Charlie Reynolds is a Paramedic and Safety Officer with Metro West Ambulance whose career is defined by mentorship, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of his patients and colleagues.

Before joining Metro West, Charlie built a strong foundation through healthcare experience and volunteer service as a firefighter in a rural Washington County, Oregon, community. Those early experiences in public service helped shape the commitment to teamwork, preparedness, and patient care that he brings to EMS today.

Charlie joined Metro West Ambulance in 2018 as a Paramedic and preceptor. In that role, he invested in developing new Paramedics, helping them build the clinical skills, confidence, and judgment needed to succeed in the field. His mentorship has left a lasting impact on the providers he has helped prepare for their careers.

Charlie’s leadership eventually extended beyond direct patient care. After advancing to Supervisor, he took on the broader responsibility of Safety Officer, leading Metro West’s company-wide safety collective. In this role, Charlie has helped make safety a shared organizational priority, influencing practices throughout the company, from field operations to the communications center.

Through his work as a clinician, mentor, Supervisor, and Safety Officer, Charlie has demonstrated that protecting patients and EMS professionals requires more than policies and procedures—it requires a culture in which safety is practiced every day. His leadership has helped strengthen that culture throughout Metro West Ambulance.

Metro West Ambulance is proud to recognize Paramedic and Safety Officer Charlie Reynolds as a Star of Life.

Jeff Traviss is a Paramedic with Umpqua Valley Ambulance who has dedicated 22 years to providing exceptional patient care while helping develop the EMS professionals who serve alongside him.

Throughout his career, Jeff has taken on numerous leadership and educational responsibilities, serving as a Field Training Officer, Supervisor, Clinical Preceptor, and Instructor. In each role, he has demonstrated a commitment to professionalism, mentorship, and the continued growth of those entering and advancing within the EMS profession.

Jeff’s willingness to share the knowledge and experience gained over more than two decades has made him a valued resource and trusted mentor. Whether responding to an emergency, teaching a class, guiding a developing provider, or helping ensure his organization has the resources it needs, Jeff consistently steps forward when he is needed. His influence extends beyond the patients he personally treats to the many EMS professionals who have benefited from his instruction, encouragement, and example.

That same commitment is evident in Jeff’s life outside EMS. He and his wife, Chancey, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of their 17-year-old daughter, Raeleigh, who is the apple of her father’s eye. Jeff enjoys coaching soccer and traveling to support Raeleigh at her sporting events, making family an important priority alongside his EMS career.

Through 22 years of patient care, leadership, education, and mentorship, Jeff has demonstrated a lasting commitment to both his community and the EMS profession. Umpqua Valley Ambulance is proud to recognize Paramedic Jeff Traviss as a Star of Life.

Allison “Allie” Reed is a Paramedic and Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Officer with Bay Cities Ambulance. Although she has been a Paramedic since 2023, Allie has already made a meaningful impact on her organization, her colleagues, and the patients she serves.

Allie brings genuine compassion and dedication to every aspect of her work. She takes pride in doing things the right way—not simply because it is expected, but because she cares deeply about the people who depend on her. That commitment is evident both in the care she provides in the field and in the support she offers her fellow EMS professionals.

As Bay Cities Ambulance’s Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Officer, Allie has embraced the responsibility of helping the organization continually learn and improve. She approaches QA/QI not simply as a process for identifying mistakes, but as an opportunity for education, professional development, and stronger patient care. Her supportive approach encourages coworkers to learn from each experience while strengthening the organization as a whole.

Allie is also someone her colleagues know they can rely on. Whether providing clinical support, offering a second perspective, or simply stepping in when help is needed, she consistently demonstrates that EMS is about more than responding to calls. It is about serving people with compassion during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and supporting the professionals who provide that care.

Through her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to continuous improvement, Allie demonstrates that leadership in EMS is measured not only in years of service, but also in the positive influence a provider has on patients and colleagues. Bay Cities Ambulance is proud to recognize Paramedic Allie Reed as a Star of Life.

Danyel Hornaday is a Senior Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Pioneer Ambulance who has devoted more than 25 years to emergency medical services. Throughout her career, she has distinguished herself not only through exceptional patient care, but also through her leadership and commitment to strengthening rural EMS systems in Oregon.

Danyel has played an important role in bringing high-quality clinical protocols and organized Field Training Officer programs to rural EMS. Her efforts have helped provide structure, consistency, and strong clinical standards for providers serving communities where resources can be limited and EMS professionals must be prepared to meet a wide range of challenges.

Recognizing that excellent emergency care depends on strong partnerships, Danyel has also built lasting relationships with law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and hospitals. These connections have helped strengthen collaboration among the professionals and organizations responsible for caring for patients throughout the communities she serves.

Perhaps Danyel’s greatest legacy can be found in the EMS professionals she has mentored. Over the years, she has guided and encouraged countless trainees, sharing her knowledge, experience, and expectations for high-quality patient care. Many of those providers have gone on to assume leadership positions themselves, extending Danyel’s influence to another generation of EMS professionals.

After more than 25 years in EMS, Danyel remains steadfast in her commitment to patients, colleagues, and the profession. Her influence can be seen in the systems she has helped strengthen, the partnerships she has built, and the providers she has prepared to serve and lead.

Pioneer Ambulance is proud to recognize Senior Paramedic and Field Training Officer Danyel Hornaday as a Star of Life for her leadership, mentorship, and enduring commitment to advancing high-quality emergency medical care in rural Oregon.

Jason Hawkins is an EMT-Intermediate with Medix Ambulance Service whose dedication to professional growth, patient advocacy, and compassionate care has made him a valued member of the Medix family since 2017.

Jason began his career with Medix as an EMT and has continually worked to expand his education and abilities as an EMS professional. He advanced to Advanced EMT and today serves as an EMT-Intermediate, taking on greater clinical responsibility while continuing to seek opportunities to improve the care he provides.

Colleagues know Jason for his unique and sometimes quirky personality, which brings character to the workplace. Beneath that individuality is an extraordinarily loyal EMS professional who genuinely cares about his patients, coworkers, and organization. Nearly a decade after joining Medix, that commitment remains a defining part of who he is.

Jason is never content to provide care simply because “that is how it has always been done.” He continually asks how he can become a better clinician, improve the patient experience, and deliver the highest level of care possible within his scope of practice. That desire to learn and improve has accompanied every step of his professional progression.

Above all, Jason is an exceptional patient advocate. He understands that EMS professionals often meet people when they are frightened, vulnerable, confused, or unable to effectively advocate for themselves. Jason takes the time to listen, understand his patients’ concerns, and speak up for what he believes is in their best interest. For him, patient care is about more than treating an illness or injury; it is about caring for the person experiencing it.

Jason demonstrates that technical knowledge and clinical skills are only part of what makes an outstanding EMS professional. Compassion, integrity, advocacy, loyalty, and a genuine desire to continually improve are equally important. Through his continued professional development and steadfast commitment to those he serves, Jason embodies each of these qualities.

Medix Ambulance Service is proud to recognize EMT-Intermediate Jason Hawkins as a Star of Life for his dedication to patient advocacy, continued professional growth, and loyal service to his patients, colleagues, organization, and community.

Kate Crain has dedicated 23 years to Woodburn Ambulance as a Paramedic and Shift Officer, building a career defined not only by excellent patient care, but also by an extraordinary commitment to her coworkers, her organization, and the EMS profession.

Throughout her career, Kate has worn many hats, always with the goal of making Woodburn Ambulance a better place to work and ensuring crews have the resources and support they need to serve their communities. She has become a trusted resource for employees at all hours, routinely making herself available to resolve fleet and equipment issues, address unexpected scheduling challenges, and find solutions that keep ambulances staffed and operational.

Kate’s willingness to step in whenever a problem arises has made her an invaluable source of support for field crews and organizational leadership alike. Just as importantly, she is a constant advocate and cheerleader for her coworkers. Kate makes a point of recognizing their accomplishments and helping create a workplace culture in which employees feel valued, appreciated, and supported.

Her contributions also extend into the community. Kate has revitalized Woodburn Ambulance’s social media presence, using it to showcase the people behind the organization, highlight the important work being performed throughout the communities it serves, and promote a positive image of EMS. Through these efforts, she has helped the public see not only the professionalism of EMS providers, but also their dedication and humanity.

Kate’s commitment to Woodburn Ambulance extends far beyond any single job description. Whether solving a fleet problem, helping cover a difficult shift, supporting a coworker, celebrating the achievements of her colleagues, or sharing the story of EMS with the community, she consistently puts others and the success of the organization first.

After 23 years of service, Kate continues to demonstrate the leadership, dependability, and generosity that have made her such an important part of Woodburn Ambulance. Woodburn Ambulance is proud to recognize Paramedic Kate Crain as a Star of Life.

Rhiannon Chuck is a Paramedic with Pacific West Ambulance whose clinical skill, compassion, and infectious positivity have distinguished her since joining the organization in the spring of 2022.

Known for her upbeat attitude and sense of humor, Rhiannon brings energy and encouragement to those around her, helping brighten even the most difficult days. Although relatively new to her role as a Paramedic, she has quickly earned the confidence of her colleagues through outstanding patient care, strong critical-thinking skills, and a bedside manner that reflects both compassion and maturity.

Rhiannon has already faced some of the most challenging calls encountered in the 911 system. One response in particular demonstrated her ability to remain composed and provide critical care under exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Rhiannon responded to a patient experiencing severe anaphylaxis in a remote wooded area, where resources were limited and she was the only Paramedic on scene. Faced with a life-threatening emergency in an environment where additional support and equipment were not readily available, Rhiannon relied on her clinical knowledge and critical-thinking skills to care for the patient. Her performance under pressure exemplified the resourcefulness and confidence required of EMS professionals working in challenging conditions.

For Rhiannon, however, excellent patient care is about more than clinical interventions. Her compassion and bedside manner help patients feel cared for during frightening and uncertain moments, while her humor and positive outlook make her a valued presence among her colleagues.

Rhiannon has set a high standard early in her career as a Paramedic, demonstrating that experience is measured not only in years, but also in how a provider responds when patients need them most. Pacific West Ambulance is proud to recognize Paramedic Rhiannon Chuck as a Star of Life for the skill, compassion, critical thinking, and positivity she brings to her patients and her EMS team.

It’s every new parent’s worst nightmare: your newborn suddenly stops breathing and you are powerless to help. Last fall, that terrifying moment became reality for one mother—but in the midst of panic and fear, Dylan Graves became a beacon of hope.

Dylan is being honored for his heroic actions in saving the life of a 12-day-old infant who had stopped breathing. With calm precision and unwavering focus, he worked alongside his partner and local firefighters to resuscitate the baby, stabilize the situation, and ensure the child was safely transported to the hospital.

Thanks to their swift and coordinated response, the infant made a full recovery and was soon discharged home. To the grateful mother, Dylan isn’t just a first responder—he is a lifesaver. She continues to share her gratitude, praising Dylan and the entire crew who answered her desperate call for help. Their courage and compassion transformed a moment of unimaginable fear into one of miraculous relief.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Lead Paramedic and Field Training Officer Dylan Graves as a Star of Life!

Chris Crawford is being recognized as a Star of Life for his exceptional clinical expertise and his ability to connect with patients on a human level.

In one extraordinary case, Chris’s keen diagnostic skills identified a rare, life-threatening aortic dissection in a patient whose vital signs initially appeared normal. Aortic dissections are notoriously difficult to detect, but Chris’s vigilance and clinical judgment prompted immediate changes to the care plan, ultimately saving the patient’s life.

Chris’s dedication extends beyond technical proficiency. On another call, he demonstrated his remarkable compassion when caring for a young patient with autism. By patiently engaging with the child in a calm, reassuring manner, Chris eased their anxiety, creating a safe environment where their medical needs could be addressed effectively.

Through moments like these, Chris has earned the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of the community he serves. American Medical Response is proud to honor Chris Crawford as a Star of Life.

Christopher Spilde excels at providing excellent and compassionate care to patients in his community and is equally committed to fostering this same standard of care among his peers.

With approximately 28 years of service in Emergency Medical Services, nearly half of them within the Metro West family of companies, Christopher has become a trusted leader and mentor. At Woodburn Ambulance, he consistently demonstrated his commitment to EMS by mentoring others, even before holding formal leadership roles. Colleagues frequently sought his guidance to improve their performance and deepen their operational understanding.

Because of his dedication to supporting others, Christopher quickly advanced through the ranks at Woodburn Ambulance. He has served as a Field Training Officer and Shift Officer, and today he holds the role of Clinical Manager while also leading the company’s Quality Assurance Program. In addition, Christopher regularly contributes as an instructor, teaching classes for local first responders.

His unwavering dedication, wealth of experience, and commitment to excellence embody the very spirit of the Stars of Life award. Christopher’s impact on Woodburn Ambulance and the citizens it serves is both deep and lasting. Woodburn Ambulance is proud to recognize him as a Star of Life.

Joe Scott has been a dedicated member of Medix Ambulance in Warrenton, OR since 2016. He began his EMS career in a wheelchair van, quickly obtaining his EMT license within a few months. Joe has since worked full-time on the ambulance, consistently striving to advance his career and enhance the level of care he provides.

In 2022, Joe earned his Paramedic certification from the National Medical Education & Training Center in West Bridgewater, MA, as part of Medix’s tuition assistance program. Since obtaining his Paramedic credentials, Joe has swiftly climbed the ranks, becoming a Field Training Officer and Shift Lead. He also served on the company’s safety committee, holding the roles of Safety Officer and Chairperson. In addition, Joe taught the Advanced EMT course at a local community college in 2022, further demonstrating his commitment to education and mentorship.

Before his EMS career, Joe studied music with a focus on percussion and worked as an arranger and instructor for high school marching bands and percussion ensembles. He is currently pursuing his CCP-C certification to expand his knowledge and provide exceptional care to his patients.

Medix Ambulance Service is proud to nominate Joe Scott as a 2024 Star of Life for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to the EMS profession.

Don Marr has served his community through EMS and EMS education for more than 40 years. During that time, he has held the positions of EMS Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor at Southwestern Oregon Community College, Training Officer for Bay Cities Ambulance, Education Specialist at Bay Area Hospital, Senior NCO for the Oregon Army National Guard Medical Training Team, and Emergency Medical Response Coordinator for the US Navy in the Emergency Management Office at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home of the 5th Fleet.

Don has been a guest instructor in the two medical schools in Lithuania as a team member providing the first ACLS training in Lithuania, and at the medical school in Bahrain mentoring the instructors setting up and providing the first Pediatric Advanced Life Support training and certification in Bahrain. While in Bahrain Don taught the “Medical Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction Course” to US Navy medical personnel and doctors, nurses, and Paramedics from Salmaniya Medical Center, Bahrain. Don is currently a Paramedic and Paramedic Preceptor at Bay Cities Ambulance.

Don enjoys going on long-distance motorcycle ride as well as helping his wife of 43 years with her collection of chickens, ducks, and geese.

Thank you, Don Marr, for all that you do to support Bay Cities Ambulance and the communities we serve.

Jason Hodges, Operations Supervisor and Honor Guard Commander for American Medical Response in Washington County, Oregon, is being honored for his unwavering selflessness and dedication to his patients and team members. Since joining the AMR Honor Guard in 2011, Jason has been an active participant in numerous memorials and events supporting both AMR and affiliated organizations. As the current Commander of the Honor Guard for the Oregon/Southwest Washington region, Jason goes above and beyond to ensure that each memorial event is flawlessly executed and that the families affected are well taken care of.

In addition to his Honor Guard responsibilities, Jason extends his compassion and leadership to his fellow crew members, often acting as a mentor in times of need. In 2023, he joined the Multnomah County leadership team as a relief supervisor, seamlessly transitioning into this role and quickly earning the respect and admiration of his field medics. Jason’s commitment to his team and the community is evident through his actions, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty.

Jason has also deployed to disaster-stricken areas, assisting vulnerable citizens in the aftermath of hurricanes and wildfires, exemplifying the GMR mission of providing care to the world at a moment’s notice. His selfless dedication and leadership make him an invaluable asset to the EMS profession, and American Medical Response is proud to recognize Jason Hodges as a Star of Life.

Jorge Garcia, an Emergency Medical Technician at Umpqua Valley Ambulance, joined the EMS profession in 2019. He is currently completing Paramedic School, furthering his passion for caring for his community—a passion he has nurtured from a young age. Initially finding his calling as a Pastor in his church, Jorge later expanded his service to the medical field, where he continues to make a significant impact.

In addition to his EMT career and paramedic studies, Jorge remains active in his church, volunteers with his local Fire Department, and enjoys experimenting with cooking. He’s particularly famous among friends and colleagues for his habanero chicken mac and cheese.

Jorge is recognized by his supervisor and peers as a spirited, intellectual individual who consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care and comfort to his patients. He lives by the personal motto: “A mission given is a mission complete.”

Jorge’s dedication to his profession and his community has made him an invaluable asset to Umpqua Valley Ambulance. The company is proud to nominate Jorge Garcia as a 2024 Star of Life, honoring his commitment, compassion, and unwavering love for EMS.

Cassandra Clark, a Paramedic at Medix Ambulance Service, has been an integral part of the team since becoming one of the first Paramedics at our Longview, Washington location. With ten years of experience, she has worked in a wide range of environments, from extremely rural areas to high-volume urban emergency response.

Cassandra’s passion for healthcare began at a young age. Inspired by her mother, who worked in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, Cassandra spent her youth volunteering at the assisted living facility her mother managed. Her interest in emergency medical services was sparked when her father enrolled her in an EMT course at the Lovelock Volunteer Fire Department, and she’s been committed to the field ever since.

In addition to her role as a Paramedic, Cassandra serves as an EMT and Paramedic Training Assistant, helping manage training and recertification for her colleagues. She also works as an on-shift supervisor, supporting her team with her leadership and experience.

Medix Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Cassandra Clark as a 2024 Star of Life for her dedication, expertise, and contributions to both her team and the community she serves.

Aubree Arneson is being recognized for her clinical expertise, which led to the successful resuscitation of a cardiac arrest patient. Aubree was off duty, working out at the gym when the person on the exercise machine next to her went down. Aubree recognized the signs of cardiac arrest, calmly had someone call 911, retrieved the gym’s AED and initiated CPR with the help of a gym employee. Together they applied the AED and performed CPR until an ambulance arrived, then assisted the crew in treating and transporting the patient. The patient had a return of spontaneous circulation shortly after the ambulance arrived. Aubree’s quick, calm and precise response to this sudden cardiac arrest greatly improved the odds of this positive outcome.

Aubree became an EMT about six years ago, then progressed to the Advanced EMT level two years ago. She plans to continue to advance her career by taking the Intermediate EMT course when it becomes available. She is also known for always helping fellow team members by taking on additional duties and sharing her skills and knowledge.

Daniel Lee distinguished himself through courage and skill by going beyond the call of duty to rescue his fellow crew members after the unthinkable happened.

On an afternoon in May 2022, Lee picked up a shift on an AL3 Klamath helicopter to help out his team and keep the aircraft in service. He, along with a newly hired registered nurse, a respiratory therapist, and the pilot had completed one call. While sitting on the helipad, the team was dispatched to another hospital. Arriving at the scene, the aircraft lost stability and crashed.

Lee reacted quickly and pulled all remaining crew members from the damaged aircraft. He triaged his peers based on acuity, started IVs on everyone, and gave medications as appropriate. He continued to care for and advocate for his team, even though he was also injured. He made sure everyone had help and insisted on staying with the newest team member to make her feel safe.

His quick thinking and expertise saved lives that day.

Demonstrating that EMS, at times, requires more than medical skill to save lives, Sean Fuller is being honored for his actions when dispatched to a suicide attempt. Fuller’s supervisors highlighted the humanity that Sean brought to a situation that is often tense and difficult for patients and first responders alike.

By coincidence, Sean recognized the emotionally fragile patient’s home as formerly belonging to the family of one of his childhood friends. While providing medical treatment, he helped the patient stabilize with stories of the times he had spent there, which had proved to be a blessing in Sean’s life. By the end of the transport, the patient was not only calm, but was laughing along with Sean, when mere minutes before the patient had been holding a suicide note and threatening to harm themselves.

Upon arrival at the hospital, staff determined that restraints were no longer needed. They were then able to provide continued care in a de-escalated environment, which was better for everyone.

Carol Boies has proudly served as an EMT at Falck Northwest Ambulance for more than four years. Residing in Salem, Oregon with her family, Carol continues her committed service at Falck Northwest.

In May 2023, Carol and her partner were dispatched to a harrowing scene: a 9-year-old girl, showing signs of abuse, was discovered unconscious, face down in cold bathwater. Upon assessment, the young patient was in a persistent PEA state and her body temperature had dropped significantly. Without hesitation, Carol and her paramedic partner initiated full ACLS and CPR. Despite their intense efforts over 45 minutes, the child’s rhythm remained unchanged. However, they noted a persistent and steady nominal ETCO2 reading. As Carol consistently delivered high-quality CPR, her partner successfully established an airway.

Despite the lack of observable improvement in the patient’s condition, the team made the decisive choice to transport her to the hospital, holding onto the hope that her cold presentation might prove beneficial in a medical setting.

Upon arrival at Salem Hospital, the young girl was immediately placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), resulting in the return of her pulses. Her recovery journey continued at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), where she showed remarkable progress. Recently, she was discharged from the hospital, not only capable of speaking and communicating but also actively participating in an ongoing investigation with law enforcement.

The successful recovery of this child stands as a testament to the impeccable CPR skills, judicious decisions, and unyielding persistence displayed by Carol and her partner. Their swift actions not only saved a young life but also paved the way for the wheels of justice to turn. Above all, this young girl has been given a second chance at life, and thanks to the heroism of Carol and her partner, her future looks promising.

Don started his EMS career over 37 years ago as an EMT/Firefighter in Astoria, Oregon. While he enjoyed being a firefighter, he fell in love with the EMS side of the job.

As such, 19 years ago, Don came to Medix Ambulance as a Paramedic Supervisor. Three years ago, Don progressed to overseeing the operations in our newest division in Longview, Washington.

Don’s dedication to his job, the company, and the care of our patients has been a huge part of Medix’s continued success.

Don has been married to his high school sweetheart for 35 years. Together they share three beloved children. The couple adores doting on their four grandchildren.

Medix is proud to call Don Thomas a 2023 Star of Life.