Josh Harrington has over nine years of first responder experience, including eight years in EMS, during which he has consistently demonstrated commitment, passion, and leadership. Since joining Sunstar Paramedics in 2022, Josh has quickly become an invaluable team member. Beginning as a Paramedic and Preceptor/Field Training Officer, his dedication to growth and his profession led to his promotion to Assistant Field Operations Supervisor. Josh’s leadership has greatly contributed to the success of the team, and his involvement in the Critical Care Team showcases his advanced clinical skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Josh’s EMS career began as a Firefighter/EMT with the Airport Sorgho Fire Department in Kentucky, followed by key roles as a Paramedic, Field Supervisor, and Clinical Educator at Medical Center EMS. His rapid rise to leadership roles across multiple organizations is a testament to his work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and passion for teaching and mentoring others. Josh’s commitment to sharing his knowledge has positively impacted the professional growth of many EMS colleagues.

Alongside his practical experience, Josh holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Care. His academic achievements, paired with certifications in advanced life support, pediatric care, and hazardous materials, ensure that he stays at the forefront of emergency medical services.

Josh embodies the core values of EMS excellence—compassion, innovation, and leadership. His ability to teach, adapt, and deliver exceptional patient care while leading his team with humility and confidence makes him a shining example of the qualities recognized by the Star of Life Award.

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that Sunstar Paramedics recognizes Josh Harrington as an American Ambulance Association 2024 Star of Life Award. His unwavering commitment to EMS and his positive influence on those around him make him truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Craig Gesterling, Shift Commander and Paramedic at Sunstar Paramedics, has been a key figure in the organization since joining in 2005. His exceptional leadership, tireless work ethic, and innovative thinking have had a profound impact on both field staff and operations. Craig’s dedication to mobile healthcare, combined with his expertise in business administration and information technology, makes him a standout candidate for national recognition.

Craig holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and IT, which he seamlessly incorporates into his role. His ability to manage field operations, communications, and materials departments has been instrumental in ensuring smooth operations at Sunstar. One of his most notable accomplishments is leading the transition from paper-based processes to an electronic system with a streamlined reporting structure. This transformation has not only improved efficiency and reduced errors but also enabled staff to focus more on patient care, enhancing overall service delivery.

Beyond operational improvements, Craig is highly respected for his clinical expertise and has earned numerous commendations from patients, hospitals, and peers, as well as recognition from Pinellas County Medical Control. His leadership extends to training and mentoring through his roles as a Preceptor and Field Training Officer, where he has contributed significantly to the growth and development of his colleagues.

Craig’s combination of clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and forward-thinking initiatives embody the spirit of the Star of Life Award. He is an invaluable asset to Sunstar Paramedics, and his efforts continue to inspire and elevate the EMS community.

Born in Toluca, Mexico, Maria Fernanda Villasenor Jimenez migrated to the United States in 1999 at the age of four. She has primarily resided in the Clearwater, FL area, with a brief stint in North Carolina. Although Spanish was her first language, Maria mastered English through her education in American schools and by using American rock music as an additional tool for language development.

After high school, Maria earned a Medical Assistant Certificate. She then dedicated six years to a local dermatologist’s office, where she rose to the position of clinical supervisor. Yearning for more direct patient interaction and desiring a change from the office environment, Maria enrolled in EMT school at Pinellas Technical College. She subsequently joined Sunstar Paramedics, gaining hands-on patient care experience in one of the country’s busiest EMS systems.

Maria is a potent clinician, a dedicated employee, and a loving mother to her 5-year-old son, Reagan. Her fluency in both English and Spanish is an invaluable asset in the EMS field. Her unwavering commitment to upholding the core mission, vision, and values of Sunstar in delivering compassionate care has established her as a cherished employee and community asset.

Always eager to learn and progress professionally, Maria recently graduated from the School of EMS’s Paramedic program, all while working full-time night shifts at Sunstar. She is now preparing for her National Registry Paramedic Certification, aiming to become a Paramedic with Sunstar.

Outside of her demanding professional life, Maria, as a single mom, dedicates most of her free time to raising Reagan. She holds permanent residency in the United States and is set to commence her naturalization process for U.S. citizenship by year’s end.

The leadership team at Sunstar is extremely proud of Maria’s accomplishments and excited about what the future holds both professionally and personally as she works to become a Paramedic and US Citizen.

In the dynamic and demanding world of emergency medical services, James Dalrymple stands out not just as a leader but as a beacon of dedication, humor, and rapport. As the Fleet Supervisor at Sunstar Paramedics, he’s become synonymous with reliability, sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Every vehicle under James’s charge operates at peak performance, ensuring that when a patient’s life hangs in the balance, Sunstar Paramedics can respond without a hitch. His attention to detail means these vehicles don’t just meet the standards – they often exceed them. Moreover, his mindfulness towards the environment ensures the fleet’s operations align with broader sustainability goals, reflecting care for the community that goes beyond immediate medical needs.

But James isn’t just about the mechanics of fleet supervision. His prior service in the military has endowed him with a unique blend of discipline and teamwork, qualities he brings to Sunstar every day. It’s his camaraderie with the field crews, forged from genuine understanding and mutual respect, that truly sets him apart. His approachability, punctuated by a refreshing sense of humor, has become a cornerstone of the positive and supportive work environment at Sunstar.

In a high-pressure field, where every decision can have life-altering implications, having a leader who can inject levity, understand challenges from the ground up, and prioritize safety is invaluable. James’s ability to foster strong relationships, enhance communication, and create a workplace where laughter is as prevalent as dedication speaks volumes of his leadership style.

As we recognize James Dalrymple for his outstanding contributions, we celebrate a man who seamlessly blends the rigors of fleet management with the heart of a team player. His service, both in the military and at Sunstar Paramedics, is a testament to a life dedicated to excellence, community, and genuine human connection.

Andrew Pawlowski, who most people call “Pow Pow,” is mostly known for his ability to make friends quickly. He has a fun, caring, driven, and outgoing personality.

Andrew began his career at Sunstar Paramedics twelve years ago as an EMT. He quickly became a strong team member with both the CCT program and the ACH Critical Care Transport teams, and also achieved FTO status. He was named EMT FTO of the Year, with many other accomplishments. For the last two years, Andrew has worked as a Paramedic, and continually strives for high-quality compassionate care for his community. Andrew says, “I’m surrounded by good friends and family and I couldn’t ask for more.”

Andrew was selected as a Star of Life because of his dedication and commitment to the craft, as well as for his unwavering caring and supportive attitude that fosters the culture at Sunstar Paramedics. He is the prime example for the next generation of new hires and a model for our mission, vision, and values.

Misty began serving her community in 1996 as a volunteer Firefighter in the Hudson Valley area of New York. She became an EMT in 2000 and obtained her Paramedic certification in 2003. In 2010, Misty moved to Florida and began working for Sunstar Paramedics. Since then, she has obtained a bachelor’s degree in emergency management and has served her community as a Paramedic, Communications Center Supervisor, and most recently as the Communication Training Coordinator for Sunstar.

Misty was chosen for her accomplishments within the communications center. Since she was selected for the position, Misty has developed an innovative training program for the dispatchers that has raised the bar with its level of quality and professionalism. She has also led the center through several ACE re-accreditation cycles, and was the chosen leader through many EOC hurricane activations.

Outside of work, Misty, her husband, and their three-year-old son enjoy cooking, barbequing, and spending quality time with friends and family. They plan to soon drive to visit family across the country.

Sunstar Paramedics is proud to honor David Grabowski as a Star of Life. David has served as a Paramedic for more than 9 years and embodies the best qualities of a mobile healthcare professional. Since joining Sunstar, David has excelled at furthering his skills and knowledge to best serve his community.

David is a member of the Pinellas County Tactical EMS team, which supports the Pinellas County Sheriff’s SWAT operations and participates in serving high-risk warrants and providing VIP escorts in addition to incident response. He has become a highly-qualified member of this team and achieved the prestigious Tactical Paramedic certification from the International Board of Specialty Certifications.

David is also a member of the CAMTS-Accredited Sunstar Critical Care Transport Team, and holds the rank of Critical Care Paramedic. As a member of this team, David cares for and transports high-acuity patients who require high levels of monitoring and intervention to and from definitive care centers. David is also recognized as a certified Flight Paramedic through the International Board of Specialty Certifications.

Although David has distinguished himself in many ways, there is one trait that cannot be certified that truly makes David deserving of recognition. He is always compassionate with his patients and supportive of his colleagues. The calm, confident, yet humble way David conducts himself is an excellent example of public service and what it is to be a member of the EMS community.

On a particularly exceptional call, David was partnered with a recently hired Paramedic, and the two clinicians were first on scene to a critical overdose. David remained calm, cool, and collected managing the patient’s care while setting the tone for the newer crew member. The patient’s outcome was a positive one, and this can be attributed at least in part to the skill, compassion, and expertise that David possesses.

As an industry we look for individuals that will perform in the ever-changing environment in which we find ourselves. It can give us hope to see people like David who are resilient to high-acuity complaints, such as opiate overdose, striving to further their knowledge in responding to dangerous and dynamic scenes with the Tactical Paramedic program. David is truly a shining example of what a First Responder should be. It is Sunstar Paramedics’ honor to recognize him as a 2019 Star of Life.

Paul Allen has worked for Sunstar Paramedics since May 2008. Paul began working in the communications center, and became Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certified in 2012 and then a Communications Training Officer (CTO) in 2016.

As a CTO, Paul trains new hires in channel operations, emergency call taking, and medical radio control operations. Paul is also actively involved in EMD-Q, the process by which emergency and non-emergency calls are reviewed and graded to ensure protocols are followed, the right determinants are reached, and ultimately the right response was sent.

In October 2018, the Sunstar Communications Training Coordinator resigned, and Paul was among several candidates who applied to fill the position. The position was given to someone else, but that person was unable to begin work until January 2019. In the interim, Paul was asked to fill in until the new person could begin and he agreed.

Although he knew the position would only be temporary, Paul did not take his job lightly. Paul used his knowledge of EMD protocols and the Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) program to develop a new PST training program for Sunstar’s communications center personnel. Paul created PowerPoint presentations for each section of the program and helped communications center staff prepare for the PST exam by giving them review sheets and monitoring their progress through the training program.

Paul also began to revamp the communications center’s training program. Paul created an electronic system for training officers to log candidate progress for training staff to keep up with each candidate’s work. Prior to this system, it was hard for a training officer to know how far along a candidate was in the program and the candidates often lost a day of training if their primary trainer was out. In conjunction with the new Training Coordinator, Paul also began to redesign the exit testing for when a candidate finishes training. Paul developed several scenario-based tests that are now used along with the traditional 50 question exam to assess the candidate.

Although he could have very easily done the minimum amount of work necessary to get by while he filled as Training Coordinator, Paul chose to be proactive and to devote his time to developing training programs that will help new hires and serve as continuing education for current staff. All of Paul’s hard work helps to make the communications center better overall. Paul’s dedication to the office in his short time filling in for the Communications Training Coordinator embodies the meaning of teamwork and shows his dedication to both his job and the field of Emergency Medical Dispatch.

Jay has been an exemplory member of the Sunstar team since November 2012. Jay works as a full time EMT and is part of our mental health transport (MHT) team. Jay is very well rounded as he also volunteers with the Port Richey Fire Department and has a literary background as an author and publisher of multiple books, with his most recent published novel “Tower Hearts”. Jay received his EMT training at Washington ?xadHolmes Technical Center and is from Pegram, Tennessee. Jay quickly made a lasting impression and memorable impact just 5 months in his first EMS job at Sunstar. As a newly cleared EMT on the night of April 10, 2013, Jay and his partner responded to a critical call involving a 2 year old girl who’s legs were amputated by a riding lawn mower at her home in Palm Harbor, Florida. Litte did the crew know that their second-to-none care and teamwork provided that evening would save Ireland Nugent’s life and make long standing local and national headlines. The call was exceptionally emotional and highly stressful, but very well handled by Jay in being given much support, debriefings, and follow-up including a reunion by Jay and his partner with Ireland and her parents. Tragically, three months after Ireland’s call Jay would lose his partner in an off-duty motorcycle accident. Less than one year after this call and loss of his partner, Jay takes pride in seeing Ireland thrive in overcoming her challenges as a double amputee. Nothing appears to stop Ireland as she is currently three years old, mastering prosthetics and learning ballet. Ireland’s call that April evening would be a tragic situation with an unsuspecting positive outlook and for Jay, in a similar fashion with his career at Sunstar, a parallel in overcoming new and challenging situations and flourishing.”

Jimmy started in EMS in 2005 and has worked as a firefighter, EMT, and Paramedic. He joined EMS in hopes to make a difference in people’s lives after his best friend died in a motor vehicle crash and EMS was too far away to help save him at the time. Jimmy joined Sunstar in 2009 and has held the position of EMT, Paramedic, Special Events Team, All Children’s Transport Team, Preceptor, F.T.O. and Assistant Supervisor. Jimmy has a passion for helping and teaching other co-workers at Sunstar and instructing others. When asked for specific incidents he recalls where he has made the biggest difference in someone’s life, he replies “I have had many critical calls and some that aren’t. Some that required the best of skill and others were just holding someone’s hand during transport, both equal in significance. I can remember a MVC that a man hit a pole and was able to tell me he was ok then went into cardiac arrest; a mother handing me an infant not breathing; gunshot wounds/ heart attacks/strokes/asthma all needing treatment and a smile.” Jimmy is also a leader in the community volunteering for numerous foundations, and ready to make a positive impact in the future of EMS as an instructor. Jimmy has volunteered for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. On his days off, he spends his time giving back to the community through his work at the Shriner’s Hospital, Disabled Pediatric Dentistry, Masonic Cardiac Medical Research Foundation, and the MDA. Jimmy also is an instructor for Fortis Institute teaching EMT and Paramedic Courses.”

Damian’s ability to influence, innovate, engage, develop, and lead the crews who have direct patient contact makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those patients and the community that Sunstar serves.

As a clinical services coordinator, Damian’s areas of responsibility include managing our field training officer (FTO) program, clinical data analysis, and clinical education for the new EMTs and Paramedics working with Sunstar.

When Damian was promoted from a field clinician to a coordinator, he immediately became interested in data-driven improvement. While he excels in analyzing and adjusting work procedures for maximum efficiency, he also understands that appropriate change comes from meaningful reflection. Damian has been able to quantify, communicate, and elevate the quality of our patient satisfaction and engagement, clinical measures such as scene times, and many other crew-centered measures.

A primary example of Damian’s leadership that’s had immediate impact on the EMS culture is the FTO report card. This is a report of clinician-centered data and feedback that is specific to each FTO, preceptor, assistant supervisor, and mentor within the program. The information is sent back to the crews, helping to show them a clearer path for improvement and a higher quality of care.

The personalized feedback includes their safety measures on driving, clinical documentation scores, QI/operational standings, accolades, and patient engagement scores. This data-centered feedback allows the crews to see where they rank among their peers and gives them a more direct personal connection to Sunstar and its mission in the community.

The FTO report card is just one of the many initiatives that Damian has brought to the forefront. His data-analysis system supports the company’s crews and helps us strive for the everyday excellence at the core of our mission.

Josh Daly rose quickly through the ranks at Sunstar, and he has taken advantage of every opportunity the organization has offered to enhance his medical and professional practice.

His impressive professional development has been matched by his ability to influence and lead others. Josh’s achievements include being a FTO, a CME instructor, a Safety Officer, and Sunstar Paramedic’s 2017 FTO of the Year.

Josh’s leadership presence is visible every day. He comes to every class, field shift, and meeting as if it’s an interview for his next leadership role. He is an extraordinary role model to senior professionals as well as an inspiration to EMTs and Paramedics beginning their careers.

Josh shines a light through his quality of care, leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the advancement of the EMS profession.

For these reasons and more, we would like to support and celebrate Josh’s achievements as a Star of Life.

Kasey Ras is an Assistant Operations Supervisor/Paramedic and started her career with Sunstar in November of 2010. When Kasey was asked what led her to EMS, she responded that, when working as a sales representative, she had witnessed a very bad accident. Kasey felt helpless and had no idea what to do but knew she never wanted to have that feeling again. Kasey quit her job in sales, started EMT school, and has never looked back. Since joining Sunstar, Kasey has proven to be a great asset to our team.

Since starting in EMS, Kasey has been both a Preceptor and Field Training Officer. Kasey is a Preceptor with St. Petersburg College’s EMS program, where she mentors and trains new students. In 2015, Kasey was promoted to Assistant Operations Supervisor. Kasey is very safety-conscious in every aspect of her job. Kasey strives to be her best daily and holds others around her to that same standard.

Sunstar Paramedics is proud to nominate Paramedic Kasey Ras as a 2017 AAA Stars of Life recipient. She is a truly dedicated employee who loves what she does and lives by our CARE PLUS Values.

Kasey always strives to do the right thing, no matter the situation. Kasey was honored with the CARE PLUS Award for an act of kindness that many others would never have recognized. After transporting a veteran to the local VA, Kasey noticed a man sitting on the ground outside of the ER. Kasey stopped and asked him if he needed help. The man replied that he wanted to go inside to get help for multiple issues, including housing, but he had his dog and didn’t know what to do. The man advised Kasey that he loved his dog and could not bear to lose him. After a few minutes talking to the man, Kasey called her wife and had her come pick up the dog in order for this man to go in and get the help he needed. Kasey and her wife took this dog in and cared for it as their own while the man worked with the VA to find permanent housing. After a few days, the veteran was placed in permanent housing and Kasey reunited him with his beloved dog.

Kasey’s everyday commitment to her patients, partners, citizens of Pinellas County and Sunstar Paramedics makes her the ideal nominee. Sunstar Paramedics is very proud to have a leader like Kasey on our team.

Jonathan “Jon” started his career in 2011 in the Sunstar warehouse/materials management department. After completing EMT school, Jon quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a preceptor in 2013 and a field training officer in 2014. Jon consistently displays a great attitude when dealing with both new employees and EMT students, and receives great reviews from all of his trainees. Jon is a CPR/BLS instructor, and has taken an active role helping in the Sunstar training center, especially during renewal season when the company renews over 200 employees in a very short window of time. Jon has also expanded his role to the safety and risk department, becoming one of the most reliable and expert EVOC instructors. Jon holds national certification as an EVOC instructor, and is always making sure that our employees are driving safely.

It is with great pride and pleasure that Sunstar Paramedics nominates Jonathan Balzer for the 2017 AAA Stars of Life award. Jonathan and his partner, James Walker, Sunstar’s nominee for Florida Paramedic of the year, are both integral clinicians in our system and have repeatedly demonstrated high performance in multiple departments. Jon previously received the Gold Star Care award, which is achieved through repeated positive feedback from patients, hospitals or other clinicians. Jon is also a two-time recipient of the Care Plus award, a monthly award for outstanding customer service and great patient care.

In June 2016, Jon and his partner were dispatched for a person experiencing an altered mental status. Upon arriving on scene, Jon found the patient in the care of the fire department with the police assisting. The only information Jon received from the assisting agencies was the patient’s name and a phone number. After the other agencies left, Jon and his partner continued their assessment of the patient. Jon discovered the patient had dementia and the phone number was her husband’s. After being very persistent and calling the number six or seven times, Jon finally spoke with the patient’s family. After speaking with the husband, Jon found out that the patient had walked out of her house a couple hours prior. The patient had been reported missing and had been called in as a silver alert. The family arrived at the scene and was able to take the patient home safely. Due to Jon’s quality care, patience, and concern for what was best for the patient, Jon was able to reunite the patient with her family, and keep her from further harm. Jon is committed to going above and beyond the call of duty.

Nick is a rising star in the Sunstar organization. He is being nominated for the 2016 American Ambulance Association Stars of Life for his leadership, mentoring of new employees, and outstanding patient care.

In 2015 Nick received the prestigious Care Plus award for patient care and attained multiple recognition levels within the Sunstar STAR program. In addition, Nick assisted Paramedics Plus in opening a new operation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nick was instrumental in preparing for a seamless transition in service to the community of Sioux Falls.

Sunstar is very pleased to nominate Nicholas Eberhardt for the 2016 American Ambulance Association Stars of Life.

Jeremy is an outstanding example of what is right with Sunstar. As the head of the field training officer program and employee orientation, Jeremy has done an outstanding job ensuring clinical excellence by creating innovative ways to train employees. Jeremy and team have improved Capstone testing scores to near 100% passing rates and decreased the onboarding process by 30%. In 2015, Jeremy was promoted to Clinical Services Coordinator. Prior to his promotion, Jeremy was an assistant operations supervisor.

Sunstar is very pleased to nominate Jeremy Tinter for the 2016 AAA Stars of Life.