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.

Laura joined Pacific West Ambulance as an EMT a little more than four years ago and has since become a Paramedic. During this time, she has proven herself to be a deeply compassionate caregiver for her patients as well as a true team player. She is always ready to help at a moment’s notice.

She started in EMS when she was working at the hospital in Poplar, Montana. The hospital had a volunteer ambulance service that often put on classes. At first she wasn’t too sure that EMS was where she wanted to be, but then she ran her first call. She says she immediately fell in love with the ambulance, the field, the constant newness…and the rest is history.

Laura is the chairperson for Pacific West Ambulance’s Safety, Operations, and Quality committee, which helps shape the day-to-day operations of the organization. She has been instrumental in advising management on different aspects of the operation and then making changes with the goal of producing better employee job satisfaction and patient outcomes.

In Laura’s off time, she enjoys spending time with her 9-year-old, Tristan, her other half, Chris, and their wiener dogs, Duck and Goose, along with an assortment of chickens. Her family enjoys outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, hiking, hanging out at the ocean, beachcombing, reading, painting, and a bit of video-game playing.

Pacific West Ambulance is proud to name Laura T. Ballanger our 2018 Star of Life.

Randy has been serving our rural Oregon coastal community since 1994. He started as a volunteer firefighter at Coos Bay Fire Department and quickly discovered his passion for EMS. Randy then started his EMS career, first earning his EMT Basic then his EMT Intermediate while volunteering with the Coos Bay Fire Department.

Randy started with Bay Cities Ambulance in November 2002. He worked his first six years as an EMT Intermediate, often being the primary caregiver, and refined his skills and knowledge. Then in 2007, Randy started the hard work that resulted in his earning his AA degree in paramedicine in 2009.

Since becoming a licensed Paramedic with Bay Cities Ambulance, Randy has continued to advance in his chosen profession, progressing to Field Training Office and then Paramedic Supervisor.

Now in his 15th year with Bay Cities, Randy has advanced to Administrative Supervisor. In that role he has numerous different responsibilities, including helping to establish our Community Paramedic Program.

We are privileged to have Randy as part of our team here at Bay Cities Ambulance, and, as the organization continues to grow, we’re excited to watch Randy grow with us.

Jennel began her career in EMS as a volunteer firefighter and EMT at Lane Co. Fire District (now Lane Fire Authority), in 2008, and is now a Paramedic with Metro West Ambulance. Jennel truly values the training, experience, and support she received during her five years as a volunteer. Throughout her time as a volunteer, Jennel was awarded the EMT of the Year in 2010 and Public Educator of the Year in 2011.

Jennel became a Paramedic in 2013 and was hired by Metro West Ambulance in January of 2015. She was chosen as this year’s Star of Life recipient for Metro West Ambulance Eugene-Springfield because of her commitment, dedication, and passion for growth. Jennel is not afraid to step up to the plate and accept extra duties. On top of her ambulance and FTO duties, Jennel also helps with interviewing, hiring, and training new employees. She became an ACLS instructor late last year, with plans of obtaining additional instructor training in the near future. Jennel hopes that people can look up to her as a role model, and she enjoys helping those around her succeed.

Jennel believes her own personal success is in part due to those around her. Her superiors at work, her parents and siblings, and her husband and kids, all help make her into the outstanding Paramedic she is today. Jennel’s husband is also a Paramedic, and having that support is invaluable to her.

Melissa joined Metro West Ambulance on April 17, 2000 as a BLS provider in the non-emergent wheelchair transport division. Over the years, Melissa has held many positions within the company, such as shop manager, ambulance department supervisor, and dispatch supervisor. Melissa’s internal desire and strive to learn all there is to know in EMS and in the organization is commendable.

During the last year while fighting a very brave battle with cancer, Melissa has still been able to maintain her position as Logistics Manager, Chief of Staff, supervisor to the Vehicle Service Technicians, and supervisor of the Vernonia Ambulance Volunteers. Melissa will frequently staff openings in the 911 system and, in her spare time, volunteers at River City Speedway as one of the emergency responders during their racing events.

Despite her commitment to volunteer work and difficult battle with cancer, Melissa has remained dedicated to her career as an EMS provider, through both her duties at Metro West Ambulance as well as her support of her community.

It is Metro West Ambulance’s pleasure to nominate Melissa Zimmer as a 2017 Star of Life.

Theresa “Trese” has been a dedicated member of the Pacific West Ambulance team since September 14th, 2014 and has been in the EMS field since 2002. Trese has worked in many facets of providing emergency medical care, showing the ability to be versatile, knowledgeable, and compassionate. On a daily basis, she demonstrates being a team player with co-responders directing scenes, and by educating newer EMT’s and Paramedics.

Trese was promoted to the position of Field Supervisor in the Spring of 2016, where she provides support to upper management, fellow supervisors, and field staff. Trese aspires to become a Field Trainer for new paramedics and EMT’s joining the Pacific West team. Trese’s vision is to improve training by bringing new and innovative ideas to the table and developing her employee’s skills and ability to advance in the EMS industry.

It is with great pride that Pacific West Ambulance nominates Theresa Helstowski as our Star of Life for 2017. Trese Helstowski is a caring, devoted, and genuine individual; her commitment to high quality patient care shows in every step she takes with her job and every interaction she has with her patients. Our company and community thanks Trese for her unwavering service and countless hours of hard work.

Harlan Brock has worked for Metro West Ambulance for over 11 years. Whether delivering babies or mentoring new paramedics and EMT’s, Harlan’s passion and dedication to EMS and Metro West Ambulance are demonstrated through his hard and tireless work.

Harlan always leads by example and embodies Metro West’s core values of teamwork and dedication. This was demonstrated recently when he served as a volunteer member of a regional search and rescue effort to locate a missing girl in the Columbia River Gorge. Harlan reached out to local companies to coordinate supplies and resources needed for the search.

Recently, Harlan and his partner were cleaning the ambulance after a transport to a local emergency department. All of a sudden, a shiny new Tesla came screeching into the emergency department bay. Harlan heard an ED technician shout, “There is a woman in labor in that car!” and sprang into action. Harlan quickly put on a fresh pair of gloves, safety glasses, and grabbed an obstetrical kit as he followed the technician to the passenger side of the Tesla. Soon after Harlan began his assessment, he recognized the patient was going to deliver soon. Minutes later, a healthy baby girl was delivered in the front seat of the car. Harlan is able to quickly assess and respond to situations with the resources necessary, to assure optimal patient outcome. Calm, professional, and caring, Harlan continuously demonstrates high-level, compassionate, clinical care to all of his patients.

Harlan is loyal, honest, and committed to both his company and profession. Harlan rarely misses a day of work, fills in when necessary for his fellow medics, and continuously volunteers his time to make a difference. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Harlan as a 2017 Star of Life nominee.

Leanna was born and raised in Prineville, Oregon and eventually moved to Portland, Oregon to continue her education. She graduated from Portland Community College with a 4.0 GPA, and is currently enrolled at Portland State University where she is majoring in Biology with a minor in Public Health. She discovered early that she wanted to help people and eventually become a doctor. Two years into school, Leanna explored EMT classes so she could gain healthcare experience, and never thinking that she would enjoy being in EMS with the lights, sirens, and anxiety. But not only did she enjoy it, she excelled at it!

Shortly after receiving her EMT certification in 2014, Leanna joined Metro West Ambulance (MWA) as a member of the BLS team. Leanna stepped up to become a Field Training Officer (FTO) at MWA in the Wheelchair Transport Department, which allows her to polish her patient skills. Leanna cherishes moments such as holding patients’ hands when they’re scared or making balloon animals out of gloves for a smile. A career filled with patient care and focus rather than emphasis on emergencies, Leanna believes, can get personnel through the long days, failures, and heartbreak that is inherent in EMS. Teaching providers to stay compassionate while doing the hardest jobs imaginable is paramount to Leanna.

Leanna represents the BLS division and Vehicle Service Technicians on the Infectious Disease Control Committee. She created an infectious control guidebook for all of MWA as well as a specialized quick guide to protect new EMTs. Additionally, she submitted a proposal to change EMT training in the ALS division to cultivate leadership among new medics. She has also been an Activity and Skills Provider for People with Disabilities. Leanna is a great asset to EMS, to MWA, and to the communities in which she serves.

Leanna’s long-term focus is to become an emergency medical doctor, then eventually the medical director of an EMS agency. She is completing her medical school prerequisite classes now with a 4.0 GPA, and plans on taking the MCAT during the summer of 2016. One of her future goals is to make burnout uncommon among providers by changing the focus of EMS from emergencies to patient care. In the field, she has been a major part of amazing acts of heroism, compassion, and skill, but she’s also seen the toll this industry has on providers.

Robert found his calling in EMS when he began volunteering at a small rural fire department. He was immediately intrigued by the fast-paced environment, and set upon the path to becoming a Paramedic.

Now, with eight years of experience in the field, he is able to share his experience and wisdom with others. Robert is always happy to train new employees, and leads by example to instill in new team members the core values of teamwork and dedication. “I truly enjoy helping new employees become familiar with the system,” says Robert.

Robert’s wife, Jennel, who is also a Paramedic, is a source of deep inspiration for him at home and at work.

We are honored to nominate Greg Sorensen as a 2016 Star of Life for his dedication to EMS, as well as for his instruction of the art and science of prehospital medicine to numerous EMTs and Paramedics entering the field. His 32-year commitment to caring for his community is deeply commendable.

With a 10 year start in EMS, Greg began his career at Metro West Ambulance in June of 1999 and became a Field Training Officer in 2004. Greg also fills in as an Operations Supervisor, co-chairs the QI Committee, and is a member of the communication center’s QI Committee. Greg is an outstanding example of personal integrity, dedication, and compassion in EMS – qualities everyone strives for in their own EMS careers – and truly represents the gold standard of prehospital emergency care.

Greg works with various EMTs, Paramedics, and potential new hires on developing their skills in the field and teaches them the past, present, and future of EMS. Greg knows the future of EMS is built on teaching these individuals to be the best medical providers possible.

In his spare time, Greg helps facilitate volunteer projects for the needy in the community he lives in, and he helps facilitate yearly volunteer projects for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

These are but a few reasons why Greg Sorensen deserves the honor of being an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.