Colen Bishop is a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with AMR in Salem, Virginia, whose clinical expertise and composure have been demonstrated during some of the most demanding circumstances in prehospital care.

Colen is being recognized in part for his exceptional performance during two life-threatening patient transports. During the first, he independently managed a critically injured patient requiring advanced airway management and mechanical ventilation. Throughout the transport, Colen anticipated potential complications and maintained the patient’s respiratory stability while providing advanced care.

During a second critical transport, Colen was caring for a patient whose condition rapidly deteriorated en route. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, he performed a lifesaving decompression while coordinating care with the medical team. His ability to recognize the patient’s changing condition, intervene decisively, and manage multiple priorities demonstrated clinical skill and sound judgment under pressure.

As both a Paramedic and Field Training Officer, Colen brings his experience and clinical knowledge to the development of other EMS professionals. His performance exemplifies the calm decision-making, technical expertise, and leadership required when patients are at their most vulnerable.

AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic and Field Training Officer Colen Bishop as a Star of Life.

Taliyah Hockaday is an EMT and Field Training Officer with LifeCare Medical Transports, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. Through her patient-centered care, leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence, Taliyah has quickly become a respected clinician and an important influence on the next generation of EMS professionals.

Taliyah’s EMS journey began in 2022 when she joined one of LifeCare Medical Transports’ first internally developed EMT courses. She embraced every opportunity to learn and grow, progressing from student to accomplished EMT and, ultimately, Field Training Officer. Her journey reflects what dedication, professionalism, and a genuine passion for serving others can achieve.

In the field, Taliyah is known for sound clinical judgment, compassion, and an ability to reassure patients and families during vulnerable moments. Her calm demeanor and professionalism help establish trust while ensuring that each patient is treated with dignity and respect.

Taliyah’s influence extends well beyond the patients she serves. As a Field Training Officer, she has become a dedicated mentor to new employees, creating an environment in which they feel supported while also being challenged to grow. Her leadership balances accountability with encouragement, helping new providers develop the confidence, competence, and commitment necessary to deliver high-quality care. Many of the employees she has mentored credit Taliyah with having a meaningful influence on their professional development and success.

Her journey from student to mentor also makes Taliyah a powerful role model for those entering LifeCare’s educational programs. Drawing from her own experience, she demonstrates the opportunities available to those willing to work hard, continue learning, and embrace a career of service. By sharing her story and encouraging students to pursue careers in EMS, Taliyah is helping strengthen the profession’s future workforce.

In just a few years, Taliyah has progressed from learning the fundamentals of EMS to helping others build careers of their own. Through her clinical excellence, servant leadership, mentorship, and investment in others, she has made a meaningful impact on patients, colleagues, and students while representing LifeCare and the EMS profession with distinction.

LifeCare Medical Transports is proud to recognize Taliyah Hockaday as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Andre Joel Bower has distinguished himself as a leader on LifeCare Medical Transport’s Critical Care Transport (CCT) team, combining clinical excellence with a deep commitment to mentorship and patient care. Serving as both a Critical Care Paramedic and Drug Control Officer, Joel was instrumental in establishing and piloting LifeCare’s narcotics program, earning multiple commendations for his innovative approach and dedication to safety and quality. Joel also oversaw and was a primary contributor to the establishment of LifeCare’s first set of clinical guidelines and competency-based annual education initiatives.

Bower’s advanced clinical knowledge has been an important component in training and developing new CCT providers, helping expand LifeCare’s program, and creating new career opportunities within EMS. His patience and guidance foster professional growth among his colleagues while ensuring that patients across Virginia have access to the highest level of care during transport. Through his leadership, Joel continues to raise the bar for excellence in critical care, serving as an inspiration to the EMS community.

Amanda McQuistian embodies exceptional leadership in emergency medical services, evidenced by her 14-year career and current role as a Paramedic and Director of Operations at LifeCare Medical Transports. With seven years in leadership positions, Amanda has consistently elevated patient care and organizational excellence standards. Her hands-on approach and commitment to treating all tasks equally have fostered a culture of professionalism permeating every level of the organization. As an education coordinator, Amanda ensures her staff maintains certifications while providing additional training opportunities, demonstrating her dedication to nurturing the next generation of EMS professionals.

Amanda leads from the front, playing an active role in the organization’s everyday running by putting boots on the ground. She takes her time to ensure employees feel valued and appreciated for their hard work. Amanda has delivered positive changes year after year, helping improve quality assurance and patient care. Amanda’s impact on LifeCare Medical Transports is substantial, driving continuous quality assurance and patient care improvements. Her leadership was instrumental in LifeCare achieving the “Outstanding EMS Agency” award from the Tidewater EMS Council in 2022. Recently, Amanda was honored with the 2024 Russel Lowrey, Jr. Award for Outstanding EMS Leadership by the Peninsula Emergency Medical Service Council, recognizing her influence in the broader EMS community.

Amanda’s academic achievements complement her practical experience in EMS. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services and teaches at Virginia Peninsula Community College. Her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and minor in Management from Old Dominion University uniquely position her to drive innovation and excellence in EMS.

Amanda’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond her professional achievements. She captains a beach volleyball team and organizes charity tournaments for various causes. Her recent volunteer work at the National EMS Memorial Service is a testament to her compassion for the EMS community. Amanda’s tireless efforts and dedication make her an outstanding example of an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Riggs Egolf is being recognized for his unwavering dedication as a healthcare provider and his remarkable ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. His cool, professional demeanor serves as an inspiration to other first responders who admire his ability to stay focused regardless of the challenges he faces while providing care.

A notable example of Riggs’ exceptional attention to detail occurred in early 2023 during a routine hospital discharge to a skilled nursing facility. Despite the patient claiming they felt fine, Riggs detected subtle changes in their vitals and sensed something was wrong. Ten minutes from the receiving facility, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Riggs immediately instructed his partner to pull over and assist with care while he called for additional EMS resources. His quick thinking and composed response helped save the patient’s life.

Riggs routinely demonstrates this high level of awareness and confidence in his skills, embodying the professionalism and competence that all EMS professionals should aspire to. His ability to stay calm in critical situations and his commitment to providing exceptional care make him an exemplary first responder.

On his first day on the job as an inter-facility driver, Scott Hutchison saved a child’s life. Scott and his ambulance were stopped at a traffic light when a man in a parking lot started shouting and waving at him frantically. The man yelled that a baby was dying and asked Scott to follow him. Scott’s EMT partner was tending to a patient and could not leave the ambulance, so Scott told the EMT to call 911, grabbed a kit, and dashed to a nearby car himself. There he found a mother holding an unconscious toddler who was not breathing. The child had an airway obstruction, which Scott managed to clear. When advanced life support units arrived on scene, the child was breathing and conscious. Scott and his partner then completed their original mission—without saying a word to anyone about the incident. 

Scott will likely have many other opportunities ahead to save and impact lives. He soon will begin his EMT training. 

Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services (Chesterfield, Virginia) is proud to recognize Robert Trimmer as our EMS Star of Life. Robert began his contribution to emergency medical services (EMS) in 1976 with the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad in Henrico, Virginia. He has been a valuable part of the Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services (CFEMS) family since 1984. He was a participant in the first training program during the development of the Virginia State Police Med-flight program in 1986. During his service with Chesterfield, Robert has impacted our organization as the Infectious Disease Control Officer and a charter member of the Hazardous Incident Team. His attention to detail and commitment to our organization’s vision of safety is evident through his work developing ambulance specifications and monitoring manufacturing compliance and his development of our bariatric patient response initiatives. Robert manages the contracts and purchasing for our department’s entire medical supplies inventory. His fiscal responsibility is further demonstrated by his cooperative participation with our county’s purchasing department, his identification and writing of grants, and his selfless actions as a manufacturer trained medical equipment repair specialist. Conservatively, Robert saves our county and its citizens tens of thousands of dollars each year in fees and repair costs surrounding our medical equipment assets. For his efforts, Robert has received department, and county, recognition including Employee of the Year. Regionally and nationally, Robert distinguishes himself as the chairman of the Metropolitan Richmond EMS Sub-committee, a member of the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Financial Assistance Review Committee,National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) drill coordinator, Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Chempack locality manager,Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists conference committee member, and safety manager with Kings Dominion (Hanover, Virginia). Robert’s expertise is respected and sought out by many agencies throughout our state and country. Robert’s nearly four decades of commitment to excellence and quality in EMS has helped our organization navigate the path to becoming a high performance EMS system.”

Earl is being nominated for providing outstanding care and exceptional service to his patients at LifeCare Medical Transports. With a strong passion to help those in need, Earl became certified as an EMT-B in 2008. As a valued EMT at LifeCare, Earl holds two positions; one as a Team Leader and another as a Field Training Officer. Since becoming a Field Training Officer with LifeCare, Earl has continued to go above and beyond in assuring all crew members have the proper training with LifeCare’s equipment, procedures and processes with a strong focus on providing exceptional customer service with each and every call. Earl is always willing to help with community events. He was very involved with the teaching of hands-only CPR, which attracted over 3,000 participants. Earl has a true passion for teaching and training, and has an engaging presence with his students. Earl is often referred to as someone with compassion, consideration, and affection with all those he comes in contact with, which is why he continually receives compliments from patients and facilities. One of Earl’s co-workers said, “Earl is someone who, no matter what is going on, always has a smile on his face and is upbeat.” We at LifeCare Medical Transports are honored to call Earl Cottom a STAR since joining our team in 2010.”

Gary is being recognized for providing outstanding care and exceptional service to patients at LifeCare Medical Transports. He constantly strives for improvement and seeks opportunities to enhance his clinical skills. Gary began his career in EMS in 1993 when he became an EMT, wanting to make a difference in people lives. Gary realized that being an EMT was very rewarding and had a desire to provide more help, so he went back to school and received his Paramedic in 1999. Gary has been involved in mountain rescues as part of his career as well as several FEMA deployments. Gary was very involved with the rescue efforts in Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina and New York for Hurricane Sandy. He continually goes above and beyond by learning general phrases in various languages as a way to improve communication with his patients. This small step in providing outstanding customer service makes the patient feel more comfortable at a time of great worry. We at LifeCare Medical Transports are honored to call Gary Chambers, one of our own STARS since joining our team in 2004.”

Tasha Browne is being nominated for her exceptional contribution to daily human resource and finance aspects of LifeCare Medical Transports. Tasha is a crucial part of the Senior Leadership team at LifeCare serving as the Vice President of both Human Resources and Finance. This is no small task for an EMS agency that employs hundreds of individuals throughout the state of Virginia. Tasha began her career with LifeCare in 2006. Since that time, she has consistently given her all to ensure that LifeCare operates efficiently and ethically day in and day out. A good steward of corporate resources, she has stayed abreast of industry changes by attending virtual training programs. She is also currently attending a Leadership Development Program through the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce which allows her to improve her leadership skills while building regional business connections. Tasha has always been a team player. She has been trained to serve as a call-taker, dispatcher as well as a corporate manager in order to help when crisis strikes. Tasha has also been instrumental in implementing LifeCare “green” efforts with an electronic orientation and on boarding process, electronic personnel files, electronic pay stubs, electronic signature pads, and virtual training. These items were key in LifeCare’s latest award: 2014 Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Green Frontier Award.This award was presented for LifeCare’s continued promotion and support of green initiatives throughout the company. We at LifeCare Medical Transports are honored to call Tasha Browne, MBA, a star since joining our team in 2006.”

Anna Ailstock has been a Paramedic since 2006. She began at Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) in 2008, and is currently a Paramedic Field Training Officer and chair of the RAA Clinical Services Committee. Prior to moving to Richmond she enjoyed a teaching position with Arlington County Public Schools as an assistant EMT-Basic instructor and was an active volunteer with Arlington County Fire Department for 4 years. Anna has also worked as a Paramedic Tech at Mary Washington Hospital ED and with the Department of Defense as a contracted Paramedic at Fort Belvoir. Anna is the 2014 recipient of the RAA Medical Directors Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to a paramedic that has demonstrated superior clinical abilities and who has dedicated personal time effort to ensure RAA remains clinically on the cutting edge of mobile healthcare in the City of Richmond, as well as an EMS leader in the region, country and internationally as they continue to provide World Class EMS. Anna was selected specifically because of the leadership she provides the clinical services committee. She has dedicated countless hours of time and service to lead this committee as they worked meticulously to develop a new competency based perception manual for our new employees. Additionally, she worked diligently to ensure exceptional training was provided to each student assigned to her for their field internship and through her guidance her students had a 100% first time pass rate through our paramedic clearance process, chaired personally by our Operational Medical Director Dr Joseph P. Ornato. Anna is a delight to work with and is an outstanding representative of Richmond Ambulance Authority. She exemplifies the very essence of the AAA Star of Life.”

Tony started his career in EMS in Virginia Beach, where he worked from 2004 to 2017. He earned his EMT certification there and became a life member of Davis Corner Volunteer Rescue Squad. In 2006 he applied to Medical Transport, and he was assigned to the Suffolk office.

While he was working with Virginia Beach EMS, Tony became a member of the SAR/Bike Team, and he was promoted to sergeant. In 2014, he became assistant captain at Davis Corner, and in 2015, he was promoted to captain of the Rescue Squad. 

Tony was named Employee of the Year for 2017 in recognition of his extraordinary care, passion, bravery, heroism, and genuine selflessness while rescuing a disabled resident from a house fire.

While on shift for Medical Transport, Tony and his partner were right down the street from a residential fire, so they went to help, even though they were not assigned the call. They arrived before the firefighters and police officers, and sprang into action. Tony ran in and found a patient in the kitchen then attempted to put out the grease fire. He helped the patient from the house, battling the thick smoke. When the fire reignited, Tony ran back in to save the home.

Tony is currently assigned to the Southampton County 911 (Courtland Office), and he is a member of the Metropolitan Medical Strike Team (MMST). He also works part-time for the City of Chesapeake Fire Department, giving back to the community.

Everyone at Medical Transport recognizes Tony as a standout employee and a great example of how to act. He shows constant professionalism day after day. His contributions to various organizations as well as Medical Transport go above and beyond the call of duty.

Josh is being honored as a Star of Life for his continued commitment to public service, as well as his bravery and dedication as an EMT.

Josh has the skills, mindset, and tenacity to handle emergency scenarios that require the ability to make quick decisions. His actions proved this when he assisted a fellow AMR ambulance crew after he noticed them stopped on the Interstate. The crew was on a 911 call with a distressed patient who became violent and combative in route to the hospital. Josh acted quickly to aid the crew and assisted in controlling the situation until police arrived. Josh’s actions helped to prevent any further injury to the crew and patient.

Josh has been with AMR working within the DC 911 system since it began two years prior, joining to get more fast-paced emergency experience. Josh is one who enjoys his work and continues every day to pursue his career in public safety.

Richmond Ambulance Authority is delighted to nominate Paramedic James “Scott” Kiniry for the AAA’s Stars of Life award. Scott, a Chesterfield County, Virginia, native, has resided locally his entire life.

Scott grew up in Midlothian, Virginia, and graduated from Benedictine High School. He was not sure of his future until he witnessed a tractor trailer roll over and aided the person inside. He then understood what he wanted to do with his life.

Beginning as an EMT and joining Richmond Ambulance Authority in December 2013, he pursued his Paramedic certification, graduating in July 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a second-generation public safety provider. His father is a retired captain with Richmond Police Department, and his brother has over 10 years with that department. His wife and his mother are both Registered Nurses.

Scott was promoted to corporal in 2017, and he also has the distinction of accomplishing the highest number of cardiac arrests resulting in return of spontaneous circulation! He is regularly recognized by his peers and supervisors alike, and he has received many commendations—all of which describe him as being a calm, compassionate, and dependable provider to our patient population.

Scott’s great accomplishments and wide recognition resulted in him being selected by RAA’s Medical Director, Dr. Joseph P. Ornato, to receive the 2017 Operational Medical Director’s Award-Paramedic of the Year.

When Duane Thomas found EMS, he found his calling. Duane came to LifeCare in 2011 as an EMT-B, and went on to complete the Intermediate program in 2015. Duane is described by his colleagues as, “professional, caring, and always an advocate for his patients.” While still an EMT-B, Duane was the partner that every medic would want on their crew. Duane always anticipated what the medic would need and would have it ready. Duane is not afraid to offer or take suggestions on a call and is always eager to learn and improve his skill set.

Duane always represents LifeCare in a professional and caring manner. The clinical care and comfort of Duane’s patients is always his priority. Duane has earned the respect of the doctors, nurses and staff members of the medical facilities he visits with his patients.

Duane’s commitment to excellence in clinical care and customer service is deserving of recognition. Duane’s LifeCare colleagues and supervisors are in agreement that his dedication to providing the best EMS care to the people of the Southwestern region of Virginia is exemplary. LifeCare Medical Transports is proud to recognize Duane as a 2017 Star of Life.

Lieutenant Ken Cook, EMT-B, began his career at LifeCare Medical Transports in 2013, and was quickly recognized by his supervisor as a born leader. Initially promoted to Sergeant of LifeCare’s Salem/Roanoke, Virginia station, Ken was again promoted to Lieutenant in 2015. Now, Ken is the operational supervisor for LifeCare’s entire Southwest Virginia region.

Ken’s employees appreciate his 24/7 availability and “can-do” attitude. There is no job too big or too small for Ken, in fact, Ken can frequently be found behind the wheel of a wheelchair van to ensure that all transports in his region, no matter the level of acuity, are handled in a timely manner. With a large geographic region to manage, Ken travels each week between his stations to ensure all of his employees have the tools they need to do the best job possible, and that all company policies and expectations are being met or exceeded.

Ken is a well-respected representative of LifeCare at the facilities served in his region. Ken has worked hard to dramatically increase business, and rally the necessary resources to handle the huge workload that the region demands.

Ken is calm and unassuming; however his background and training tell another story. Ken received his Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Penn State, and his Master’s degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Health Administration. Ken puts his education to use on a daily basis as he works to ensure all details are addressed while at the same time, still remaining focused on the big picture.

Ken’s commitment to excellence in clinical care and customer service are exceptional. Ken’s high standards set the bar for his employees to follow, and his hard work, calm, and professional leadership, are the reason his employees choose to follow.

Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) is delighted to nominate Paramedic Julie Anderson for the AAA’s Stars of Life Award. Julie began her career with RAA in August of 2007. Over the next two years, Julie decided to expand her knowledge in the field becoming a Paramedic in December of 2009. Julie is well known around RAA for a positive attitude that is contagious and constant bright smile. Julie states that “[her] favorite thing about EMS is helping people in their time of need—even if it’s not medically related. Just a kind word or a smile helps.” Julie sets the bar for dedication to her peers, with perfect attendance and frequent commendations. During her time at RAA, Julie has been a strong leader and voice for the employees on RAA’s Shift Bid Committee. In 2016 Julie received the Operational Medical Director’s Award, Paramedic of the Year.

Julie is a Hanover County, Virginia native, and has resided in the Richmond area her entire life. 

Linda Brown started her LifeCare career more than thirteen years ago. Already an EMT-B and active member of her volunteer agency, Linda’s background in accounting enabled her to join our staff as a Billing Specialist. LifeCare leadership realized from the very beginning that they had hired a customer service gem.

Over the years, Linda has not only served as a Billing Specialist, but has been involved in many special events. These range from providing EMS coverage at the Boy Scout Jamboree to sharing her smiling face and gentle words with children and adults in attendance at health and safety expos throughout the Central Virginia Region.

Linda’s knack for customer service has proven invaluable to LifeCare when serving customers calling in regards to their bills. Additionally, Linda is a great cheerleader for LifeCare’s employees. She assists the President of LifeCare with the preparation and presentation of kudos letters to employees who have been recognized by LifeCare’s customers for outstanding service.

LifeCare would not be the same without Linda’s smiling face and excellent customer service.

Sandy Passera came to LifeCare in 2011 to learn more about EMS so that she could better understand the passion that her sons, Michael and Ryan, had found in the Fire and EMS industries. She started her career with LifeCare as a Call Taker, and it wasn’t long before her outstanding leadership and innate customer service skills began to strengthen the Call Center operations.

It was Sandy’s excellent skills and dedication that lead to her promotion to Corporal of the Call Center. It was during this time that she took charge of the Call Center training process, and began training all new Call Takers, as well as providing the first level of training to all new Dispatchers.

Sandy currently oversees Call Center operations in her role as Sergeant. She tirelessly manages the department, answers calls, and trains Call Takers and Dispatchers in the precise work of the department. This is no small task. The LifeCare Call Center takes calls for its entire state-wide operations with a projected volume in 2016 of 80,000 transports.

The Call Center is a welcoming place because Sandy sets the stage for excellence in customer service for all of LifeCare’s customers – both external and internal. She decorates for every holiday, and ensures that her employees feel appreciated and empowered to do great work. They respectfully refer to Sandy as the “mom” of the Call Center.

Hank Pfister has been providing care as a LifeCare Medical Transports Paramedic for over five years, serving those in need in the Southwest Region of Virginia. His excellence in patient care and customer service earned him the position of ALS Field Training Officer.

Hank is truly a staple at LifeCare. He is a go-to provider for any question about policies and protocols, and his peers look up to him as a gentleman who always goes above and beyond the call of duty. A hard-working, loyal employee, Hank has earned the respect of not only LifeCare’s employees, but also the staff members of the hospitals and residential facilities in the region. They can count on his clinical competency and compassion.

Hank is the gentleman who will help out a friend or stranger in need without the expectation of thanks. That is why his fellow providers have chosen to nominate him as a Star of Life award recipient.