistently prioritizes the needs of his patients, ensuring they receive the best care possible.

Kylend’s commitment to growth is evident in his eagerness to learn new skills, procedures, and clinical information, always striving to enhance the care he provides. He conducts himself with the utmost professionalism, whether interacting with team members, other EMS agencies, hospitals, or, most importantly, the patients he serves.

Kylend’s positive attitude and dedication to both his patients and colleagues make him a standout EMT, and Medstar Ambulance is proud to have him on the team.

Colin Driscoll is a Paramedic and field training officer in our Central Operations. Colleagues wrote in his Stars of Life nomination that, “Colin is always going above and beyond for his patients. He does it with every single patient, making sure that all of their clinical care is the best, their social and personal needs are met, and that they are getting the best help they can. He takes extra time to answer questions during and after the call about how things work with his partners. Whether it’s a question about a clinical condition or about protocols, his knowledge is always spot on and he’s always super helpful. He spends extra time with patients and their families at the hospital, helping with the transition of care and making sure they know what’s happening.”

Central Operations Manager Alex Barczak added, “I’m not surprised to see Colin being recognized by his peers. He is a skilled Paramedic and does all that he can to make sure his patients receive the best care. He puts the same effort into training the EMTs that are assigned to him, setting a great example for them and demonstrating the core values of our organization.”

When asked about being selected by his peers as a Star of Life, Colin said, “I appreciate my coworkers who voted for me to be here. EMS is a challenging career that requires dedicated providers. I’m just happy to have helped patients, trained new providers, and made a difference where I could.”

Outside of work, Colin enjoys spending time with family and cross-country running.

Haley Chapko is a Paramedic and field training officer in MedStar’s North Operations.

Haley is a very hardworking member of the Medstar team. She puts in extra hours to help out with staffing levels, and always engages with her patients and their family members. Haley invests time in training colleagues by reviewing skills, running through scenarios, and just providing general advice. A colleague noted, “Haley is an all-around amazing provider and the first call I would make if my family member needed to be transported.”

North Operations Manager Jeremy Compau said, “I’m proud to work with Haley, and glad that she is part of our team. She is very deserving of recognition. She has endless energy for her patients and her partners. She is ready, willing, and able to help out with special projects in our service area. Her compassion, commitment, and dedication are inspiring.”

On being selected, Haley said, “I feel extremely honored. I am emotional about being nominated as a Star of Life, let alone being elected by my peers. I have been in the EMS field for 10 years, starting at my hometown ambulance service, then to another Genesee County agency, and came to Medstar six years ago. Here, I have grown to become a Paramedic, then a Field Training Officer, and am now the FTO coordinator. We have a great leadership and support staff with phenomenal clinicians, I feel privileged to be a part of the team.”

Away from work, Haley enjoys reading, music, arcades, fishing, and spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs.