Diane Lane serves as Vice President of Operations for Frontier Ambulance and has been an influential EMS provider and leader within Fremont County for more than two decades. Throughout her career, Diane has distinguished herself through operational leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to building meaningful partnerships among emergency medical services, Fremont County, the State of Wyoming, and the communities of the Wind River Reservation.

A steadfast supporter of frontline EMS professionals, Diane works to ensure field personnel have the resources, guidance, and operational support they need to provide exceptional emergency medical care. Her leadership has helped strengthen organizational effectiveness while building trust between EMS and the communities Frontier Ambulance serves.

Diane’s commitment to community extends well beyond traditional EMS operations. She has been instrumental in developing collaborative programs to support trauma survivors, working alongside Tribal Victim Services, local victim advocacy organizations, and Frontier Ambulance EMS professionals. Through these partnerships, she has helped create supportive environments where individuals can connect with critical resources and begin the process of healing with dignity.

Diane is also a passionate advocate for raising awareness of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis. Through her support of MMIP Wind River, she champions efforts focused on visibility, education, and community engagement surrounding an issue of profound importance to Indigenous families and communities.

Her commitment to community resilience extends to emergency preparedness and disaster response. Diane works with the American Red Cross of Wyoming, FEMA, local governments, and regional stakeholders to strengthen disaster readiness throughout Fremont County. These collaborative efforts help communities prepare for emergencies and strengthen the systems that protect residents during times of crisis.

Underlying each of these efforts is Diane’s belief that EMS is an essential public service and a cornerstone of community health and safety. Whether advocating for field personnel, supporting trauma survivors, strengthening relationships with Tribal communities, or improving disaster preparedness, Diane brings people and organizations together around a shared commitment to serving others.

Through more than two decades of leadership, advocacy, and community service, Diane has helped strengthen both EMS and the communities it serves. Frontier Ambulance is proud to recognize Diane Lane as a Star of Life.

Garrett Lide is a Paramedic with Magnolia Ambulance, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies, who brings 12 years of EMS experience and a deep commitment to clinical excellence, education, and mentorship. Throughout his career, Garrett has served as a field training officer, Flight Paramedic, educator, preceptor, and mentor. He holds an associate degree in Emergency Medical Science and is a Certified Flight Paramedic.

Garrett began his career in ground EMS, responding to emergency and nonemergency calls before pursuing advanced education to expand the level of care he could provide. He went on to spend six years in air medical transport, applying advanced critical care skills while caring for some of the most complex and critically ill patients.

His commitment to advancing EMS extends well beyond his own professional development. For five years, Garrett served as a Paramedic instructor and clinical skills educator at Meridian Community College, preparing future EMTs and Paramedics to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care. Since returning to ground EMS with Magnolia Ambulance, he has continued to embrace clinical innovation, supporting programs such as the RESCUE initiative, which enables prehospital blood administration when time is critical and transport distances are long.

Garrett is equally passionate about developing the people around him. He consistently challenges colleagues and students to move beyond average and pursue the highest standard of patient care. Students frequently request Garrett as their preceptor because of his calm demeanor, supportive teaching style, and genuine enthusiasm for helping others succeed. Many continue to seek his guidance long after their formal instruction has ended, a testament to the lasting impact he has as a mentor.

That same dedication is evident at the patient’s side. Magnolia Ambulance leadership honored Garrett with a Service of Excellence Award after a patient’s family publicly praised the extraordinary care he and his partner provided. For Garrett, clinical excellence and compassion are inseparable, and he brings both to every patient encounter.

Through advanced clinical practice, progressive thinking, education, mentorship, and compassionate service, Garrett has strengthened the EMS profession and made a meaningful difference for patients, colleagues, and students alike. Magnolia Ambulance is proud to recognize Garrett Lide as a Star of Life.

Richard “Blandon” Johnson III is an Operations Supervisor and Paramedic with Central EMS, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. Since joining the organization in 2023, Blandon has distinguished himself through integrity, steady leadership, clinical excellence, and a lifelong commitment to public service.

Blandon began his career in the fire service, where his accountability and team-centered approach quickly earned the trust of his peers and led to advancement into an officer role. His responsibilities included overseeing field teams, logistics, and fleet operations while strengthening coordination among emergency management, EMS, 911 dispatch, law enforcement, and local government. Those experiences shaped a leadership philosophy centered on preparedness, collaboration, and developing the people around him.

Blandon is particularly passionate about preparing the next generation of public safety leaders. Recognizing the challenges providers face when transitioning into mid-level management, he has developed practical strategies to train, engage, and inspire emerging leaders. Through mentorship, professional resources, and succession planning, he works to ensure that others have the knowledge and support necessary to succeed.

On January 12, 2026, Blandon’s clinical expertise and composure were tested under profoundly personal circumstances. Responding to an emergency at the fire station where his father served as station officer, Blandon found his father unresponsive and without signs of life. Faced with the collision of his roles as both son and Paramedic, Blandon relied on his training to help lead the resuscitation effort. The response was successful, and just 63 days later, his father returned to full duty.

The experience gave Blandon an intensely personal perspective on the impact of emergency medical care and further strengthened his commitment to paramedicine. It reinforced what he has spent his career teaching others: preparation, teamwork, and decisive action can make an extraordinary difference when every moment matters.

Blandon also serves on the Augusta-Richmond County Emergency Disaster Planning Committee, collaborating with fire, law enforcement, and emergency management partners to develop plans, procedures, and protocols that strengthen interagency preparedness and large-scale disaster response.

Through his leadership, mentorship, clinical expertise, resilience, and commitment to community preparedness, Blandon strengthens both the people and systems entrusted with responding when others need help most. Central EMS is proud to recognize Richard “Blandon” Johnson III as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Taliyah Hockaday is an EMT and Field Training Officer with LifeCare Medical Transports, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. Through her patient-centered care, leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence, Taliyah has quickly become a respected clinician and an important influence on the next generation of EMS professionals.

Taliyah’s EMS journey began in 2022 when she joined one of LifeCare Medical Transports’ first internally developed EMT courses. She embraced every opportunity to learn and grow, progressing from student to accomplished EMT and, ultimately, Field Training Officer. Her journey reflects what dedication, professionalism, and a genuine passion for serving others can achieve.

In the field, Taliyah is known for sound clinical judgment, compassion, and an ability to reassure patients and families during vulnerable moments. Her calm demeanor and professionalism help establish trust while ensuring that each patient is treated with dignity and respect.

Taliyah’s influence extends well beyond the patients she serves. As a Field Training Officer, she has become a dedicated mentor to new employees, creating an environment in which they feel supported while also being challenged to grow. Her leadership balances accountability with encouragement, helping new providers develop the confidence, competence, and commitment necessary to deliver high-quality care. Many of the employees she has mentored credit Taliyah with having a meaningful influence on their professional development and success.

Her journey from student to mentor also makes Taliyah a powerful role model for those entering LifeCare’s educational programs. Drawing from her own experience, she demonstrates the opportunities available to those willing to work hard, continue learning, and embrace a career of service. By sharing her story and encouraging students to pursue careers in EMS, Taliyah is helping strengthen the profession’s future workforce.

In just a few years, Taliyah has progressed from learning the fundamentals of EMS to helping others build careers of their own. Through her clinical excellence, servant leadership, mentorship, and investment in others, she has made a meaningful impact on patients, colleagues, and students while representing LifeCare and the EMS profession with distinction.

LifeCare Medical Transports is proud to recognize Taliyah Hockaday as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Richard “Rick” Grill Jr. is an Operations Supervisor and Critical Care Transport Paramedic with Seals Ambulance, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. With nearly four decades devoted to public safety, Rick has built a career spanning emergency medical services, fire and rescue, and law enforcement while earning a reputation as a dedicated clinician, leader, educator, and mentor.

Rick began his EMS career in rural Indiana in 1989. After three years as an EMT, he advanced to Advanced EMT before earning his Paramedic certification in 1995. His broad public safety experience has included service with both municipal and private agencies as well as three years as a member of a SWAT team.

Since joining Seals Ambulance in 2003, Rick has served the organization in numerous leadership and clinical roles, including Training Coordinator, Safety Team member, Field Supervisor, Operations Supervisor, and Critical Care Transport Paramedic. He has also played an important role in promoting safe ambulance operations as the organization’s primary driving instructor and CEVO facilitator.

Throughout his career, Rick has demonstrated that one of the most meaningful ways an experienced EMS professional can serve is by investing in those who follow. He has coordinated education for EMS personnel and two volunteer fire departments and continues to share decades of experience as a master driving instructor, trainer, mentor, and operations leader. Through that work, his influence extends well beyond the patients and colleagues he encounters personally to the many responders who have benefited from his instruction and guidance.

Rick’s commitment to service also reaches beyond the workplace. He has volunteered with his local hospital and two fire departments, continuing a pattern of community involvement that has defined his professional life.

Through his exceptional longevity, broad public safety experience, clinical expertise, and steadfast dedication to developing others, Rick has made a lasting contribution to his colleagues, patients, organization, and community. Seals Ambulance is proud to recognize Richard “Rick” Grill Jr. as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Tyler Felten, BSN, RN, is a Critical Care Transport nurse with Maricopa Ambulance, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. With more than 18 years of emergency services experience, Tyler has built a career defined by clinical excellence, purposeful leadership, and an unwavering commitment to critically ill patients.

Tyler’s path began as a Phoenix Fire Department cadet and continued through service as an EMT, emergency transport, and work in a Level I trauma center while earning his nursing degree. After completing his BSN, he returned to the trauma center as a registered nurse and advanced into emergency department leadership. His career ultimately led him to serve as Chief Nursing Officer of a Chandler micro-hospital and in leadership roles at emergency departments throughout the Valley.

In July 2025, Tyler chose to leave nursing leadership and return to direct patient care, joining Maricopa Ambulance’s Critical Care Transport team. Since then, he has provided advanced care to high-acuity patients while also helping strengthen the program’s clinical standards, training, and resources.

When Maricopa Ambulance needed additional training leadership, Tyler stepped forward. Working alongside the company’s Medical Director, he has helped enhance clinical policies and protocols and develop advanced ventilator and infusion pump training for field Paramedics. His extensive clinical expertise is further supported by certifications in ACLS, PALS, BLS, NRP, TNCC, and Pediatric ITLS.

Tyler’s commitment to service extends well beyond his formal responsibilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped lead a Chandler micro-hospital through extraordinary operational challenges, working to keep the facility staffed and available to patients. His dedication to others, which began with volunteer EMS service and included two years of full-time volunteering, continues today through community instruction in first aid and resuscitation and through his mentorship of Paramedics and fellow Critical Care Transport nurses.

Throughout his career, Tyler has demonstrated that leadership is not defined solely by a title, but by a willingness to step forward, share knowledge, and improve care for others. Through his clinical expertise, initiative, mentorship, and investment in critical care education, Tyler has strengthened Maricopa Ambulance’s Critical Care Transport program and helped expand access to high-quality care for patients when they need it most.

Maricopa Ambulance is proud to recognize Tyler Felten as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Kayla Edgar is a Paramedic Supervisor with Lake Valley EMS, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. Since beginning her public safety career as a volunteer firefighter with the Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Department in October 2021, Kayla has demonstrated exceptional initiative, rapid professional growth, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

Kayla earned her New York State EMT certification in April 2022, followed by National Interior Firefighting Certification that July. Driven to continue advancing her clinical skills, she earned both her New York State and National Registry Paramedic credentials in September 2024.

Even as she pursued her own education, Kayla invested in the development of others. She volunteered as a mentor for SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic students and later represented students through SEMSCO. Since 2025, Kayla has served Lake Valley EMS in operations management and supervisory roles, readily stepping into whatever function the organization has needed. Her practical leadership, versatility, and dependability have earned the confidence of her colleagues.

Kayla also recognizes that some of the most valuable lessons in EMS come from experience. She uses challenging calls as opportunities for reflection and education, helping colleagues strengthen their clinical judgment, learn from difficult situations, and become more confident providers. In spring 2026, she further expanded her ability to educate others by earning Certified Lab Instructor credentials.

Her influence extends beyond clinical and operational leadership to the employee experience and organizational culture. In November 2025, Kayla partnered with the Priority HR team to introduce Nectar, an employee recognition and engagement platform, and she has continued to lead efforts that recognize employees and strengthen engagement throughout the organization.

Through her commitment to lifelong learning, mentorship, employee recognition, operational leadership, and volunteer fire service, Kayla exemplifies the versatility and service-minded leadership that strengthen both EMS organizations and the communities they serve. Lake Valley EMS is proud to recognize Kayla Edgar as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Bridget Blair is a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Shoals Ambulance, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. During her 12 years with the organization, Bridget has distinguished herself as an exceptional clinician, dedicated mentor, and trusted leader whose influence extends far beyond the patients she serves.

For the past four years, Bridget has served as a Field Training Officer, training more than 40 employees and earning a reputation for exceptional clinical and operational judgment, meticulous documentation, and a patient, deliberate teaching style. She takes the time to understand each employee’s strengths and challenges, providing individualized guidance that helps develop confident, accountable EMS professionals.

Bridget has a particular talent for translating leadership improvement plans into practical field coaching. Through thoughtful instruction and consistent support, she helps employees overcome challenges, meet performance expectations, and provide safer, more consistent care. Her influence can be seen in the stronger clinicians, higher-quality documentation, and greater operational readiness of those she trains, creating an impact that reaches far beyond any single shift.

Her dedication to others extends well beyond the expectations of her role. Bridget routinely makes herself available to answer clinical and operational questions and willingly comes in on her days off when employees need additional support. Her colleagues know they can turn to her not only for knowledge and guidance, but also for encouragement and a genuine commitment to their success.

Bridget brings that same spirit of service to Shoals Ambulance and the broader community. She regularly volunteers her time to support office moves, holiday activities, galas, employee engagement initiatives, Touch-a-Truck events, and other efforts that strengthen connections among employees and the communities they serve.

Through her clinical excellence, selfless mentorship, and unwavering commitment to others, Bridget has strengthened individual careers, elevated team performance, and helped ensure patients receive the skilled, dependable care they deserve. Shoals Ambulance is proud to recognize Bridget Blair as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Christina Mount-Barnes is an Operations Supervisor and Critical Care Transport Paramedic with Puckett EMS, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. For more than two decades, she has served patients and communities with skill, compassion, and an enduring commitment to advancing emergency medical services.

Christina began her EMS career as an EMT-B in 2003, earned her EMT-IV credential less than a year later, became a Paramedic in 2008, and achieved Critical Care Paramedic certification in 2016. Since joining Puckett EMS in 2012, she has served as a field Paramedic, American Heart Association instructor, Critical Care Paramedic, Field Training Officer, and, since 2023, Operations Supervisor within the Marion and Sequatchie County 911 system.

Throughout her career, Christina has demonstrated a remarkable ability to recognize emerging needs and turn them into meaningful action. She helped establish the Marion and Sequatchie County Overdose Committee, supporting the development of leave-behind rehabilitation and naloxone kits as well as overdose-mapping initiatives that strengthen local and state prevention efforts.

Christina’s calm command presence is equally evident during large-scale emergencies. She helped manage a 10-vehicle mass-casualty incident in October 2021 and a battery plant fire mass-casualty incident in December 2023. Continuing her efforts to expand specialized care in the region, Christina is also helping lay the foundation for one of Tennessee’s first ground-based K9 transport teams in collaboration with LifeForce.

Her leadership and clinical excellence have earned the respect of both her peers and community. Christina was selected by her colleagues as Paramedic of the Year in 2015 and has been recognized as “Marion County’s Finest Paramedic.” Her commitment to public service extends beyond Puckett EMS through her work as a Marion County Medical Examiner Investigator since 2018 and as a volunteer firefighter with the Kimball Fire Department since 2022.

Despite her many accomplishments, Christina is known for her humility, integrity, and natural ability to inspire, mentor, and motivate others. Whether leading crews through complex emergencies, developing solutions to community health challenges, mentoring fellow EMS professionals, or expanding access to specialized care, she consistently puts service at the center of her work.

Through clinical excellence, innovation, mentorship, emergency leadership, and sustained community service, Christina has made a lasting impact on her patients, colleagues, and the communities she proudly serves. Puckett EMS is proud to recognize Christina Mount-Barnes as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Brandon Waldorff serves as Operations Manager and a Critical Care Paramedic with Sunstate Ambulance, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. With more than a decade of EMS experience, Brandon has built a distinguished career defined by clinical excellence, organizational vision, and servant leadership. A United States Coast Guard veteran, he carries forward the values of honor, respect, devotion to duty, and service that shaped his military career. Brandon demonstrated that same commitment early in his EMS career, graduating as valedictorian of both his EMT and Paramedic programs.

At Sunstate Ambulance, Brandon has been instrumental in turning a startup concept into a professional, accountable, and mission-driven ambulance service. He authored key operational resources, including standard operating procedures, training programs, employee and facility safety programs, quality assurance and improvement processes, and inventory and vehicle management systems. He also helped define Sunstate’s mission and core values.

Brandon’s impact extends well beyond the traditional responsibilities of an Operations Manager. He personally trains and mentors lieutenants and emerging leaders, instilling professionalism, humility, integrity, and a commitment to serving employees and patients. He also supports the broader public safety community as founder and lead writer of The Line and The Oath, where he cohosts a podcast and writes weekly articles on leadership, character, resilience, faith, mental health, and life beyond the uniform. Through this work, Brandon preserves the traditions and values of service while fostering conversations that promote support, accountability, purpose, and personal growth among first responders.

Brandon’s willingness to build what does not yet exist, develop those around him, and place the mission above himself has strengthened EMS organizations, inspired future leaders, improved patient care, and benefited the communities they serve.

Through his leadership, service, and commitment to others, Brandon exemplifies the values of the EMS profession. Sunstate Ambulance is proud to recognize Brandon Waldorff as a 2026 Star of Life.