Doug Struble currently serves as District Chief of EMS with Chatham Emergency Services in Savannah Georgia, bringing two decades of experience and leadership to the profession. He began his public safety career as a volunteer firefighter, quickly discovering a calling in emergency medical services. In 2006, Doug earned his EMT-Intermediate certification, followed by completion of his Paramedic licensure in 2008. Since then, he has steadily advanced through the ranks, building a reputation as a skilled clinician and trusted leader.

Doug’s dedication to excellence in patient care has been recognized with top honors. In 2009, he was named Paramedic of the Year, and he also received the prestigious Dr. J. Jeffery Marshall Excellence in Emergency Cardiac Care Award for achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after 83 minutes of resuscitation on a cardiac arrest patient. Thanks to Doug’s persistence and skill, the patient not only survived but went on to leave the hospital and live a fulfilling life.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Doug has demonstrated exceptional leadership in planning for large-scale events and natural disaster response. He developed the operational plan for Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Festival and Parade, the third largest in the United States, as well as for the city’s annual Rock and Roll Marathon. Doug also serves in the Emergency Operations Center during hurricanes, where he plays a critical role in planning and assisting residents with medical needs during evacuations. His ability to anticipate challenges and coordinate complex operations has made him an invaluable asset to both his agency and the communities he serves.

Outside of work, Doug is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Nancy, share a blended family of five children—Faith, David, Brett, Brooklyn, and Willow. They have three dogs, and Doug is well known for playing a pretty good, bass guitar.  Doug’s devotion to both his family and his community reflects the same compassion and commitment that define his EMS career.

His colleagues and community are proud to recognize Doug Struble of Chatham Emergency Services as a 2025 Star of Life.

Dale Simmons has dedicated more than 20 years to fire and emergency medical services, starting as a volunteer in rural South Georgia and eventually becoming a Paramedic with Chatham Emergency Services in Savannah, GA. Throughout his career, Dale has served as an officer and Fire Chief in a combination department in South Georgia and earned his Paramedic teaching credentials in 2013, teaching both EMT and Paramedic classes. His passion for professionalism in patient care is evident in his dedication to his work and his impact on those he serves.

In addition to his EMS career, Dale has been instrumental in establishing a Chaplaincy program for first responders. Since 1989, he has provided unwavering support to first responders, offering encouragement and guidance during times of trauma. His commitment to being a source of strength extends beyond the job, helping first responders navigate the challenges of their demanding profession and family life.

Dale’s dedication to public service is mirrored by his children, Jason, Jesse, and Rachel, all of whom have worked in the field of emergency services. He is also a proud grandfather of eleven grandchildren.

Currently, Dale serves as the EMS Program Administrator for Chatham Emergency Services and works closely with Resilient Coastal Georgia and the Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council to build a more trauma-informed community through education and outreach. His extensive knowledge and compassionate approach have left a lasting impact on both his field and his community.

For his outstanding contributions, Dale Simmons is proudly recognized as a 2024 Star of Life.

Rosemary Mitts, a Savannah native, was raised around the world as a child in a military family. She was imbued with a strong work ethic and learned the importance of dedicating her life to a purpose. Her grandfather was a strong influence in her decision to choose healthcare as a profession as he was a medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Rosemary’s mother, a 911 dispatcher in a nearby county, taught her many lessons in life to make her a strong and independent woman. In fact, she worked three jobs while putting herself through EMT school at night! Sadly, her mother, Maria, died suddenly shortly after Rosemary graduated from EMT school. However, Maria remains an inspiration and role model.

Rosemary began her career at Chatham Emergency Services as an EMT. Eager to learn and striving to provide the absolute most she could to her patients and community, she soon began Paramedic school. Rosemary earned her medic license but wasn’t done yet. She next wanted to expand her contributions to include teaching others to be EMS providers. She quickly progressed through the ranks of preceptor, instructor, field training officer, and now Lieutenant. Rosemary has been successful in mentoring many EMT recruits and new EMTs who later became outstanding Paramedics themselves. She has also earned several instructor certifications and teaches basic life support to members of the community while proudly representing Chatham Emergency Services.

Rosemary is eager to learn, continues to strive for improvements within the organization, and goes the extra mile to ensure the best possible care for the community.

From a personal perspective, as the oldest of three children including an autistic brother, Rosemary was born to care for others and be responsible and reliable, while helping her single mother raise her brother and sister. Rosemary is the mother of two amazing sons, Peter and Liam. In her off time, in between studying for her critical care certification, Rosemary is raising her sons to be strong, caring, adventure-seeking, and fun-loving young men.

Christopher Jimenez was born in Savannah, Georgia. He was accepted into Georgia Southern University where he completed a four-year program and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2016. In order to pursue his interest in the medical profession, Christopher sought ways to obtain patient contacts and field experience.

Christopher enrolled in the Savannah Technical College Emergency Services program and completed his EMT-B in 2017. He fell in love with the field and with the opportunity to aid those in his local community in the worst times of their lives. He completed the Savannah Tech Paramedic certification in 2019 and has since been a lead Medic in downtown Savannah. He is now a part-time adjunct instructor for Savannah Tech and has recently been promoted to an FTO position at Chatham EMS.

Christopher and his wife, Savannah, actually met in kindergarten; a fact discovered one night going through the yearbooks. Christopher and Savannah live with their two German Shepherd fur children, Rocco and Titan.

Mercy Ambulance Service is proud to nominate Christopher Jimenez for his hard work and exemplary service to his community.