Skip to main content

Tag: Military

Veterans, Reservists, Active Duty – All Branches

Paul Winter

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Paul Winter, a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Hunter’s Ambulance Service, part of the Hartford HealthCare EMS Network, has been an integral part of the team since 2022. A military veteran and former Chicago Police Officer, Paul transitioned to EMS and earned his paramedic license in Connecticut in 2022. Since then, he has taken on the crucial roles of Paramedic Field Instructor and Field Training Officer.

Paul is being honored with the AAA Star of Life award because of his outstanding leadership and expertise as both a Paramedic and an FTO. He is one of the most trusted mentors within the organization, with new employees regularly turning to him for guidance and support. His deep knowledge, calm demeanor, and dedication to mentorship have earned him widespread respect from his peers, making him an invaluable member of the team. Paul’s commitment to patient care and professional development exemplifies the qualities that make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Richelle Treece

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Richelle Treece has been a dedicated member of REACT Ambulance Authority for over four years, currently serving as a Paramedic. With more than 26 years of experience in EMS, Richelle has worked in a variety of roles, including Dispatcher, EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic. Her long career is marked by a steadfast commitment to providing high-quality care and serving her community.

In addition to her EMS career, Richelle has served her country for 36 years in the military and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Oklahoma National Guard. Her service extends beyond EMS and the military, as she is also a Volunteer Firefighter, a school photographer, and engages in numerous other community volunteer efforts. Richelle’s diverse skill set even includes working part-time as a Surgical Scrub Tech in Labor and Delivery for 17 years at her local hospital.

Outside of her professional life, Richelle has shared meaningful travel experiences with her daughter and son, exploring incredible destinations such as Greece, Egypt, Italy, France, and England.

Richelle is described by her colleagues as professional, a team player, and someone with a positive attitude who embodies the very definition of a Star of Life. REACT Ambulance Authority is proud to name Richelle Treece our 2024 Star of Life, recognizing her exceptional dedication to her profession, her community, and her country.

Allen Steele

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Allen Steele’s EMS journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to serving others. His career began in 1996 when he joined Lake Robinson Rescue as a volunteer, igniting a passion that would shape his life’s path. After earning his EMT certification in 1997, Allen embarked on a professional career that would span decades and cross continents.

In 2004, Allen’s commitment to service led him to join the United States Army as a Medic. He served his country with distinction for over a decade, including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. These experiences honed his medical skills and instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of calm and effective care in high-pressure situations.
Upon returning to civilian life in 2015, Allen brought his experience to Medshore Ambulance where he continued his work as an EMT and took on the role of Field Training Officer, sharing his knowledge and mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals.

Today, Allen Steele serves as an EMT Field Training Officer for Guardian Ambulance Service in Florence, South Carolina. His journey from volunteer to military medic to civilian EMT and trainer demonstrates a lifelong commitment to emergency medical services and public safety. Allen’s career is characterized by continuous growth, adaptability, and dedication to helping others in their most vulnerable moments. His experience in diverse and challenging environments and his passion for teaching make him an invaluable asset to the EMS community and a worthy nominee for the American Ambulance Association Stars of Life Award.

Daniel Laguna

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Dan Laguna is being recognized for a lifetime of service that spans both the EMS industry and the military. His life has been compared to a Hollywood movie, filled with early-life hardships overcome and a highly decorated career in the Green Berets. His military service includes combat in Operation Desert Storm and Mogadishu, Somalia, where he participated in the famous “Blackhawk Down” search-and-rescue operation. His autobiography, You Have to Live Hard to Be Hard, has influenced and informed aviation and military operations around the world.

Dan’s distinguished post-military career with REACH Air Medical Services has allowed him to continue influencing pilots across the country with his knowledge, expertise, and example of sacrifice, dedication, and resilience. Having often been in need of medical attention during his combat experience, Dan now views the EMS field as an opportunity to give back for the help he received when he needed it most. His greatest satisfaction comes from being there for others in their time of need.

Kenneth Guzman

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Kenneth Guzman, a Paramedic with Northwell Health System Center for EMS, began his career in EMS in 1997 field by a passion for helping others. After becoming a Paramedic in 2001, he started working at Lenox Hill Hospital and has remained dedicated to patient care ever since. Kenneth’s love for the profession continues to drive him, and he takes pride in being the first on scene, ready to make a difference. Throughout his career, he has worked primarily in New York City as a 911 Paramedic, positively impacting countless patients.

One of Kenneth’s most memorable cases involved a young woman experiencing an asthma exacerbation who went into cardiac arrest. After 20 minutes in asystole, Kenneth and his partner made the decision to transport her to the hospital. En route, they managed to obtain ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation), and the hospital staff were deeply impressed with the care provided. The patient later praised Kenneth and his partner for saving her life, a testament to his determination and patient advocacy.

In addition to his EMS career, Kenneth served 20 years in the Navy Reserves, where his desire to serve led him to deploy to several countries, including Iraq and Germany. As a corpsman, his primary role was to provide medical care, and his commitment to both his country and his patients is truly honorable.

Kenneth is a proud father of two daughters, one of whom has followed in his footsteps, working alongside him at Lenox Hill Hospital. In his free time, Kenneth enjoys skiing, mountain biking, running, and is always up for a competitive game of video games.

Northwell Health is proud to honor Kenneth Guzman as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life, celebrating his exceptional contributions to EMS and his community.

Sam Swanson

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Sam Swanson, a Paramedic at Hall Ambulance Service, has dedicated more than 25 years to serving his community through emergency medical services. Before beginning his EMS career, Sam served honorably in the United States Army. He joined Hall Ambulance in 1999 and has since held several key roles, including EMT, Paramedic, Relief Paramedic Supervisor, Paramedic Preceptor, and EMT Academy Instructor.

Recently, Sam led a nine-week EMT Academy, with 13 of 15 students passing the National Registry exam on their first attempt, showcasing his exceptional teaching skills.

Sam has received numerous honors throughout his career, including Hall Ambulance Paramedic of the Year, Relief Paramedic Supervisor of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Kern County Paramedic of the Year. He has also been awarded the Hall Ambulance Star of Life and California Ambulance Association Star of Life, both twice.

Sam is being recognized for his 25 years of dedicated service to Hall Ambulance and the Kern County community, along with his unwavering “whatever you need me to do” attitude. His commitment and leadership set a high standard for his peers and serve as an example for others.

Sam Swanson truly embodies the spirit of service, and his contributions continue to benefit both his team and the community he serves.

Jeremiah Capps

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Jeremiah Capps has made significant contributions to emergency medical services in both the military and civilian sectors, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and dedication. A veteran of the special operations community, Jeremiah brings unmatched experience and a mission-first mentality to every aspect of his career.

His journey began in special operations, where he played a pivotal role in developing and establishing medical operations squadrons nationwide. One of his most groundbreaking achievements was creating the first Air Force Instruction (AFI) focused on providing comprehensive care throughout the special operations pipeline. This AFI has since been adopted across the military, significantly improving care and training for personnel in high-stress environments.

Jeremiah also led the strategic development of the Air Force’s special warfare training pipelines in San Antonio, Texas. This initiative laid the foundation for training programs in Special Reconnaissance, Combat Controllers, and Pararescue, ensuring top-tier care and operational readiness.

Currently, as operations manager at Superior Mobile Health, Jeremiah continues to set high standards in EMS. His master’s degree in psychology enhances his ability to tackle complex operational challenges with a unique perspective, consistently leading to exceptional outcomes. He has also taught Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and wilderness EMS to special operations personnel globally, further demonstrating his commitment to improving care in the most demanding environments.

Jeremiah’s dedication to service, innovative contributions, and leadership make him an outstanding candidate for the Star of Life Award. His extensive impact in both military and EMS communities embodies the highest ideals of this honor.

Frank Alba

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

As an experienced U.S. Army combat medic specialist with more than ten years of service at Global Medical Response, Frank Alba is a well-respected EMS leader among his peers and community alike.

Frank is passionate about learning and teaching, often sharing his knowledge with coworkers in classes that he voluntarily leads. Always knowledgeable about the latest innovations in the emergency medical industry, Frank’s colleagues describe him as their go-to person when they have questions about patient care. He has mentored countless coworkers who have sought his expertise. Frank has also received multiple nominations for the “Employee of the Year” Award.

During his tenure at Global Medical Response, Frank has participated in multiple deployments totaling 16 weeks of service.

Eric Foell

Written by Amanda Riordan on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Eric Foell has built an impressive 13-year career in EMS, distinguished by his compassionate care, dedication to his community, and commitment to his colleagues. As a Critical Care Paramedic at Regional Ambulance Service, Eric has advanced through the ranks, now also serving as the Training Coordinator, where he shares his extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of EMS providers.

A U.S. Marine veteran, Eric’s dedication to service extends beyond EMS. He is an accomplished ultramarathon runner, having completed a 50-mile race and currently training for a 100-mile ultramarathon. When not serving his community or pursuing his athletic passions, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and their horses.

Eric’s career reflects Regional Ambulance Service’s motto of “Serving People First with Pride, Proficiency, and Professionalism,” making him a deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life Award.