Since joining Maricopa Ambulance as a Paramedic in March 2023, Alec Belau has quickly distinguished himself through his work ethic, positive attitude, and passion for patient care and teaching. His dedication led to his selection for the Maricopa Ambulance Field Training Officer (FTO) Academy. Upon completing the rigorous program, Alec was promoted to Field Training Officer Paramedic in November 2023.

As an FTO Paramedic, Alec has gone above and beyond in his role, earning American Heart Association Instructor certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). These qualifications allow Alec to conduct regular certification refreshers, ensuring that Maricopa Ambulance’s field personnel are well-prepared and up-to-date with life-saving techniques.

Alec’s expertise in emergency medical services is deeply rooted in a personal and professional commitment to excellence, a dedication that was put to the test during a critical incident on February 18, 2024. While on duty in the early morning hours, Alec was dispatched by the Phoenix Fire Department Regional Dispatch Center to respond to a distress call involving an in-flight medical helicopter. The aircraft, transporting a critically ill patient, was experiencing a mechanical malfunction and required immediate assistance. Alec’s quick thinking, adaptability under pressure, and ability to coordinate were instrumental in resolving the situation. He successfully gained access to a remote field, establishing ground communication with the flight crew and coordinating a safe landing zone for not one but two medical helicopters. Once the distressed aircraft landed, Alec continued providing emergency care alongside the flight crew, stabilizing the patient until a secondary helicopter arrived to complete the transport.

Alec’s calm and decisive actions during this high-stakes scenario ensured a positive outcome for the patient and flight crew. His deep understanding of air medical operations and hands-on expertise proved that he was not only in the right place at the right time but also the ideal person to handle such a complex and urgent situation.

Through his hard work, dedication, and ongoing commitment to improving his skills, Alec exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding paramedic. His contribution to Maricopa Ambulance and the surrounding community reflects his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care in even the most challenging circumstances. Alec’s achievements, quick thinking under pressure, and continuous efforts to enhance his skills make him a standout candidate for recognition in the Stars of Life program.

Robyn Asher has been with Priority Ambulance since its inception, serving as the Training and Quality Assurance Manager for East Tennessee. She instructs EMT programs, coordinates in-service and new employee training, manages the controlled medication program, liaises with the Medical Director, and oversees the state audit. Robyn previously worked as a field EMT and Critical Care Paramedic, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to EMS. She also contributes as an evaluator for Tennessee EMS practical testing.

Robyn’s dedication to EMS extends to her family, as her daughter has followed in her footsteps, completing one of Robyn’s EMT academies and now working as an EMT at Priority Ambulance.

Beyond her professional life, Robyn is passionate about horses and serves as President of a non-profit horse club. She has mentored many young people through 4H clubs, providing horses for various programs and guiding participants to State Competitions each year.

Priority Ambulance extends its gratitude to Robyn Asher for her unwavering dedication to the EMS profession, the company, and the communities we serve.

Timothy Sanders has served Baptist Ambulance, part of the Priority Ambulance family, since 2018. He has more than 29 years of experience in EMS. Timothy has diverse experience in multiple states and has served as a Field Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Shift Supervisor, County Operations Manager, Flight Paramedic, and Educator.

Timothy currently serves as a Shift Lead with Baptist Ambulance Service in Mississippi. He actively teaches many EMS educational courses. Timothy believes education and continuing training are keys to an exceptional EMS provider.

Tim’s depth of field experience and passion for education recently resulted in his selection to develop and present “EMS & Trauma – Past, Present, Future” at a Regional Trauma Conference in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Phoenix Alexa Reisner started at Trans Am Ambulance Services, part of the Priority Ambulance family of companies, as a Call Taker/Dispatcher in 2014 and became an EMT in September 2022. Her bright disposition and inquisitive nature liven up any shift she is a part of.

Growing up with two parents in the healthcare industry, specifically in ambulance care, Phoenix has developed a strong passion for patient care and medicine. Since she was young, Phoenix dreamed of pursuing a career as a doctor. She has a Bachelor of Science in neurology with a minor in education from Harpur College of Arts and Science in Binghamton, NY, where she also made the dean’s list during her studies. Phoenix is pursuing a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at the New York Institute of Technology. This field focuses on preventative medicine and how each system of the body functions together. She has passed the first level of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination and is currently earning hands-on experience at the local hospitals around New York City. When school goes on break, she returns to Trans Am to pick up shifts as an EMT.

Even with such a busy schedule studying medicine, Phoenix’s commitment to people’s well-being does not stop in hospital rounds. She volunteers at her local food shelter and is a Rock Steady Boxing program team member, which helps individuals with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms through exercise. Whenever she returns home, she participates in Olean’s Alzheimer’s Walk to aid the research on this disease. She also makes regular donations to the EMS Leadership of Tomorrow program with each paycheck received.

Phoenix has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to patient care, medicine, and her community. She will surely inspire others to strive for the same commitment to the welfare of others.

Richard “Rick” Nye, BS, NREMTP, has been with Shoals Ambulance, part of the Priority Ambulance family, since 2022. He completed his Paramedic training in 2016. During his career, Richard has served in the field and educational roles in multiple states.

Rick currently serves as a Paramedic with Shoals Ambulance, where, in addition to continuing to provide patient care in the field, he also contributes to the organization in several other ways. Rick participates in new hire orientation, teaching specialty courses, and providing clinical coaching and mentoring to new and existing employees. He also conducts quality assurance initiatives, including regular equipment and medication audits and chart reviews.

Rick is driven by his desire to contribute to the greater good, bringing much value to the organization and the industry.

Jason Nugent has been a paramedic at Puckett EMS for almost 12 years and a supervisor for ten of those years. He worked as a Chattanooga medic before becoming ideally suited for the field supervisor position.

Jason was born and raised in Marion County, Tennessee. He has served as part of Kimball Fire & Rescue. He is active in his community and is a frequent attendee at Marion County Commission meetings. Marion County Mayor David Jackson has said he views Jason as the liaison between Marion County Commissioners and Puckett EMS.

Jason is well-known and well-liked in his community and within our Puckett EMS community. Any time there is a catastrophic event, Jason is on scene to assist—even when it means coming in on his day off from work.

Jason is fortunate that his wife is a long-term dispatcher for Marion County, so she is understanding of the business and Jason’s connection to the community.  

Sheila Norton has been with Puckett EMS, part of the Priority Ambulance family of companies, for 14 years. Sheila’s interest in EMS started early. She described how she was an “ambulance chaser” when she was young. Her family and friends thought she was just nosey, but deep inside, Sheila wanted to help. She would run after the ambulance in her neighborhood to see how she could help.

Sheila had a promising career in general merchandising, but that all changed in 2007 when her mother had a stroke. Sheila said the compassion and kindness the EMS crew showed her mother was amazing. She wanted to return that level of commitment and stewardship to other people, starting Sheila on her EMS journey. Sheila attended a rigorous in-house EMT-I program at Puckett EMS and excelled. Her career followed the same trajectory as Sheila rose to the position of Operations Supervisor today.

Sheila’s desire to help others is contagious. She consistently exemplifies genuine compassion and care for her patients and families. Sheila is a role model and “mother” figure to the younger EMTs and Paramedics who come through Puckett EMS. Her gentle yet stern way of leading resonates throughout the company’s culture.

Sheila has received numerous honors, including EMT of the Year and Paramedic of the Year, and she has been honored with several Phoenix Awards presented for exceptional trauma care delivery. Sheila’s patients are also quick to call her out on her compassionate care, noting that Sheila made them feel “like family.”

Teighlor has served Cocke County, TN, since August 2023. She is from a tiny town in Southern Ohio. Watching the care her grandparents received following a stroke and lung cancer planted the seed and grew Teighlor’s love for EMS. She began her career in Huntington, West Virginia, in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began. The area was rampant with addiction and poverty, and Teighlor set a goal to treat each patient just as her grandparents had been treated. 

Teighlor believes it does not take much to make a difference in someone’s life. Since working in Cocke County, she has “adopted” one of our repetitive dialysis patients. Teighlor spends her free time brightening the individual’s day, helping with tasks ranging from grocery shopping to painting fingernails—small gestures that illustrate Teighlor’s big heart.