Chris Kapla received his Paramedic license in 2006 and joined Life EMS in 2009.

Chris is a dedicated Paramedic who excels in training staff. He is also a member of the CISM team. Chris upholds the values of Life EMS by delivering skill and passion with dignity and respect.

Matt Hapner joined Life EMS in 2014, and is currently a Medic, Supervisor, and Education Coordinator (Medic Instruction).

Matt brings a strong drive and dedication to the Education Department every day. He has grown through the ranks at Life EMS, beginning as an EMT, then a Paramedic, and now a Supervisor. He has served the community with skill and compassion, and has earned the respect of his colleagues with his willingness to help each associate gain the knowledge they need to better themselves every day on the road.

As a result of his passion to help others, Matt transitioned to the Education Department and became the lead Paramedic educator. He has brought the same skill and compassion that he displayed in the field to the classroom, and goes above and beyond for every student. He will make time for anyone who has a question or who is struggling with learning, including coming in on his days off to help students prepare for tests. Matt is passionate about setting his students up for success with the skills and knowledge they need before starting their clinicals on the ambulance.

Chris Fouch joined Life EMS in 2009 and is currently a Paramedic and full-time Field Training Instructor in the Kalamazoo, MI operation.

Throughout his time at Life EMS, Chris has demonstrated an incredible resiliency and a willingness to lead by example. He has recognized that leadership alone cannot set the culture and tone within an organization, and has stepped up to assist by acting as a positive role model for new associates. As a result, Chris has taken on additional responsibilities over the past year, including the formal orientation of new hires. He has been invaluable in orienting EMTs to the NICU and PICU ambulances, as recent transitions in policy allow for EMTs to complete these mission critical transports. Chris has been cited by the local medical control authority (KCMCA) as “the field trainer who is ‘doing it right,’” ensuring that training is complete, all medical control course work is completed, and trainees are set up for success.

Chris displays a contagious spirit of positivity and it is authentic in every way. He enjoys participating in shift builds for schedules and continually seeks any way in which he can better both himself and Life EMS as a whole. Through the active participation of associates such as Chris, the future of Life EMS is bright.

Life EMS is honored to nominate Chris as a 2022 Star of Life for his work ethic, tenacity, grit, positivity, and organizational involvement.

Tim Dickinson earned his Paramedic license from Montcalm Community College in 1996. He started out working as an EMT and Paramedic for Newaygo County/Gerber Ambulance, and also served as a firefighter in the county for several years. 

In February of 2000, Life EMS took over EMS operations in Newaygo County, and Tim began working as a part-time EMT and Paramedic, while working full-time at the Sappi paper plant in Muskegon. Tim began full-time work for Life EMS in 2011 after the paper mill closed. Currently, Tim serves as a Paramedic Field Supervisor in the Newaygo County operation; a position he has held since 2015. Tim lives in the Fremont area with his wife, Louise, and they have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Tim has earned the respect of his coworkers who nominated him as a Star of Life. He demonstrates a lead-by-example approach in his commitment to the associates, patients, and facilities he serves. Tim works tirelessly to make sure the schedule is fully staffed and often fills shifts himself, even at other operations. One nomination wrote, “Tim is highly organized and takes care of issues in a timely manner, which is noticed by associates and keeps morale on the right side of the scale. I cannot think of a better choice to represent Life EMS than Tim Dickinson.” Life EMS Ambulance is proud to recognize Tim Dickinson as its 2019 Star of Life.

Frank DeLaTorre is a committed mobile healthcare leader whose service in EMS spans three decades. During this time, Frank has worked tirelessly to ensure excellence in prehospital care for our communities.

Frank began his EMS career in 1990 as a volunteer for Coloma Emergency Ambulance Service (now known as Pride Care). Soon after, he earned an Associate in Science Degree from Southwestern Michigan College in 1991. Frank continued his education in an Emergency Medical Technician Specialist program, earning his license in 1992. In February 1992, Frank was hired by Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS) as an Emergency Medical Technician Specialist.

Frank continued his educational journey when he began Paramedic school in the fall of 1992. In April 1993, Frank earned his Paramedic license in the State of Florida and his Michigan Paramedic license in May 1993. In November 2009, Frank received his Critical Care Paramedic certification. Frank was promoted to Shift Captain at SMCAS in April 2010.

On top of his EMS credentials, Frank also holds Michigan Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications, along with Fire Officer 1, 2, and 3 certifications. In addition to working full time for SMCAS, Frank has been employed by Van Buren County Emergency Medical Service (VBEMS) for 23 years, North Berrien Fire-Rescue for 18 years, and Niles City Fire Department for 6 years.

Frank is the SMCAS representative for the Berrien County Fire Chiefs Association. He currently chairs the Fire Chiefs Association Communications Committee that was formed as the Chiefs Association and Berrien County work on a grant to move Fire/EMS onto the state’s Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) 800 radio system. Frank is the MABAS Division 3501 Plan Coordinator, a member of the Berrien County Firefighters Association, and serves as the Secretary for the North Berrien Firefighters Association. Frank is also one of the state trainers for the MPSCS 800 radio system and one of 18 communication technicians (COMT) in the state of Michigan.

Frank has spent time helping fire departments to create and update radio templates, along with programming 800 and VHF radios and pagers in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Frank is also an instructor with the American Heart Association. In 2018, Frank helped to initiate a Fire Cadet Program at North Berrien Fire-Rescue.

Frank is very devoted to his family and enjoys spending time with his wife, three children, and two dogs. He also enjoys cheering for the Chicago Bears!
SMCAS is proud to recognize Frank DeLaTorre as a 2019 Star of Life.

Joe Weindorf joined the Emergent Health Partners Communications Center in October 2017. In the short time since, Joe has earned the respect and appreciation of his colleagues and has proven himself a capable leader.

Joe was instrumental in solving problems and maintaining operations during Emergent’s recent CAD system implementation. For example, Joe created “cheat sheets” to assist the team in adapting to new processes. These efforts smoothed the transition for all staff, ranging from the veterans with many years of dispatch experience to new hires. Joe’s contributions reduced stress and improved morale. When challenges arise, Joe always steps in to lend a hand to anyone who needs support.

In addition to his skills in the Communications Center, Joe is an EMT serving Emergent’s Monroe County Division.

Joe enjoys spending time outdoors and is thankful for Michigan’s four distinct seasons. Joe especially likes golfing, walking with his dog, and skiing.

Emergent Health Partners is proud to recognize Joe Weindorf as a 2019 Star of Life.

In Memory of Gary Truitt

Gary Truitt exemplifies what it means to be a Paramedic at Jackson Community Ambulance (JCA). Gary maintains a positive attitude and is always willing to help educate new employees and partners. No matter the day, Gary is ready to tackle any challenge that is presented to him.

Gary began his EMS career in 1984 as an EMT. Since then, he has provided mobile healthcare at several services, including Reading Ambulance, LifeCare Ambulance, the State of Michigan Department of Corrections, and now JCA. Gary retired from the Department of Corrections in 2009 and has been working full time with JCA since 2011. He is currently one of the South Central Region’s Field Training Officers as well as a volunteer firefighter for Moscow Township.

Gary’s integrity and passion for serving his community have elevated him to become one of the most respected Paramedics within JCA. He maintains a high level of professionalism and deep commitment to his patients, all while sharing his unique sense of humor with others.

When not serving his community, Gary loves riding his motorcycle. It is not unusual to see him riding to work even in inclement weather. Gary also enjoys the outdoors and is known to take his fifth wheel camper down South. Everyone also appreciates the fudge he brings to work every Christmas, all while he spends many hours volunteering during the holidays cooking for the less fortunate.

Trevor Harris came to work at LifeCare Ambulance Service as a newly trained EMT in January of 2009. He performed very well on an ALS unit right up until a fateful morning. On September 1, 2010,Trevor was involved in a significant car crash on his way to work. He was severely injured and his return to the workforce was not a given. Trevor was finally able to return after eight months of healing and rehabilitation. Through perseverance and dedication, Trevor was able to adapt quickly into our dispatch center. His performance since the transition has been remarkable. Below are some excerpts from the three nominations received for Trevor Harris: “I would like to nominate Trevor Harris for the Star of Life. Trevor has overcome great obstacles in his personal life to get to the point he is at with this company. Trevor does an excellent job at dispatching and is a voice of calm and reason when it comes to the hectic dispatching and dealing with us road crews”. “I would like to nominate Trevor Harris for this honor. He is a very effective dispatcher who always keeps tension at a low key. He is a hero in our radio dispatch center in my opinion”. “Trevor always has a positive attitude, even when the system is slammed and he is getting phone calls with crews complaining. He watches out for the well-being of the crews and listens to their suggestions. He has been a great asset to the dispatch team”. Trevor and his wife Abby have four children ranging in ages from 5 to 10. LifeCare’s previous Stars of Life recipients chose our 2014 Star of Life honoree from the nominations received, and we are pleased that they have chosen Trevor as our 2014 Stars of Life.”

Life EMS Ambulance is pleased to recognize James Hadley as our 2014 Star of Life. James began his career at Life EMS Ambulance in 1997 as a mobility (wheelchair transport) associate. James obtained his basic EMT license in 2002. James has served effectively in many different roles, including as a mobility associate, as a basic EMT working on an ALS ambulance, and for many years as the support services coordinator at our Grand Rapids Central Support Facility. James demonstrates reliability, a strong work ethic, and resourcefulness no matter what role he was filling. However, James has earned his recognition as our Star of Life for the outstanding ancillary work he has done that goes beyond his typical duties. James has represented Life EMS on the planning committees for community events such as the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts and for many athletic events such as the Grand Rapids Marathon and Iron Man Triathlon. James has done a great job helping plan and organize the medical component of these events, and he often is present during the events to oversee and coordinate the EMS medical coverage. In this role James has developed many great relationships with key community leaders and groups and has been an excellent ambassador for EMS in general and Life EMS Ambulance in particular. James has also served as an installer for our Life Extra Care personal response system (PRS). He has done a great job in this role, providing skilled customer care in not only installing the system in customer’s homes but carefully explaining the service, answering questions, and making sure the needs of our elderly customers are met. In these roles James displays caring for his customers and provides feedback and assistance to his teammates to make improvements in our services. In everything James does, he makes a significant contribution to our company, our customers, and the communities we serve. James is truly a Star of Life!”

Erin Dolan is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and Senior Dispatcher in Emergent Health Partners’ Communications Center. Hired in 2002, he spent his first two years working as an EMT for HuronValley Ambulance. In 2004, he transferred into the Center. Erin started in the Communications Center scheduling and dispatching nonemergency wheelchair vans and senior buses. Looking for more challenges, Erin sought the education and experience to move into the 9-1-1 area of the Center. During the training program, Erin learned all of the numerous positions in the Center.”He is a very respected and trusted senior dispatcher, an excellent role model with a strong work ethic,” states Kevin Irwin, Manager, Emergent Communications. “He provides excellent assistance to both his colleagues and the customers who call for service.” During Emergent Communications’ special event season, University of Michigan Football and Michigan International Speedway present dispatch challenges different from everyday activity in the Center. Erin adapted to the unique demands required to dispatch successfully from the Center for these events. During the past U-M football season, Erin was instrumental in providing great direction and dispatching during the games. It seems that whenever a large natural event occurs, Erin is always the primary dispatcher. In the past few years, we have had two tornado touchdowns and one train derailment, all with Erin providing the primary dispatching assignments. During these times, Erin provided great leadership, direction and support to all those involved. This type of excellence under pressure is greatly appreciated and recognized by Emergent leadership. Erin’s unique sense of humor can lighten the day and remind everyone that it can always be worse. He says, “Remember, we can provide an enormous amount of good with each call we handle. We do make a difference.” Erin and his family live in a rural area where they enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.”

Pam Gohn initially studied nursing, but she soon discovered EMS and switched her career’s focus. Pam completed her EMT training in 1994, and enrolled in Paramedic school in 2003. She has also attained certification as a Critical Care Paramedic.

In 2005, Pam joined LifeCare Ambulance Service. She is now the Team Leader of the Cassopolis operation for LifeCare. Her coworkers describe her as compassionate, understanding, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. She excels at mentoring other employees. Gohn is a consistent and very competent Paramedic who has compassionately impacted many lives over the course of her 14-year career. Pam’s next goal is to become a licensed EMS Instructor/Coordinator.

Pam and her husband, Jim, have been married for 14 years. They share a blended family which now includes four children and five grandchildren! Gohn enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, camping, and home improvement projects.

LifeCare Ambulance is proud to honor Pam as a Star of Life.

Rich is a Paramedic Field Supervisor in our Ionia County operation, and he exemplifies the best of Life EMS through his professionalism, dedication, and compassion.

He joined Life EMS in 2008 as an EMT, and two years later he earned his Paramedic certification. Fast-forward two more years, and Rich obtained his critical care Paramedic certification, and in 2013 he was promoted to field supervisor.

Always smiling, Rich presents himself in a confident and professional manner. He maintains a calm, reassuring demeanor with his patients and a cheerful, educational attitude with coworkers.

Rich is supportive of his coworkers both in their personal lives and professionally. He is always ready to help a new associate, and shares his knowledg as a very patient trainer. As a supervisor, he listens to all sides, and he doesn’t mind if someone calls him at home to trouble-shoot an issue when the on-duty supervisor is out on a call.

Over all, Rich leads by example and keeps the best interest of the communities we serve front and enter at all times. In the past, he has covered countless hours as an on-call supervisor when needed, and he continues to step up and fill partial shifts to make sure staffing levels are maintained.

Rich was instrumental over the last many months as we worked to implement HealthEMS Mobile Touch. He was one of our original beta testers and worked tirelessly on documenting using Mobile Touch to help identify issues and improve the product as we prepared it for roll-out. His feedback to Life EMS and to the vendor was very helpful. Rich also helped train his fellow associates.

Rich is a true family man. He drives the Belding Band, supports the drama arts, and encourages his children in all that they attempt. In addition to all the community activities he participates in, Rich is also an active firefighter with the Belding Fire Department.

Ken started his ambulance service career at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan in July 2009, working as an EMT and qualifying as a Paramedic in 2013.

After working in the field for two years, Ken gained additional experience serving as a dispatcher and inventory controller, working his way up to operations supervisor and eventually station manager.

In 2015, he was promoted to operations manager for the entire Michigan region of Superior—a vital role, where he very capably leads six station managers through every aspect of daily operations for EMS and Non-Emergent Medical Transportation.

Superior of Michigan is a large ambulance company, and his position requires dedicated, consistent leadership. Ken continuously proves himself instrumental at managing and planning the tactical and strategic initiatives that directly affect with the mission and vision of Superior.

Ken is well known by his peers for his friendly, composed demeanor. He leads by example through his positivity and exceedingly strong work ethic. His key strengths are his competitive, analytical, and strategic thinking and planning, but Ken is also empathetic and thoughtfully balances his personal and professional attributes to be an effective leader and respected colleague.

Ken was a key contributor to Superior of Michigan’s achieving CAAS accreditation in November 2017. He doesn’t rest on this achievement, though, and he continues to promote the understanding that he manages a company that must constantly live up to the challenge of exceeding industry standards and find ways to translate this into everyday actions.

The ambulance industry needs managers with this attitude, and that is why Ken is recognized as a highly valued member of the Superior team. He is vital to our organization’s growth and elite status in the ambulance industry.

If you ask Ken why he decided to become a Paramedic and work in the ambulance industry, he will tell you simply, “It’s because of the excitement of helping people.”

In his personal time, Ken enjoys spending quality time with his family, truly focusing on the joys of life with his wife, Brittany, and his 2-year-old son, Alex (who looks just like him in miniature form). Ken and his wife are expecting their second child in September.

Tim Hoffman has been a dedicated AMR employee for over 12 years. Tim grew up in Holland, Michigan and followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a Paramedic. Tim’s father, John, is also a Paramedic who works for AMR in Holland, Michigan.

Tim started with AMR as a wheelchair van driver on August 16, 2005. He worked through school and became an EMT, then a Paramedic, and finally a Critical Care Medic. Tim has had nearly perfect attendance throughout his employment. Tim frequently volunteers for charity runs and local community events. He is easy going, well liked, warm hearted, and always has a big smile.

Early in the morning of August 7, 2016 everything changed. Tim and his partner Kevin Jongekryg were on duty and at approximately 4:30 a.m., as they were driving through a rural coverage area, they were hit head on by a drunk driver. Tim was in critical condition with a devastating head injury.

On Monday, January 29, 2018 Tim returned to light duty work at AMR. He has verbalized that he loves to “help people” and still wants to be able to help in any way he can. Tim will always have that “care giver” spirit that sets apart our AMR employees.

It is wonderful to see how excited Tim is to be back in his uniform and working in the building. Tim is still the same easy going, warm hearted, smiley person, that he was before.

Tim is so proud to work for AMR and we are so happy to see how far he has come.

Laura Hooker has served as an Emergency Medical Technician in Berrien County, Michigan, for seven years, and worked for Medic 1 of Benton Harbor before joining Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS).

Laura has established herself as a positive force in our EMS system and is one of our go-to community-outreach people, driving the cause of EMS in our area through impassioned cultural development.

Practically, Laura has helped redesign inventory control processes, including a “speed loader” program that makes sure crews have the supplies they need while also improving the efficiency of the stocking procedures.

In the field, she and her team members were recognized recently for their exemplary performance in resuscitating a prominent figure in our community.

When Laura is not providing outstanding care and service to Southwestern Michigan, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Patrick, and daughter Anna, gardening, fishing, and “glass hunting” on Lake Michigan’s sandy coastline.

While we are proud of the outstanding service all of our team members provide the people of Southwestern Michigan, we are proud to call Laura Hooker our 2018 Star of Life.

Cody was nominated for recognition through his employment at Medstar, and was selected from other Medstar candidates through a peer nomination process. The nomination stated “Cody is always looking for ways to positively represent Medstar, his fire department and first responders, and our community. He cares about the patients that he serves, and takes extra time to make sure that patients are well cared for in the hospital, as well as assisting family members during admission.”

Cody entered public service through scouting, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. After completing his Eagle Scout Project by adding to and updating the playground at the Metamora Lions Club, he joined the Lions as an adult member.

He has been involved in EMS since 2010. He has been a full-time Paramedic with Medstar for two years, and was recently promoted to Field Training Officer. He previously served as an EMT with Lapeer County EMS for four years. Outside of his time on the ambulance, Cody is a paid-on-call firefighter/first responder for the Metamora Township Fire Department and a volunteer for community CPR and AED programs in Lapeer County with Medstar. He also assists with the Medstar Special Operations Teams, and teaches first aid and safety in local scout and church programs.

“I’m humbled to be nominated for this award by my peers, and proud to represent Medstar and the residents of Lapeer County in Lansing in D.C.,” Medlock said. “I’m grateful to work for an organization that encourages its team members to excel in compassionate clinical care as well as community involvement. I work with an incredible group of people at Medstar, and I’m proud of our service in Lapeer County.”

Cody holds two bachelors degrees from the University Of Michigan, with minors in chemistry and psychology, and is currently enrolled in a nursing education program.

“I’m not surprised that Cody was nominated by his co-workers, and I’m happy to see him receiving recognition,” said Kolby Miller, Medstar Chief Executive. “He brings to life Medstar’s organizational commitment to clinical excellence, safety, and community engagement. In addition to great clinical care, I can always count on his assistance or leadership on community projects that our Lapeer County Operations are involved in, whether its CPR and AED training, assistance with elderly residents in their homes, or connecting our community donations with residents and civic organizations who are in need of support.”

Mary was nominated for recognition through Medstar, and was selected from other candidates through a peer nomination process. The nomination stated “In an world of critics and cynics, Mary is always positive, happy, and encourages others to do the same. The time and effort that she put into the ‘smile’ program at Medstar, simply to remind people to appreciate what we have and be happy, is a great example of how she not only maintains a positive outlook, but works to share it with everyone.”

Mary has been with Medstar for three years, and is a certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher through the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAEMD,) and has recently completed the EMT program at Medstar.

“I can’t believe that I was chosen. I work with so many good people, in the communications center and on the road, I’m just overwhelmed,” Archie said. “I’m proud to work with the Medstar team, and serve our patients and communities. Being a part of this team and the amazing work that they do is better than anything I’ve imagined, and I look forward to coming to work for every shift.“

Mary is currently pursuing a business degree, and plans to remain in the EMS or healthcare field upon completion.

“Mary really is an inspiration to all of us. Our communications center is often a pressurized environment, but Mary maintains her positive outlook and interaction regardless of the situation,” said Kolby Miller, Medstar Chief Executive. “Her idea for the smile buttons is a great reminder that we get a lot more out of our work and personal lives if we concentrate on being happy, rather than focusing on the stressors and negatives around us. Rather than just talk about making things better for people, Mary acts…every day. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with her.”

Paramedic Theresa Hartman’s EMS career began seven years ago. In addition to demonstrating excellent clinical skills, Theresa is known for showing incredible kindness and deep compassion to everyone she encounters – patients, their family members, hospital staff, and first responders – regardless of their station in life. Theresa is working toward becoming a Field Training Officer and Critical Care Paramedic.

Theresa, fellow Star of Life nominee Tracy Allen, and their partners, responded last August to the call that no one wants to receive – members of their EMS family had been involved in a serious accident while on duty. Theresa and Tracy provided life-saving care to their colleagues and, later, volunteered to transfer their most critically injured teammate from the initial receiving hospital to a higher-level trauma center.

Critical Care Paramedic Tracy Allen has spent the last decade of her life caring for other people’s loved ones. In August 2016, Tracy faced the heart-wrenching challenge of caring for members of her own EMS family.

Tracy, fellow Star of Life Honoree Theresa Hartman, and their partners responded last summer to a head-on crash involving an AMR ambulance in which two paramedics were injured. Tracy took command of the scene and provided expert care to her most critically injured colleague. Later, Tracy and Theresa volunteered to transfer their colleague from the initial receiving hospital to a higher-level trauma center.

During her teammates’ long recovery process, Tracy was a beacon at local events benefiting the two. Tracy’s colleagues say that this specific case was just one notable incident in a career marked by sacrifice, advocacy, and a commitment to quality patient care.

John began his EMS career at Life EMS Ambulance in 2008 after 25 years working in another field. John began as an EMT-Basic, working in mobility and as a ReadiMedic before becoming a Paramedic. John received his paramedic license in 2009 and was promoted to a level II in 2011. Recently, John has spearheaded the new ICP role, working closely with Tandem 365 to service clients through the integrated care system. John feels that this is his most rewarding career experience to date. John said, “Seeing what EMS can be and will be has been the most rewarding experience.” John has also made LPGA standby a success the past two years.

John’s humility, actions, and performance point to his love of EMS and dedication to his career. Life EMS Ambulance is proud of John, who truly is deserving of the Star of Life award.