Ryan Lowe currently serves as a Medic Field Training Officer at Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Medic) and has been a medic for over twenty-one years.

In additional to being an exceptional paramedic, Ryan’s commitment to professionalism and excellence in medical care is ideally suited to help develop the new employees at Mecklenburg EMS Agency. Ryan takes pride in all that he does and always represents the Agency in a positive manner.

Similar to Medic’s Mission Statement, Ryan is prepared to respond in his community when and where patients need him. Ryan supports Medic’s mission everyday by being an outstanding role model and is truly deserving of the Stars of Life award.

From the start, Luis Barrera has proven himself to be mature and wise beyond his years. In a relatively short period of time, these traits helped Luis earn a place on MEDIC’s SWAT team after only being a Paramedic for a few years. Shortly after being named to the SWAT Team, Luis was promoted to Field Training Officer, where he displayed his innate leadership talents. This position is only bestowed on the Agency’s highest performers. After being named as a Field Training Officer, Luis made the decision to become a Relief Operations Supervisor. Composed of talented men and women responsible when a full time Supervisor is out, Relief Operation Supervisors set an example to their fellow employees.

He is smart, calm, and considerate. Luis treats every patient with kindness and respect, and provides incredible medical care. Luis never fails to lift the spirits of a coworker with a kind word or to take extra time to ensure a coworker really understands MEDIC’s goals and their role in helping attain them. Luis is a very strong clinician who works hard to mentor and provide advice and guidance to his fellow employees. Finally, Luis has exceeded all expectations by participating on improvement projects and is making a huge impact with his insight, input, and work. He has developed into a well-rounded, high performing employee who manages to balance the interests of our patients, our people, and the Agency. Not only can he be relied on to put his best foot forward every day, but he continuously strives to make MEDIC a better place to work.

Lawrence “Larry” Billotto is recognized as a Star of Life this year for his dedication to the mission of MEDIC. Since 1998, Larry has kept MEDIC’s fleet in tip-top shape as a skilled mechanic. His knowledge of his job is unsurpassed. In fact, he serves
as one of the primary Road Safety System Controllers on all Agency vehicles, and participates in multiple Agency improvement project work teams.

When not at work, Larry continues to embody the principles of MEDIC. Larry works as an EMT for Novant Healthcare Special Events and as a volunteer firefighter in his community. Sacrificing his personal time to help others, Larry is also active in his church, participates in mission trips, and helps others that are less fortunate by showing them compassion and care. According to his coworkers, these are the qualities that embody the meaning of a Star of Life.

More than 30 years ago, Ray Kirby started his EMS career as a volunteer. Balancing his role as a husband, father, volunteer, full-time employee and college student, Ray became a certified Paramedic.

Embracing opportunity, Ray continued his education by becoming an instructor in several disciplines, including attaining a credential as an instructor in Pediatric Advanced Life Support. As a Crew Chief and Field Training Officer, Ray has touched multiple lives as a caregiver, mentor, and trusted colleague. Several years ago, Ray suffered an on the job injury that limited his ability to physically serve as a field employee. Ray began to question his role in EMS, and at times struggled with his future in our business. Rather than dwell in his misfortune, Ray used his injury as an opportunity to expand his role as a leader and educator by beginning to work in Central Medical Emergency Dispatch. To this day, Ray continues to serve Mecklenburg County. Recently, Ray has become a National Emergency Medical Dispatch Instructor.

In order to achieve this credential, Ray traveled to Greenville, South Carolina at his own expense. He returned to Charlotte to help teach the first ever PALS class taught to the Paramedics of Mecklenburg County. To no one’s surprise, Ray was successful in achieving this certification and is now one of only a few employees within our agency to achieve such a status. This type of commitment defines who Ray Kirby is and how he continues to contribute to MEDIC.