Rebekka DelaRosa began her career in Emergency Medical Services in 2017 and has distinguished herself as a clinician, educator, and leader committed to advancing both patient care and the EMS profession. Since joining Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS) in 2023, she has become an invaluable member of the organization and a driving force for continuous improvement.

A Critical Care Paramedic and Instructor Coordinator, Rebekka combines advanced clinical expertise with a passion for developing the next generation of EMS professionals. Through education and mentorship, she invests in the growth of her colleagues and students, helping them strengthen their knowledge, skills, and confidence as providers.

One of Rebekka’s most significant contributions to SMCAS has been her leadership in developing and implementing an enhanced Quality Assurance program. Under her guidance, Quality Assurance has evolved into a collaborative process that actively engages staff, encourages professional development, and empowers providers to play a meaningful role in improving patient care and outcomes.

Rebekka’s approach to Quality Assurance reflects her broader philosophy as an EMS leader. Rather than viewing improvement as an individual responsibility, she has helped foster a culture in which providers learn together, hold themselves accountable to high standards, and continually seek opportunities to improve. Her work has strengthened both individual clinicians and the organization as a whole.

Through her service as a Critical Care Paramedic, her dedication to EMS education, and her leadership in organizational improvement, Rebekka demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her influence reaches beyond the patients she personally treats to the students, colleagues, and providers she helps develop.

Rebekka’s dedication to patient care, education, professional growth, and innovation exemplifies the values of Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service. SMCAS is proud to recognize Rebekka DelaRosa as a Star of Life.

Laura Hooker has served as an Emergency Medical Technician in Berrien County, Michigan, for seven years, and worked for Medic 1 of Benton Harbor before joining Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS).

Laura has established herself as a positive force in our EMS system and is one of our go-to community-outreach people, driving the cause of EMS in our area through impassioned cultural development.

Practically, Laura has helped redesign inventory control processes, including a “speed loader” program that makes sure crews have the supplies they need while also improving the efficiency of the stocking procedures.

In the field, she and her team members were recognized recently for their exemplary performance in resuscitating a prominent figure in our community.

When Laura is not providing outstanding care and service to Southwestern Michigan, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Patrick, and daughter Anna, gardening, fishing, and “glass hunting” on Lake Michigan’s sandy coastline.

While we are proud of the outstanding service all of our team members provide the people of Southwestern Michigan, we are proud to call Laura Hooker our 2018 Star of Life.