Brian Rogers has been an Advanced Scope Paramedic with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio, Inc. since 2020. During his tenure, Brian has played an integral role as a Field Training Officer, guiding new hires through orientation and training. With a career spanning over three decades in emergency services, Brian began as an EMT in 1987, advanced to EMT-Intermediate in 1992, and became a certified Paramedic in 1998.

Brian’s extensive experience includes 37 years with the Springfield Fire Department in Richland County, Ohio, and 32 years with Mansfield Ambulance before joining Superior. In addition, he served in the transportation department of the local school system for 30 years.

Known for his leadership, professionalism, and clinical expertise, Brian consistently demonstrates the qualities of an EMS professional, holding his peers accountable and leading by example. He excels in high-pressure situations, bringing a positive attitude and a “whatever you need” approach to any challenge.

Outside of his professional life, Brian enjoys taking cruises, finding balance between his demanding career and personal life. His unwavering dedication to EMS continues to inspire those around him, making him a strong candidate for the Star of Life Award.

Michael Mitchell earned his EMT certification from Waubonsee Community College, where he was recognized on both the Dean’s and President’s lists. While his ultimate goal is to become a police officer, Michael began his EMS career in February 2024.

Michael and his partner are being recognized as Stars of Life recipients for their life-saving actions during a critical incident. While stopped at a red light, they were approached by an off-duty police officer carrying a pediatric patient who had been shot. Thanks to their quick response, the crew was able to initiate life-saving measures and transport the infant to the nearest trauma center. This event highlights Michael’s dedication and skill in emergency medical services, demonstrating his commitment to providing exceptional care in the most challenging situations.

Alissa (Ali) Krisher, a Critical Care Paramedic with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance of Wisconsin, has been a dedicated member of the EMS community for over 11 years. Originally from Marion, Wisconsin, a small town of around 1,200 people, Alissa began her EMS journey as an EMT and quickly advanced to become a paramedic. She later obtained her Critical Care Paramedic certification, serving many years responding to 911 calls and providing expert care to her patients.

As part of the Critical Care Team at Superior, Alissa has brought her passion for exceptional patient care to every call. She has also dedicated time outside the ambulance, teaching EMS at a local community college and volunteering at numerous medical events. She holds a special place in her heart for pediatric patients, always striving to provide the highest level of care to the youngest and most vulnerable members of the community.

Outside of her professional life, Alissa is a single mother to her 6-year-old daughter, Aubree, who is the light of her life. Aubree is the driving force behind Alissa’s dedication to EMS, inspiring her to be the best version of herself both as a professional and as a mother. Together, they enjoy fishing, riding their family’s SXS, cooking, playing various sports, and spending time with family. Both share a love for reading, and their bond is central to Alissa’s motivation to succeed.

Alissa is deeply honored to have been chosen as a recipient of the Star of Life award and looks forward to many more years in EMS. She hopes to inspire her daughter—and others—to believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Her unwavering dedication to her profession and her commitment to being a role model for Aubree exemplify the values of a true Star of Life.

Brian Keith began his career in the fire service in Arizona, dedicating twenty years to serving his community. Throughout those years, he faced many challenges, but the common denominator in all situations was being part of a team that provided superior care to those in need. Retiring as a Captain/Paramedic, Brian decided to move to Wisconsin to be closer to his family.

Brian is married to his wife Kelly, and together they have a blended family with four children, aged 23 to 31, and two young grandchildren. When not working, Brian enjoys traveling to Arizona and Florida to visit his children and grandkids. He and Kelly are both passionate about golf and enjoy spending time on the course whenever possible. He also loves fishing, kayaking, exploring Wisconsin, and spending time with their two huskies.

Currently working as an EMT in Superior, Wisconsin, Brian and his partner, fellow Star of Life recipient Alissa Krisher, were recognized for their excellent care and assistance provided during an emergent CCT interfacility transport. The patient, who had survived cardiac arrest, required seamless, critical care, and Brian and Alissa’s expertise ensured a smooth transport to a higher level of care. Their teamwork and dedication made a profound impact on the patient’s outcome.

Though unable to attend the Star of Life award ceremony in person, Brian is deeply appreciative of this recognition. He humbly acknowledges the contributions of the first responders and hospital staff involved in the case, emphasizing that saving the patient’s life was a collective effort driven by a shared commitment to providing excellent care.

Diamond Hall, an Emergency Medical Technician with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois, is being recognized for her exemplary dedication to public service and her remarkable life-saving actions. A graduate of Oak Park River Forest High School, Diamond went on to complete her EMT training at Illinois Central College, where she was a member of the honors society and earned two academic scholarships. Her commitment to public service extends beyond EMS, as her ultimate goal is to become a police officer.

Diamond and her partner are being honored as Stars of Life for their swift and heroic response to a critical situation. While stopped at a red light, an off-duty police officer approached their ambulance carrying a pediatric patient who had been shot. Thanks to their quick thinking and immediate life-saving interventions, Diamond and her team were able to stabilize the infant and transport them to the nearest trauma center. This incident is a powerful example of Diamond’s skill, composure, and dedication to Emergency Medical Services.

Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Diamond Hall as a 2024 Star of Life for her unwavering commitment to saving lives and serving her community.

Michael Dobrosky has been an Advanced Scope Paramedic with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio since 2021. In a relatively short time, Michael has distinguished himself as a Field Training Officer (FTO), reflecting his strong commitment to mentoring and developing new EMS professionals.

Michael’s EMS career began in 2010 as an EMT with First Care Ambulance, where he advanced to Operations Manager. In 2024, while working at Superior, he earned his Paramedic certification, achieving the highest score in the history of the paramedic program at the University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC)—a testament to his dedication and expertise.

Michael’s perseverance through personal and professional challenges makes him an exceptional candidate for the Star of Life Award. He has faced significant adversity, including the loss of his father, the birth of his daughter with health complications, and his own battle with cancer. Despite these hardships, Michael consistently maintains a positive attitude, demonstrates an outstanding work ethic, and exercises sound clinical judgment. He is highly regarded by his peers for his professionalism and his ability to inspire high standards in those around him.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending quality time with his daughter and family, racing cars, and working on hands-on projects that showcase his skill and creativity. His resilience and dedication to both his profession and his family are truly inspiring.

Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio is proud to honor Michael Dobrosky as a 2024 Star of Life for his exceptional contributions to EMS and his community.

John Basile, an Emergency Medical Technician, graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, originally intending to join the fire service in Northwest Indiana. While pursuing his EMT-B certification as a prerequisite, John discovered his true passion lay in the medical field and soon after began his career at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana.

After several years of handling inter-facility transports, John transitioned to emergency medical services, where he has since dedicated himself to serving his community. His efforts extend beyond patient care—he regularly supports local festivals and school sporting events and has been involved in advocacy, meeting with politicians to lobby for critical EMS legislation in Indiana. As a Field Training Officer for the past eight years, John is known for his leadership, mentorship, and positive attitude, earning him the affectionate nickname of the “golden retriever” EMT among his peers.

Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, their two pets, Smoke and Bandit, and his nephew Bentley. He hopes to instill in Bentley a love for community service and compassion for others, values that define John’s own life and career.

Paul began his career in EMS with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan, Inc. in 2009. He currently serves as a Station Manager within the Michigan leadership team.

Paul began his career as a Paramedic. He became a part of the Critical Care Team in 2010 and started on the flight team in 2012. He was Board Certified as a Flight Paramedic in 2013. Paul spent seven years on the rotor service and one year on fixed wing service, prior to his promotion to Warren Station Manager.

Paul has contributed greatly during his time at Superior. As a Station Manager, Paul was instrumental in fostering a strong working relationship with Superior’s NICU team partners. He worked to equip more ambulances across the Michigan fleet to accommodate NICU/PICU patients. He also provided outreach to the NICU departments, giving them training and guidance on transport-related concerns. Another area Paul has contributed to is the mentorship of the station manager group. Paul has personally taken on the responsibility of mentoring and guiding fellow station managers to help them excel.  

Additionally, Paul consistently provides oversight and coordination for staff training. He has both developed and coordinated Superior’s compliance and skills training for staff, with a high rate of success. Paul is an active American Heart Association instructor within Superior. Not only does he teach courses for the staff, but he also provides instruction for the residency program at Beaumont Hospital-Farmington Hills where he teaches resident physicians CPR and ACLS.  

Paul has been a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services National Disaster Medical System since 2013 and has worked with several other Michigan providers and providers from other states on his deployments over the years. He considers his time deployed in service to disaster zones across the country and participating in national security special events as very rewarding.

During Paul’s free time, he enjoys boating, snowboarding, mountain biking, camping, and CrossFit with his friends and family.

We are proud to call Paul Tank one of our own and recognize him as a 2023 Star of Life.

Jeffrey Wilken, CCEMT-P, Operations Manager for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana began his EMS career in 2010 as an EMT with a hospital-based county 911 service. During his time there, he earned his Paramedic certification in May of 2014.

After becoming a Paramedic, he set out to further his career and take advantage of better opportunities by taking a position on a 911 contract with Superior of Indiana. While working 911 was a special and rewarding experience, Jeffrey was looking to expand his knowledge of pre-hospital and inter-facility mobile healthcare.  He excelled in his Critical Care Paramedic program and added that certification to his list of accomplishments.  

 Jeffrey’s love for treating patients in the emergency setting as well as the critical care transport setting was extremely rewarding.  However, he still wanted to do more for both his patients and fellow EMS providers. 

“Jeffrey was the station manager for our Valparaiso station when I first met him.  He was loved by his fellow EMTs and paramedics, he was always available and a true employee advocate.  When I was looking for an Operations Manager, I was awe-struck by his compassion, skills, and outgoing personality and knew immediately he would be an asset to the leadership team,” wrote his nominator for Stars of Life.

In his role as Operations Manager, he has continued to sharpen his leadership skills by studying leadership strategies and attending lectures and conferences on the topic. His leadership style closely relates to the ideas of reality-based leadership and extreme ownership. Jeffrey is a graduate of the Ambulance Service Management course in Spring of 2022 and co-authored a research paper about the recruitment and retention of EMTs and Paramedics in our current culture titled Swipe Right to Apply.

Today, six station managers directly report to Jeffrey. He oversees 300 field employees in a diverse company with 911 contracts, inter-facility transfers, critical care services, industrial EMS, and an MIH program. 

Jeffrey attributes his affinity for leadership to his past experiences as a youth sports coach and his ability to connect with his peers through understanding and empathy.

He is married to the love of his life, Ashleigh, and is the proud father to Holden and Wade.  He is active in his community and his son’s school as well as coaching football. 

Superior Ambulance of Indiana is a better company because of Jeffrey’s daily leadership and dedication. 

Leonard Washington is a 9-year military veteran Combat Lifesaver who earned his associate’s degree from Rock Valley College. Leonard joined Superior’s Illinois Division in 2007 as an EMT, then earned his Paramedic certification in 2009 through the Swedish American program.

In 2010, he left Superior to run 911, but did not stay away long. In 2015, Leonard returned to Superior in the Rockford area and became a Critical Care Medic. When Superior opened its Wisconsin operations, he was one of the first to join.

Leonard has played a huge part in Superior’s success in Wisconsin and has moved all over the state to help start multiple stations in Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, and finally, Janesville. Leonard is always available to help, and his peers and leaders look to him for guidance.

Leonard has a positive work ethic and is always willing to go above and beyond for his patients and coworkers.

Anna Busse, Critical Care Medic at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Wisconsin, has served her community through EMS for 18 years. In that time, she has worked in private ambulance services handling both emergency and non-emergency response. 

Anna is proud to have been a Critical Care Transport (CCT) Paramedic for 11 years and continues to learn something new every day from patients, staff, and coworkers. In addition to her position in the field, Anna continues to work in a hospital Emergency Room.

Anna joined Superior in 2021 and has been an integral part of Superior’s growth in Wisconsin since then by assisting with opening new stations in various areas throughout the state. Anna is seen as a leader amongst her coworkers as a Field Training Officer and CCT Paramedic who people look to for guidance.

Anna has expressed that her role at Superior is the first time in her career where she feels supported and seen along with feeling like she has all the tools needed to do her job.

Anna’s family is her everything. She says that she wouldn’t be here without the support of her husband along with her mixed bag of family, animals, and friends.

Kellie Ruetsch is the Regional Operations Manager for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio, Inc.  She started her career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1997 and became a Paramedic in 2002. Kellie also worked as a dispatcher for three years in addition to her service working in the field. She attained her firefighter license in 2000.

In 2016, Kellie was offered a leadership position in which she immediately excelled. She continued her professional growth by obtaining her EMS Instructor license in 2017 and completing the prestigious Ambulance Service Manager certification in 2022. 

What makes Kellie so special and a perfect candidate for the Star of Life is how she leads by example. She exemplifies a consummate EMS professional through her consistency, steady demeanor, and the way that she always strives to do her best for patients, colleagues, and the community.

In 2020, Kellie was instrumental in Superior’s launch in Ohio.  Her sterling reputation with local agencies and government bodies aided Superior Ambulance with quick entry into the state. She has been able to maintain 20+ years of excellent service in private EMS while simultaneously holding a position at Clinton Township Fire Department and being a devoted mother of two. 

In Kellie’s spare time, she enjoys going on family vacations to Walt Disney, watching her kids compete in sports, and simply relaxing with her husband. 

Janet Brooks began her career with Superior Air-ground Ambulance Service, Inc. back in December 1992. After spending her early professional career in Food Service, which included management with K-Mart and McDonald’s, she grew unhappy with the inability to do what she really wanted to do—follow in the footsteps of her mother, a cardiac nurse, and help others. 

As a small child Janet would find all types of small, wounded animals and bring them to her mother to see how they could help them heal. Some lived and some died, but that didn’t deter Janet.

At the age of 15 she became “Candy Striper” volunteering her Saturdays to deliver mail and flowers to sick patients at the hospital where her mother worked. After her shift was over, she would go up to her mother’s unit, where (under supervision) she was allowed to help care for patients.

Janet volunteered this way for two years, during which she learned how to perform CPR. It was impossible to predict how this training would pay off in the future, until…

While camping on vacation in Rapid City, South Dakota, tragedy struck. Janet witnessed a young female being pulled from the pool in an apparent drowning.  Janet swiftly swam to the other side of the pool, jumped out of the water, and asked if anyone knew CPR. Janet was met with blank stares and asked someone to call 911. Janet, now 18, tried to remember her CPR training from 3 years back. She performed chest compressions and gave mouth-to-mouth the best she could until the young victim began to cough up pool water. Janet quickly turned the victim onto her side so she wouldn’t aspirate and covered her up with towels to keep her warm. In the distance, Janet heard the wail of the sirens of the inbound ambulance. The victim was then taken to the waiting ambulance and was quickly whisked away.

That is when the shock hit Janet. With the assistance of her friend’s father, Janet was taken to their camper shaking uncontrollably. Doubts ran through her min. “What if I didn’t perform CPR correctly? Did I do more harm than good?” But she guessed doing something, even imperfectly, was better than doing nothing at all.

Once she calmed down, Janet called home to tell her family how her vacation was going so far. She was able to see the Black Hills from their campsite. She was going to see Mt Rushmore and that she had just saved a drowning victim. Her mother began to cry and was grateful her daughter was where she needed to be at that time and place. Janet’s mother contacted the volunteer office and thanked them for requiring that hospital volunteers learn CPR. Janet still has the article that was written about her in the hospital’s newsletter.

Janet attended a local Community College where she has an associate degree in criminal justice. Her desire was to further her schooling, but money was in short supply. So, Janet began to work at McDonald’s on campus. Janet worked her way up to Assistant Manager in just a few short years. Janet worked for Mcdonald’s for 12 years and was also working part-time at a local K-Mart.

The day Janet witnessed a cat being hit by a car changed her life. A woman standing on the side of the street picked up the cat and began to run toward the local Fire Department. Janet, who was driving by in her car, yelled to the woman to get in and she would then drive them to an area animal hospital. Sadly, the cat—who belonged to the woman’s daughter—died of a broken back. Janet then asked where her daughter was, trying to make small talk to take the uncomfortable silence away while driving the woman and the dead cat to their animal hospital 30 minutes away. The woman said that her daughter worked at the local zoo and that she should call her. Janet informed the woman that she should wait until her daughter came home from work to inform her that her pet had been killed. The woman agreed and thanked Janet for helping her out in her time of need. The woman asked Janet what she did for a living and Janet told her she worked for McDonald’s but was unhappy due to her being passed over as a Store Manager. Janet asked the woman what she did for a living and the woman stated she was going to school to become an EMT. Janet always wanted to work on an ambulance but had no idea how to go about doing so. The woman then told Janet that she had what it took to become an EMT, she helped a stranger in her time of need. She told Janet that if she was serious about a career change, she would talk to her instructor and get Janet into the next class. Janet enrolled in the next EMT class.

Following her hire, Janet worked hard at Superior. After her day shift, she would volunteer her time on an ALS rig so she could learn as much as possible.

Janet was the first station manager to have a station at a local hospital where she attended their Paramedic program. Janet was in the 1996-1997 Paramedic class, all the while running a station. Once she graduated, she stepped down as a manager to begin her career as a Paramedic.

Janet tested into one of Illinois’ most prestigious EMS systems, Northwest Community Hospital. Janet is a FTO and a Paramedic Preceptor. Janet was also an EMS Coordinator working between NWC and Superior.

Janet has been influential in helping save the Company thousands of dollars with the development of the pack system. Janet and her former station manager were tired of throwing away dirty supplies and began to use Seal-A-Meal to package supplies to help keep them clean and organized. Superior adapted the program and uses it to this very day.

Janet works a 24-hour shift and serves at special events like concerts, sporting events, and the Chicago Marathon. In 2004, Janet was part of a deployment for then President-Elect Barack Obama’s Inauguration to head to Washington D.C. to provide EMS services while the D.C. paramedics took care of the events at the Capitol. Janet has worked on several movie shoots and an episode of Extreme Home Makeover.

Janet is a team player when it comes to helping new station managers become acclimated to the station and the crew members. She takes on the role of making sure the station has the supplies needed. In fact, Janet is known at her station as Momma Jan. She makes sure that the station is clean, that rigs are stocked appropriately, and reminds the crews to be safe and have a great day.

Janet enjoys listening to music, concerts, and jigsaw puzzles. When Janet isn’t working, she is at home with her wife of 12 years and their two rescue dogs. Janet and her wife are very active with their church. They prepare meals for the food and housing insecure in their community. They serve meals for the PADS Interim Housing Center. As well as two senior complexes for food insecurity with the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Janet also volunteers at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Marco Patino NRP, LI, is a dedicated and accomplished healthcare professional who embarked on his career with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. in February 2017. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving his community, Marco has made significant contributions to the field of emergency medical services (EMS) in Illinois.

Currently, Marco Patino holds the position of Paramedic and serves as an integral part of the Superior Leadership team as the Manager of Education for Illinois. In this role, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a strong commitment to improving the quality of EMS education and training in the region. Marco’s dedication to teaching and his role as a support structure for EMT classes have made him a respected figure in the EMS community.

One of Marco’s notable achievements has been his involvement in implementing EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) programs in high schools throughout Illinois. By introducing these courses, he has played a crucial role in educating the next generation of EMS professionals and raising awareness about the importance of emergency medical services.

What makes Marco’s journey even more inspiring is the fact that he is a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with this status, Marco has shown remarkable resilience and determination in pursuing his career in healthcare. He not only serves as a role model within the EMS field but also advocates passionately for the rights and opportunities of DACA recipients. His advocacy work sheds light on the importance of inclusive policies and support for individuals who, like him, have made significant contributions to their communities.

In addition to his demanding leadership responsibilities and advocacy efforts, Marco remains deeply connected to the field of clinical practice. He actively schedules himself for ambulance shifts multiple times a week, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to providing hands-on care to patients in need. This dedication ensures that he stays connected to the realities of pre-hospital care, which, in turn, informs his leadership and educational roles.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Marco Patino values and cherishes his time spent with his two children, Layla and Troy, as well as his beautiful wife Sabrina. These relationships are a source of strength and inspiration, driving him to excel both personally and professionally.

Jose A. Salas (“Joe”)  began his career in EMS in 1992 as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 1994, he transitioned to EMS dispatch with Advanced Medical Transport, which eventually became AMR of Illinois. In March 1997, Joe began his journey at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois, Inc., where he worked in the Communications Center as an EMS Dispatcher for seven years. He then transferred to Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana, Inc. and was promoted to Dispatch Supervisor. Joe became the Dispatch Manager in 2020, and is responsible for Superior’s Indiana and Ohio Communications Centers. Joe provides exceptional leadership to Dispatchers, Customer Service Representatives, and On-site Coordinators: all working together as a solid team.

Joe is a certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch. He participates in many of the national EMD conferences, particularly the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Navigator, to keep current and knowledgeable on key changes and critical information regarding EMD. He has helped implement and train dispatchers in system status management, which is still in use to this day.

Recently, Superior Ambulance of Indiana relocated its dispatch center into a new state-of-the-art facility. Not only was the move inherently difficult, but we had to close one dispatch center and reopen another, all while still providing exceptional customer service to our 911 communities and hospital systems. Joe was instrumental in ensuring this seamless transition.

In 2020, the Superior Ambulance of Ohio was created. The biggest challenge was taking two completely different companies (Columbus Connection and CEMS), which had their own cultures and identities, and remolding them into a new Superior culture. Time, patience, and communication were essential to accomplish this monumental task while continuing to provide exceptional customer service to the 911 community and hospital systems we serve.

Joe is a servant leader who purposefully uses active listening to make sure that collaboration is achieved. His personal mission statement is “Coming together is the beginning; Keeping together is the progress; Working together is the success.” Joe’s colleagues describe him as driven and passionate about his job and his personnel, and assert that “he spends a lot of time developing individuals in the dispatch center.” Joe aspires to lead both his teams through the ACE accreditation. His goal for his employees is to give them the tools they need for success in both their personal and professional lives.

In his free time, Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is a proud father of three. His oldest daughter is involved in social work and his other daughter is in her last year of nursing school. His son is still deciding which college to attend. Joe is also proud of his Native American heritage. His father was a Lakota Sioux Chief. Joe is active in the Native American Nation and frequently attends events in the community. He also volunteers at the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans’ annual event at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. It is an event held over three days that honors veterans and military personnel of all cultures, eras, and branches in the Native American style.

Denyse Viger has been a licensed Paramedic for twenty-two years and an EMS Instructor/Coordinator for seventeen years in the state of Michigan. She holds provider and instructor certifications for multiple American Heart Association and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians programs (ACLS, PALS, CPR-BLS, PHTLS, AMLS, and GEMS).

Denyse began her career as a Paramedic at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan, Inc. in March 2013. For seventeen years prior to her start at Superior, Denyse served in the roles of Instructor and Clinical Coordinator at Henry Ford College – EMS Division. Denyse holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Siena Heights University, where she majored in Health Care Management and Paramedic Technology.

Throughout 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Denyse became the Program Director of Superior’s EMS School, Life Support Training Institute (LSTI). In this role, she immediately faced the challenges of an EMS staffing shortage brought on by the pandemic, as well as those from the large acquisition of another service. Although her experience and expertise are extensive, nothing could have prepared her for the hardships she faced in this context. Through it all, Denyse was able to lead the school’s painstaking change of ownership and CoAEMSP/CAAHEP accreditation transition, all the while maintaining the daily operations of the largest accredited EMS school in Michigan, as well as LSTI’s two satellite locations in Toledo and Grove City, Ohio.

In her role, Denyse precisely aligns her professional duties with the operational needs of the company. She provides vital leadership as she trains EMS practitioners in Michigan and Ohio, and her hard work is crucial for maintaining quality EMS staffing levels in order to keep ambulance services deployed. Her impressive management of the EMT and Paramedic programs, of the American Heart Association training, and of continuing education requirements for NREMT and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of EMS, Trauma, and Preparedness contributes to the overall success of Superior. Most importantly, Denyse’s work assures the highest quality of care delivered to patients and she is dedicated to this mission.

Denyse also serves as the Chairperson for Superior’s Professional Standards Review Committee, working collaboratively with other key members and the Agency Medical Director, to review clinical standards at Superior.

In her personal time, Denyse enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is the proud mother of three. Her oldest daughter, Alizabeth, is working on her BSN degree while also employed as an ER Technician. Her two sons, Ryan and Robert, are both Paramedics at Detroit EMS. Denyse’s hobbies include Spartan Races as well as playing and coaching football. She also enjoys traveling, sightseeing, and learning new things.

Bruce Troutman has played an active role in EMS for the last eighteen years. He began his career at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. in 2002 as an EMT, while simultaneously studying psychology at Loyola University Chicago. He quickly developed a passion for the ambulance service industry and prehospital care. He obtained his Paramedic license in 2004 and then advanced to his first leadership role as a Station Manager after college. By 2006, he had completed training to become a Critical Care Paramedic and transitioned to the Critical Care Transport Team.

While serving on the Critical Care Team, Bruce discovered that transporting critically ill patients was his passion. He quickly became one of the team’s leading clinicians and educators. Demonstrating effective leadership in operations, a passion for advanced education, and a desire to raise the standards for patient care, Bruce worked in multiple leadership roles including CCT Assistant Manager, Clinical Coordinator, and Clinical Manager. Bruce’s primary focus has always been to ensure that critical care providers deliver high quality care to their patients. In his clinical leadership roles, he developed new orientation, continuing education, and Critical Care Paramedic curriculums. He also formalized the division’s quality processes into a multi-disciplinary quality management program to include collaboration with hospital stakeholders.

Throughout his career, Bruce has frequently sought opportunities to make himself a better provider, educator, and leader. He maintains instructor certifications in ACLS, PALS, and PHTLS. He also obtained certifications in Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care, EMS Education, and as a Medical Transport Executive; and, in 2013, he cross-trained in flight operations. After becoming a Flight Medic, Bruce served a term on the Board of the International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics. Bruce returned to school in 2016, and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University and his RN license.

In 2018, Bruce was promoted to Director of Flight Operations and Assistant Director for the Critical Care Division. His clinical expertise and experience, along with his exacting standards, strategic mindset, commitment to excellence, and unmatched work ethic have proven invaluable to the Critical Care and Flight programs. Under his leadership, the Critical Care and Flight Team’s scope of practice has increased; ground and air teams have further integrated; new protocols, policies, and procedures have been developed; and services have expanded. Bruce’s hard work paid off when he led his flight division to achieve CAMTS accreditation in November 2019.

Despite his full-time leadership roles, Bruce loves clinical practice and ensures he is always scheduled on an ambulance or helicopter a few times a month. In his personal time, Bruce lives a quiet life forty miles southwest of Chicago and enjoys spending quality time with his family, especially his niece and nephews.

Mirinda Richardson has worked in the ambulance service industry for sixteen years and began her career at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan, Inc. in March 2007, first in the role of Receptionist and soon after, Scheduling Coordinator.

In 2018, Mirinda was promoted to Scheduling & Licensing Manager. In this vital role, Mirinda has demonstrated herself to be highly capable of ensuring that the EMS schedule is filled with the appropriate staff, which is crucial to keeping ambulance resources deployed. Mirinda also works in concert with the Superior Education Department to schedule newly trained EMT students for clinical shifts before they enter into full-time positions at Superior. Further, Mirinda is responsible for monitoring licensing credentials for all EMS personnel, along with handling vehicle and agency licensing with the State of Michigan. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Mirinda has tirelessly assured the staffing of EMS personnel during this unprecedented and challenging time.

Mirinda continuously proves herself to be an instrumental leader at Superior, especially at a time when staffing shortages in the industry have presented serious challenges for ambulance services. Her position requires dedicated and constant attention. She always stands up to the enormous task of managing the deployment schedules of 300+ EMS employees, in addition to clinical shifts for 30-50 EMS students throughout the year, and new-hire orientation “third-ride” shifts, along with managing the staffing coverage for large special events, such as the Detroit Lions games. Mirinda also joins operations on-site at Ford Field where she functions as Stadium Supervisor and Dispatcher for Superior personnel at events.

Mirinda is well known for her friendly, composed demeanor, and her positivity and exceedingly strong work ethic serve as an example for everyone with whom she interacts. Mirinda is a mild-mannered, thoughtful professional whose strength lies in her dependable, strong character. She was a key contributor to Superior of Michigan achieving CAAS accreditation in November 2017 and she is easily recognized as a highly valued member of the Superior team.

In her personal time, Mirinda enjoys spending quality time with her family and is a proud mother of three. Her son, Justyn, recently completed service in the U.S. Navy with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, after being stationed at the Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia. Mirinda lives in New Baltimore, Michigan with her two daughters: Mia, a college student, and Adrianna, who is in middle school.

Tiffany Petyo has been in EMS for eighteen years, ten of which she has been a Paramedic. She has worked at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service for the last six years, and has worked her way up to being a manager for the past two years.

She loves to mentor newcomers and work with seasoned professionals. She has had the opportunity to work with some of the best EMTs and Paramedics in the profession. Tiffany would love to continue to learn and grow in this industry and could not imagine not working in this profession.    

Tiffany is married with four children, who have all supported and encouraged her throughout her career. She is an avid Cubs fan and enjoys going to games with her family. She hopes to continue to do what she loves for many years to come and is truly honored and humbled for this award and experience. 

Dave Holleman began his EMS career with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. in August 2000. He currently serves as a Paramedic, and is part of the Superior leadership team as a manager within the Special Events Division. Dave is an integral part of a team that is involved with many sporting events, concerts, festivals, and the Chicago Marathon.

While still providing excellent patient care at many events working as a Paramedic, Dave has the additional responsibility as Disaster Response Manager, a role he has thrived in since 2009. As Manager of the Special Response Team, Dave ensures that all responders are properly credentialed and meet all qualifications to be able to assist on a national response.

Dave has been on ten deployments to date, recently taking a group of 25 employees to New York to help with the COVID-19 response in March 2020. At a time when little was known about the pandemic, Dave and his team knew they could at least assist in providing excellent patient care while also giving some relief to other responders.

With his twenty-one years of experience, Dave has consistently seen other opportunities to assist those in need. He has previously organized multiple volunteer opportunities for coworkers including providing meals for families through the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Recently Dave has been a blood donation coordinator, hosting multiple blood drives at our station to help those in our community.

During his free time, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, Jeanette, their two sons, Vince and Jack, and their four rescue dogs.

We are proud to call Dave Holleman one of our own and nominate him as a 2022 Star of Life recipient.