It was with great pleasure that Nature Coast EMS of Citrus County, Florida, nominated William Leigh Adams as our “Star.” William began his career with Nature Coast EMS five years ago. In the beginning he served Nature Coast EMS as a volunteer where he immediately impressed all those who worked with him. William continued to mature in his knowledge and skill becoming more diversified in his abilities to assist in various departments of our organization. While still working as a volunteer, William demonstrated the utmost dedication, caring and professionalism as a seasoned team member working in the field for years. After three years, William attended EMT school and obtained his EMT certification. At the first available opening,William was hired as a full time employee where has continued to excel as a dedicated and engaged team member. William always places Nature Coast EMS and the citizens we serve, in the forefront. He is a dedicated team member and offers support to other team members when needed. William continues to help with our volunteer program assisting with special events and supporting the EMT training division. The Nature Coast EMS mission is “Serving with Excellence & Compassion.” Our vision is that “Nature Coast EMS will be the national leader in patient centered care and health services.” William Leigh Adams exudes all this and more.”

Caroline Cooper became a member of the Nature Coast EMS team in 2014 as an Ambulance Accounts Specialist. She completed the EMT program in 2017, and she is currently enrolled in the Paramedic program with an expected graduation date of December 2018.

Caroline is outstanding in every aspect of EMS. Her dedication, compassion, and empathy are shown with each and every one of her patients and team members. She is a great mentor to new EMTs, and is in EMS for all the right reasons. Caroline was selected by her colleagues as a Star of Life as she is always positive and courteous, and gives 110%. 

Nature Coast EMS is proud of Caroline’s achievements and honored to have her as a member of our team!

Throughout his 11 year career with Nature Coast EMS, Graham has consistently gone above and beyond to demonstrate dedication and commitment to his organization, fellow team members, and patients. Graham can always be counted on to represent Nature Coast EMS at many public events each year such as the annual Christmas parade, and he helps organizes the annual Nature Coast EMS Trunk or Treat which provides a safe place for the people of Citrus County to bring their families to for Halloween. Every October, Graham helps raise money for cancer awareness by selling t-shirts for team members to wear.

Additionally, Graham has received many accolades from his patients for his compassionate care and willingness to share his personal time giving back. In fact, the readers of the Citrus County Chronicle obviously agree as Graham was recognized as their 2016 Healthcare Hero. The “Healthcare Hero” is an award designated for individuals who truly make a difference in the health of the Citrus County Community.

Graham is a consummate professional who continues to be an engaged and active team member. Graham has flourished into a patient centered, compassionate paramedic, who is dedicated to serving his community. Nature Coast Emergency Medical Services is fortunate to have Graham as part of our family.

Nature Coast EMS works hard to provide excellent and cutting edge prehospital medical care with integrity by “Serving with Excellence & Compassion.” It is with great pleasure that Nature Coast EMS announces Floyd Mead as our 2016 Star of Life.
Floyd has spent more than 27 years working in emergency medical services. He began working in Illinois as a Paramedic and firefighter before coming to Nature Coast EMS in 2004.

The last two years have forced Nature Coast EMS to be very flexible and Floyd is no stranger to that. With a changing medical climate, Floyd Mead has worn many hats. He rose from working as a Paramedic on the road to Lieutenant, and then on to QA Supervisor. This last year Floyd was tasked with the job of coming back out of the office and working as a Shift Supervisor.

Floyd has excelled in every job title he has held. He has proven himself to be a priceless asset not only to Nature Coast EMS, but also to EMS as a whole. Floyd was selected by his team members for this award for his dedication, compassion, and leadership in our organization. He has been described as a self-motivated leader who always does the right thing.

Floyd demonstrates the utmost level of integrity and cares for his patients and his team members as he would his own family. Floyd can be found on most holidays working for other team members who have young children so that they can be home with their families. The personal sacrifices he has made are countless.

As an organizational leader, Floyd provides the team members of Nature Coast EMS a tangible example of how to live and work with excellence. He developed and led a customer service education program to enhance our
patients’ and staff members’ experiences. Outstanding patient care and compassion for his fellow EMS workers are Floyd’s core values. He exemplifies what it is to be a forward thinking EMS leader.

Floyd and his wife, Hope, live in Inverness, Florida and have four children.