Zach Dayton provided immediate medical intervention for a woman and her newborn baby who was born in a car at a parking lot. His resuscitation efforts and quick thinking ultimately saved the baby’s life.

On an afternoon in late April 2022, when Zach was walking his gurney out to the ambulance bay in Mesa, Zach noticed a frantic woman pounding on the glass doors of the ambulance entrance to Banner Gateway Emergency Department.

When he approached the woman, she led him to another woman in a nearby parking lot who was giving birth in a car. Zach immediately cared for the young mother and performed CPR on the newborn before rushing to the staff at the hospital, informing them of the mother and baby’s condition.

As a result, the mother and baby received the medical care they needed and were released a short time later, both in healthy condition, thanks primarily to Zach’s quick action.

Daniel MacDowell demonstrates a spirit of service for others and an impeccable work ethic. One specific situation where these distinguishing traits were clear was a call that involved a boy who had an allergic reaction to an insect bite. At first, everyone at the scene, including the boy’s family, thought the reaction was mild and did not require an emergency response. However, as Daniel, who was among the first to arrive at the scene, was putting the boy in his family’s car, he noticed that the boy had fainted and his face was starting to swell. Recognizing that anaphylaxis was imminent, Daniel showed courage, medical judgment, and leadership beyond what can be expected from a new EMT, and stopped the family from going to the hospital. He then measured and administered the correct dose of epinephrine per protocol, reversing the symptoms and saving the child’s life.

Once the ambulance arrived on the scene, the boy was found safe and in stable condition. His family members stood by, smiling as tears ran down their faces, forever grateful that the boy was still alive—all thanks to Daniel.

Eric Bradshaw saved a patient who had suffered multiple wounds on April 19, 2021. Eric and his engine company responded to a motor vehicle accident in which a patient suffered multiple serious injuries that threatened her survival. The patient was also at risk of having her leg amputated near her hip. By providing fast, life-saving interventions, Eric managed to stabilize the patient and control her bleeding, ultimately transporting her to a trauma center, where she was able to receive further treatment. The patient has since recovered and is able to lead a normal life, including full use of the leg that was initially considered for amputation. This is just one example of Eric’s heroism. He knows the value of working with a team and the importance of staying focused, especially when a life is at stake.

Facing down fire is nothing new for Aaron Fajardo, a Firefighter/EMT with more than a decade of experience. But facing down gunfire is, quite fortunately, a rarer occasion.

Last July, Aaron was part of a three-man engine crew dispatched to a collision involving two vehicles. Within minutes of the engine’s arrival on scene, one of the motorists involved in the crash began firing a gun in the direction of Firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency responders. Aaron instinctively shielded the patient he was caring for with his own body. He secured cover for himself and removed the patient from the direct line of fire. More than two dozen law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and apprehended the gunman.

Aaron’s compassion toward others and his enthusiasm for the job are palpable. He is motivated to learn, grow, and earn more responsibility. Though Aaron only joined the Rural Metro Fire Department four years ago, he has not hesitated to take the steps needed to advance his career and secure a bright future.

A dedicated firefighter/EMT, Craig Boydell is an indispensable member of Pima County Fire Operation’s Critical Incident Stress Management team. Craig willingly responds at a moment’s notice to help his peers, along with providers from neighboring fire protection and EMS agencies, after significant, traumatic events. He has provided much-needed support at numerous local, state, and regional incidents, including the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Craig has a strong focus on both physical fitness and mental fitness. He is a certified fitness instructor and fire academy physical training instructor. Craig is also an active member of his department’s Health & Wellness and Safety Committees.

Craig is a natural leader and is dedicated to helping the next generation succeed, including the high school students to whom he provides introductory training on careers in the fire service. Craig has served Pima County for the past 16 years.

Luke Tschirhart truly embodies AMR’s core values through his dedication to the mission. He has been a part of the Rural Metro Fire Department family for more than 10 years now, where he is known as a mentor, leader, and friend. He spends countless hours working alongside our medical director, pre-hospital coordinator, and leadership team to direct committees, perform research, and participate in policy development and revision. He also provides instruction for most of our continuing education hours.

Luke is a Field Training Officer for new Paramedics, guiding them in all aspects of the job while they are on probation. He is also a member of the department’s Technical Rescue Team, where he helped to design and build the program from the ground up. This included SOG/SOP development, equipment selection, and countless training hours. No matter the time of day or number of calls, Luke responds promptly with a smile on his face to provide the best possible customer service and patient care.

Shane Vargas began his career with the Rural/Metro Fire Department more than 15 years ago. A strong proponent of personal growth and development, Shane became a Fire Captain nearly six years ago and earned his Paramedic certification last year. He has his sights set next on becoming a Battalion Chief.

In December, Shane and his crew responded to a working house fire. Upon arriving on scene, they learned a person was inside and made entry. Shane located an unresponsive woman inside the home and dragged her out, with smoke and flames hot on his heels. After transferring care to other Paramedics, Shane returned to the burning structure to search for other occupants and then worked to prevent the flames from spreading to surrounding homes.

One of four original team members chosen to staff the City of San Diego’s Resource Access Program (RAP), Leto has been instrumental in RAP’s efforts to conduct crisis intervention with repeat 911 users and assist other vulnerable populations experiencing medical or social issues. Leto holds the record for most home visits for patients under this nationally recognized program. She has also led Rural Metro’s SWAT Medic Team.

In addition, due to her training as both a Paramedic and Physician Assistant, she was selected to teach medical students how to identify “hot spots” in underserved communities that need coordinated care. A 30-year veteran, devoted clinician, and community member, Leto embodies all that a Star of Life should be.

Lance Hester perfectly embodies the spirit of EMS. His leadership appears effortless, and he is known for always finding a creative solution to problems, no matter how big or small. Lance’s talent led him to progress professionally over the years, rising through the ranks of EMT, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Critical Care Transport Paramedic, and, most recently, overnight Shift Commander.

Last fall, Lance responded as the supervisor in charge to a mass shooting at a local Boys and Girls Club. His command decisions impacting patient care and responder safety and thoughtful actions on the scene earned the praise of many of his colleagues and fellow responding agencies. While this critical incident stands out, Lance commands the respect and admiration of all who have the privilege of working alongside him.

Paramedic

Rural Metro Fire | Knoxville, Tennessee

“Exceeds all expectations,” “nurturing,” “loves to teach,” and “nothing is too overwhelming”—that’s how Anastasia’s co-workers describe her.

In December 2014, she served as medical commander at one of Knox County’s biggest mass casualty incidents. Two full school buses collided, killing three. Several of the patients were kindergarten age. Her leadership helped to ensure that every patient was sent to a hospital which could provide the level of care needed. She also made sure the uninjured were taken to a secure, comforting location.

Called “our most accomplished paramedic field training officer,” every trainee she works with asks again and again for more shifts under her guidance. When Education Days approach, she is among the first to sign up to brief her colleagues, novice and veteran alike, about new equipment and tricks of the trade.

At scenes with more than one patient, she often takes the worst injured, in part to spare her subordinates the stress that can come with working major trauma. Anastasia provides excellent care for her patients and exceptional support for her teammates.

Bob Moye’s affiliation with Rural Metro Fire began as a fire explorer for Post 453 in 1978 in West Knoxville.

Bob became a reserve firefighter in 1982 after starting as a part-time dispatcher the previous year, and his service continues to the present day. Bob was one of the founding members of Rural Metro’s Station 15 in the Cedar Bluff community where he lives with his family.

In his full-time profession, Bob is a Doctor of Pharmacy for the University of Tennessee Medical Center, working as both clinician and faculty member.

He frequently combines both worlds, conducting classes and in-service training for EMTs and paramedics working for Rural Metro Fire and Rura lMetro EMS in Knoxville.

Eric, who started his career in EMS while in the military, was involved in two very high profile incidents where his courageous and noble actions were highlighted. He now often provides guidance to fellow team members that have experienced difficult calls about how to best cope and move forward in a positive manner. Also, Eric’s communication with patients and families exemplifies the standards of an EMS provider by ensuring both are comfortable and confident that the best care is being rendered.

One area that stands out when talking about Eric is how he was so determined to adjust to civilian life and overcome the challenges of his time in the military. He hopes his experience will help others that are returning home and addressing similar challenges. Eric is currently pursuing his paramedic certification with the same determination and dedication that he has shown in all other aspects of his life.

Kari has worked for the Rural Metro Fire Department for thirteen years, and has been a mentor and instructor for many new and transitional fire academies and classes. She is a 1403 Live Burn instructor and holds many EMS instructor certificates, including CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMT, PHTLS and AMLS. She is currently going through the Regional Technical Rescue Academy.

Kari has taken her foundation and support from her family, along with her love and respect for her brothers and sisters in the field, all of whom continue to mentor and mold her. Her dedication to EMS is shown by her optimistic views on every call she runs. She is constantly training and educating herself, and is always compassionate and smiling with a positive outlook that ensures that everyone she encounters is validated.

Kari’s greatest joy is raising her eight children with her soul mate.