Don started his EMS career over 37 years ago as an EMT/Firefighter in Astoria, Oregon. While he enjoyed being a firefighter, he fell in love with the EMS side of the job.
As such, 19 years ago, Don came to Medix Ambulance as a Paramedic Supervisor. Three years ago, Don progressed to overseeing the operations in our newest division in Longview, Washington.
Don’s dedication to his job, the company, and the care of our patients has been a huge part of Medix’s continued success.
Don has been married to his high school sweetheart for 35 years. Together they share three beloved children. The couple adores doting on their four grandchildren.
Medix is proud to call Don Thomas a 2023 Star of Life.
Darrell Stanley is approaching his 22nd anniversary serving his community at Olympic Ambulance. Throughout his tenure, Darrell has excelled in many roles in the organization. He has proudly led his colleagues as Duty Officer for his shift since 2015.
As an experienced Field Training Officer, Darrell is a State Emergency System Evaluator and has been key to the initial education of development of local EMTs. Darrell’s vast experience and knowledge make him an important element of Olympic’s continued success. Darrell also lends his many talents to the EMS high-risk infection team in the state of Washington.
Throughout Darrell’s time with Olympic Ambulance, he has provided quality patient care while simultaneously going above and beyond to work across departments and divisions to achieve our shared goals. Olympic is proud to honor Darrell Stanley as a 2023 Star of Life.
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
—J.K. Rowling.
Kristina Ploeger’s passion is to serve as a light for others during their worst moments. This drive stems from her humble upbringing in Arizona, which instilled in her values that paved the way for the person she is today. Kristina realized at a young age what was important to her; family, health, and happiness.
In that spirit, Kristina launched her healthcare career in 2002 caring for dementia patients. A few years later, she started volunteering as a Firefighter with Columbia River Fire in St Helen’s, Oregon. It was there that Kristina quickly realized she had found more than a career—she found her destiny. Kristina graduated from college, earned her Paramedic license, and spent 17 years working for Metro West Ambulance in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Last year, in search of a change of scenery, Kristina and her family moved to Idaho where she became licensed as a real estate agent. A few months later, when she learned that Metro West had become the ambulance provider for Baker County, Oregon, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to serve at Metro West again. Kristina has spent many years providing great patient care. Now she has taken on the role of helping to build and grow a new division for the company.
Kristina’s spare time is often spent with the Coast Guard Auxiliary promoting water safety. Kristina is happily married to Paul Ploeger. Together they have five beautiful children as well as a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law.
Metro West is proud to honor Kristina Ploeger as a 2023 Star of Life.
Erica Blockman is the clinical Coordinator and Paramedic for Del Norte Ambulance. Prior to joining Del Norte Ambulance, Erica served as a certified Flight Paramedic, a ground transport Paramedic, and engineer firefighter. She received her Fire Science degree in 2007 and her Associate of Science Degree in Prehospital Emergency Medicine in 2013.
Erica has gone above and beyond the call of duty time and time again. Her efforts significantly impact our company and our community through her commitment to providing quality mobile healthcare.
In addition to her commitment to EMS, Erica also strives for physical well-being. She is a former IFBB Physique bodybuilder and a physical trainer. In her free time, Erica enjoys relaxing with her dogs and paddle boarding on our local river.
Del Norte is proud to honor Erica as a 2023 Star of Life.
Cyndy Cain is Umpqua Valley Ambulance’s first EMT nomination for the Star of Life. She is a shining example of Servant Leadership and we are lucky to have her. There is no one here more dedicated to the care and service of others. Whether it is taking care of patients, family, or other crew members; she always puts others first. With a smile on her face, she brightens the room. Her cheery disposition and baked goods, which she brings in for all the employees, uplift our hearts and feed our souls. Not only does she maintain her infectious sunny disposition every day, but she will call you out when you are wrong and always stands up for anyone who needs a hand. We are lucky to have such a shining star as Cyndy, which is why we think she is the perfect person to represent our EMTs at the Star of Life this year.
These were the words that represented Cynthia Cain for the 2019 Star of Life, she was one of two of our employees nominated. Due to COVID the Star of Life was postponed. In the following months Cyndy was diagnosed as terminal. Cyndy never stopped being our shining example and could not do anything but put others first. When the AAA and our company’s Owner heard that Cyndy would not be able to make it to a future Star of Life, they got together and came to Umpqua Valley Ambulance to present Cyndy with the Star of Life. Cyndy had shared with me through tears of joy that she had never felt so honored, but even then, she did not recognize that she earned this honor through her daily commitment to others. She stayed working at Umpqua Valley Ambulance until the pain would not let her continue. She told me she saw our company as extended family and there was no where she felt more at home and nothing she liked more than helping people in their time of need. She often still stopped by just to see how we were doing and to bring in baked goods, which she would continue to do for as long as she was able. She worked diligently to make sure her Mother, Sister, and Nephew were taken care of when she was gone. Even while she was transitioning into the last days of her life she worried about their futures and put them first. She not only showed us how to live each day with happiness and love in your heart, she also showed us all how to leave this world a better place. She made our world a better place every day and set an example for all of us to follow. To honor Cyndy and all those like her in the world we need to keep a cheery disposition in our hearts and as Roy Bennett best put it “Help others without any reason and give without the expectation of receiving anything in return.” Thank you Cyndy for all that you have done for us.
Nic Heller began working in EMS four years ago after a good friend and neighbor gave him an application to volunteer for Polk County Fire District. After six months of initial training, Nic began responding to calls and was immediately hooked. He received his EMT-B certification and joined Pacific West Ambulance (PWA) two months later.
Nic is currently training to be a Paramedic while working two full-time jobs. In addition to his job as an EMT, Nic serves as a Behavior Consultant subcontractor for the state of Oregon and writes behavior plans for adults that live in assisted living and memory care facilities. He also continues to work as a volunteer for Polk County Fire District. Nic plans to attend the National College of Technical Instruction (NCTI) next year and to return to PWA upon completion of his degree.
Nic and his wife, Cassandra, have two children, Mercy and William, two dogs, and two cats. Nic enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family, as well as playing bass guitar for his local church.
Robert has worked for Medix Ambulance since November of 2010 as an EMT Basic. Robert is very knowledgeable, which is one of the many reasons his partners enjoy working with him. Robert is pleasant and hardworking, and always goes the extra mile to perform additional tasks and assist his co-workers. He never questions an assignment, and always finds ways to achieve his goal in the simplest and most effective method possible.
Robert is married to Brenda, the Communications Supervisor for Medix. During his free time, Robert enjoys kayaking, local sports programs, and enjoying the outdoors.
Robert’s presence and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Medix believes Robert embodies exactly what a Star of Life should be and is very proud to have him represent our company.
Candice Dickson’s first day as a paid EMT on an ambulance was September 11, 2001, with AMR Rancho Division in Southern California. A year and a half prior, Candice found herself suddenly widowed and was looking for a sense of control and security, which the challenges of mobile healthcare fulfilled. Of her experience in EMS, Candice says, “I found that I got back from it so much more than I ever expected. I found like-minded people with tons of curiosity and interesting senses of humor, people that took their skills very seriously, but didn’t have to wear their scars.”
In 2003, Candice became a Paramedic after studying at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California. She received a field internship at Yucaipa City Fire, which lead to a paid position as a Call Firefighter, in addition to her full-time Medic job with AMR. Candice also began teaching in the EMT and Medic program at Crafton Hills. In order to improve her wildland fire skills, Candice also worked for a short period for the California Department of Forestry.
Candice moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2006, and worked for South West Ambulance, before returning to the West Coast and relocating to Lincoln City, Oregon in 2008. She has been a Medic with Pacific West Ambulance (PWA) since 2009, and has enjoyed the challenges of working in a rural community with a rigorous Medical Advisor. In 2017, Candice attended and graduated from the North Lincoln Fire & Rescue Academy, which has allowed her to live her passion for EMS and serve her small community even more.
Sheila Jackson has worked for Metro West Ambulance for over 20 years. Calm, professional, and caring, Sheila continuously demonstrates high level compassionate clinical care, whether it is a routine patient transport or a more emotionally challenging event.
Mentoring new Paramedics and EMTs is Sheila’s passion. Sheila’s 20 plus years of dedication to EMS is seen throughout community, as she spends a lot of her off time volunteering with animal shelters and with a local fire agency. While volunteering, she trains, coaches, and mentors new Medics, and is always ready to share her years of wisdom with others, from new EMTs to seasoned Paramedics.
When not on duty, Sheila enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Sheila’s dedication to Metro West Ambulance and the EMS community is demonstrated through her hard work and perseverance. She is loyal, honest, and committed to the growth of the EMS profession. She rarely misses a day of work, fills in when necessary for fellow medics, and continuously volunteers her time to make a difference. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Sheila as a 2019 Star of Life.
After 14 years in Special Education working with medically fragile individuals, Cassandra Sperlein made the leap to EMS. She began her career as an Emergency Medical Technician in Los Angeles, where she worked for two years on an interfacility transport unit doing Basic Life Support and Critical Care Transports. She then worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for a special events company, where she also held the positions of Field Training Officer and Supervisor.
In January 2017, Cassandra began her career at Metro West Ambulance as an EMT in the Wheelchair Department. She was able to obtain her Ambulance Certification and started working on an ambulance shortly after starting with the company. Cassandra recently moved to the Standby Division and is currently attending Paramedic school. After a few years of experience in the field, Cassandra hopes to become a Field Training Officer in order to help and teach new EMTs and Paramedics.
Cassandra greatly enjoys reading and taking adventures with her wife and 5 year old son.
Prior to moving to Roseburg, Oregon, Bob Wilkinson worked in Virginia for Richmond Ambulance Authority where he completed a certificate in Paramedicine. Bob has served Douglas County, Oregon since 2005, beginning as an EMT with WEST Ambulance in Roseburg while working on an Oregon Paramedic license. A few years later, Douglas County Fire District #2 purchased the EMS division. Currently, Bob is a Paramedic with Umpqua Valley Ambulance in Roseburg.
Over the years, Bob has taken on the role of a quiet, behind the scenes leader. He is always looking for new ways to keep busy, such as volunteering as a Child Safety Seat Technician and teaching part-time for the local Paramedic program as an instructor for Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events and for High Threat Techniques and Tactics. Bob is passionate about the physical and mental health of his crews, and thus also regularly volunteers as a crisis intervention PEER counselor.
On October 1, 2010, Douglas County public safety entities were put to the test when an active shooter threatened the local community college. The mass casualty incident gave Bob the opportunity to analyze the procedures and consider ways in which his crews could improve their response. According to Bob, “EMS is one of the most dangerous service jobs out there. We interact with the public usually during some of the most stressful times of their lives.” As a result, he is working to provide crew members with body armor to use in high-stress situations, as well as to increase training on situational awareness.
Bob has been married for 31 years and has three children. He spends most summers with his parents in Alaska, where he was born and raised. When he is not working on one of his worn-out vehicles, Bob enjoys fishing and reloading. Prior to his career in EMS, Bob worked as a baker and pastry chef, and recently made his daughter’s wedding cake.
Mid-Valley Ambulance is honored to present Maddox Allen with a Star of Life award. Following in his father’s footsteps, Maddox started in his family’s business of veterinary medicine before recognizing that emergency medicine was his true passion. In 2011 he received his EMT certification and began volunteering at Lane Fire Authority as a Firefighter. Maddox completed his Paramedic degree in 2017 and has plans to continue his education as a Critical Care Paramedic and to pursue his bachelor’s degree in emergency medicine.
One of Maddox’s most commendable traits is his willingness to expand his knowledge of emergency medicine in rural areas. Maddox has participated in Cycle Oregon, a 1,500 mile bicycle tour around Oregon that requires camping out and treating patients for a multitude of injuries and illnesses throughout the tour. He has also participated in community career events and standbys at specialized events.
Maddox is a shining example of the future of EMS in Oregon, and Mid-Valley Ambulance is incredibly proud to introduce him as its award recipient.
Kiefer was born and raised in Powers, Oregon. In high school he excelled in both academics and athletics. He was class valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society. He has always had an interest in the medical field and decided to pursue EMS at his local college.
Kiefer has been a Paramedic since 2014 and has worked at Bay Cities Ambulance since 2016. In addition to a being a Paramedic, Kiefer is also Bay Cities Ambulance’s Safety and Operations Committee President. He enjoys EMS because each shift is different than the last, and he has a passion for the new challenges and opportunities that critical care presents.
When he is not working, Kiefer enjoys golfing and elk hunting with his friends and family. His wife, Ericka, is a huge support system and has been a key part of his success in the field. Kiefer also enjoys spending time with his kids, Kayle, Kipton, Ensley, and Kannon.
“Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission.” These words by Zig Ziglar perfectly describe Metro West Ambulance’s Marketing/Customer Advocate & Recruiter Karri Bolman!
Metro West is proud of Karri’s advocacy and how she has championed EMS throughout her career. Karri works closely with our region’s long-term care facilities, adult foster care homes, assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities. She familiarizes these organizations with EMS, interfacility mobile healthcare and mobile integrated healthcare, then trains and supports them and the residents that they care for.
Karri joined the Metro West Ambulance Family of Companies in 2003. She started as a Customer Service Call Taker, then became a Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) certified Dispatcher in our Communications Center. In 2005, Karri joined Metro West’s Marketing & Business Development team. Karri is now our company’s talent recruiter, responsible for hiring new employees for all divisions and positions. This includes presenting at Oregon EMT and Paramedic education programs in addition to promoting career programs at local high schools.
Throughout her career, Karri has been very involved with several local organizations. Currently, Karri serves on the Board of the Eldercare Support Foundation which provides “Senior Wishes” to geriatric patients. She serves as the President of the Senior Provider Information Network, a group dedicated to providing quality continuing education and networking opportunities to senior healthcare professionals. She is also on the board of the Oregon Health Care Association (OHCA) which represents more than 620 nursing homes, assisted living, residential care, senior housing facilities, in-home care agencies, and long-term care corporate offices, in addition to 200 nationwide business partner members.
Karri has worked hard to collaborate across disciplines to improve patient outcomes with a focus on long-term care. In addition to being recognized as an “Unsung Hero” within our company, Karri has received a Special Services Award from the OHCA. Karri has also been honored for her work by the Marquis Vita Life Foundation and by the Oregon Medical Case Management Group over the years.
Always first and foremost for Karri are her children, daughter, Hana, and son, Collin. Karri enjoys spending her time with them playing games, cooking, and going on family adventures hiking, golfing, and rock rappelling.
Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Karri Bolman as a 2019 Star of Life in recognition of her dedication to our company, our mission, and her advocacy with our long-term health partners.
Mike started working in the wheelchair department of Metro West Ambulance in 2012 and climbed the ladder to Field Training Officer shortly after. While working, he is also attending The National College for Technical Instruction studying paramedicine. Mike moved to Oregon from Southern California 3 years ago and enjoys spending time with his family, his wife, two dogs, and soon to be daughter! Mike has told us he “Enjoys EMS because it takes the principles and satisfaction of giving great customer service that he learned spending years in retail and takes it to the next level.” He loves coming into people’s homes where they are having the worst days or months of their life and the challenge of meeting their needs and hopefully having a positive impact on that person. A favorite story of his that he likes telling new hires that he is training for the department is something a patient once told him while transporting to dialysis. She asked him if he liked his job, and he told her, “of course but doing Non-Emergency transports is not the end goal, I am going to paramedic school.” She replied, “While that’s nice, I want to remind you that even doing Non-Emergency transports you are saving lives. Because without medical transport, people like me would die. I need to get to dialysis and to my doctor appointments, and without you I would die.” Mike takes great pride in his work here at Metro West Ambulance and continues to go above and beyond the call of duty. We would like to applaud him for his continued efforts and loyalty to his patients, facilities and to our company as this year’s Star of Life.”
When a fellow paramedic FTO was asked what could be said about Spencer in his biography for the Star of Life Award, he immediately quipped, “He is tall and has a firm handshake!” This mention was quickly followed up with a smile, laugh and a detailed opinion about Spencer’s merits. This type of interaction exemplifies the reputation Spencer has at Metro West Ambulance. Spencer started working as an EMT-Basic in the wheelchair division of Metro West Ambulance in 2008. While working, he also studied paramedicine at Portland Community College. He graduated in 2009 and earned his paramedic license from the State of Oregon. He quickly moved up and into the ALS ambulance division. From day one of his FTO period, Spencer has been able to effectively balance his fun personality, professionalism and his constant willingness to learn and improve his practice. He is always challenging himself by expanding his knowledge of EKGs, cardiology and critical care medicine. Recently, he completed the lengthy and very challenging CCEMT-P course. This never-ending passion to learn and challenge himself has paved a quick road to his position as a field training officer. As FTO, he is now able to his share his knowledge and passion for EMS with new employees. Besides his clinical development, Spencer is also passionate about Metro West Ambulance’s operational success. He has volunteered on the Operations Advisor Committee, and has been chair for the past year. In that challenging position, he strives to constructively present new ideas, opinions and most importantly, effective solutions to management on behalf of fellow employees. He has proven to be a respected voice of reason that has brought renewed success to Metro West Ambulance. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Spencer as a 2014 Star of Life.”
In 2008 Robert Conrath joined the Metro West Ambulance family of companies. In 2011 he was promoted to Field Training Officer, during that time he played an integral part in developing policies and procedures for the Non-Emergency transport division. Becoming an FTO has allowed him to share his extensive skills and knowledge with new employees within the company. Robert has since graduated from Oregon Health and Science University’s Paramedic program and is continuing to make a difference within our ambulance division. Roberts’s strong willed dedication and leadership to the company has paved the way to success for our Non-Emergency division and he is an excellent example of a Star of Life recipient.”
Michael was hired by Metro West in April 2017. His new position as an EMT marked an official milestone in his life—he was transitioning into EMS following four years of service as an active duty U.S. Marine.
The transition between professions was seamless, though, as Michael applied the same levels of commitment, enthusiasm, responsibility, and dependability that he acquired while serving as a Marine. One of Michael’s most commendable traits, simply put, is his willingness to work.
Michael would begin every workweek looking for gaps in the weekly shift schedule, then he’d request to pick up the extra shifts, in addition to his own full-time schedule. If coverage was needed for an early transport or out-of-town movement, Michael was on it.
During the 2017 wild land firefighter season, Michael was constantly picking up extra shifts to provide coverage for EMTs who were either contracted out as wild land firefighters or were volunteering with separate fire agencies. It was Michael’s outstanding work ethic that catapulted him into a full-time position on a medic unit.
Michael continues to push himself as both a professional and a student as he pursues new and additional career opportunities. He earned a Tactical Combat Casualty Care certification and completed Secfor International’s challenging High Risk Medic program in November 2017.
He has undoubtedly raised the bar and set a new standard of excellence that is expected of new hires.
Michael is always quick to acknowledge the support, flexibility, and encouragement he receives from his supervisors, partner, dispatchers, family, and his new fiancée.
Metro West Ambulance is nominating Michael as a Star of Life for his incredible work ethic, consistently professional demeanor, and his adaptive personality.
Jason is celebrating his 15th year working as a Paramedic Field Training Officer with Metro West Ambulance, and he is being nominated in recognition of his operational excellence and the consistency that he maintains as a field trainer.
As a field training officer, Jason is always ranked as one of the top trainers by his Paramedic trainees. They regularly comment on how appreciative they are of his professionalism, his consistency in evaluation, and the detailed clinical and operational knowledge he shares with them.
Jason is a consummate professional, focusing on listening first and then professionally guiding his trainee in the appropriate direction. This subtle yet firm teaching style has allowed his trainees to feel much more comfortable stepping into their new role of Paramedic in a busy EMS system.
Jason is also a husband, father, and dedicated sports fan. When he is not busy training new Paramedics, he will be following his favorite basketball team or traveling to the latest EMS conference seeking more EMS knowledge.
Metro West is proud to call Jason Fleming a Star of Life for 2018.
Erik started as an EMT in the Metro West Wheelchair Transport Division back in 2011, then in 2014 he became a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
For the past two years, Erik has worked as a preceptor, mentoring Paramedic students throughout their internships, patiently sharing his knowledge and experience. Most recently, he has been promoted and is now serving as Metro West Ambulance’s newest Field Training Officer.
Metro West is celebrating Erik as the Star of Life for 2018 not only for his professional development in the organization but, more importantly, for his dedication to patient care.
This past fall, while off-duty and on the way to work, Erik came upon a serious accident where a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle. Erik parked his car nearby and assisted with initial patient care, and he later ended up assisting the crews with the emergency intubation and transport to the trauma center.
On that call, and through his mentoring of new Paramedics, Erik has exemplified his dedication and service to EMS.
We are proud to have him as Metro West’s 2018 Star of Life.
