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News Release | American Ambulance Association Celebrates 147 EMS Heroes as 2025 Stars of Life

October 21, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emily Nichols
Enichols@ambulane.org

American Ambulance Association to Celebrate 147 EMS Heroes as 2025 Stars of Life

Washington, DC—The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to recognize 147 outstanding emergency medical services professionals as 2025 Stars of Life. These honorees—paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and mobile healthcare providers—represent the very best of EMS from across the United States.

The 2025 Stars of Life celebration will take place November 3–5, 2025, in Washington, DC. While some honorees will be recognized locally, many will travel to the nation’s capital to receive their awards, share their stories with policymakers, and celebrate the vital work of EMS. 

In addition to the Stars, Senator Susan Collins of Maine will be recognized as the 2025 AAA Legislator of the Year. The AAA will also honor eight Senators and seventeen Representatives with Legislative Recognition Awards for their ongoing support of mobile healthcare and the EMS profession.

Together, these 147 individuals embody the spirit of service and commitment that defines EMS—saving lives, strengthening communities, and inspiring others through their dedication.

This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:

Jennifer Aguilar, Operations Lead, Superior Mobile Health, San Antonio, TX
Kayla Alderman, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Sunstar Paramedics, Largo, FL
Mark Allen, Paramedic, EMSA, TULSA, OK
Zoe Allison, Sergeant, Paramedic, & Field Training Officer, Metropolitan EMS, Little Rock, AR
Anthony Arrigo, Operations Manager – Paramedic, Kunkel Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Utica, NY
Domingo Barboa, Emergency Medical Technician, Cascade Ambulance, Bellingham, WA
Carlos Bautista, Base Aviation Manager & Fixed Wing Pilot, EagleMed, Dodge City, KS
Emma Beaupre, Field Operations Manager, Armstrong Ambulance Service, Arlington, MA
Jonathan Bell, Paramedic, Metropolitan EMS, Little Rock, AR
Kathleen Benoit, Paramedic , Cataldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA
Cortney Bloxham, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Pafford Medical Services, Inc., Stigler, OK
Scott Bodien, GIS Analyst Communications, Mecklenburg EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
Kandice Bogatz, Paramedic, Northwell Emergency Medical Services, Syosset, NY
Andre Joel Bower, Critical Care Paramedic, LifeCare Medical Transports, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Fredericksburg, VA
Robert Brengartner, Emergency Medical Technician, Hall Ambulance, Bakersfield, CA
Richard Byerwalters, District Chief, Mohawk Ambulance Service, Schenectady, NY
Alison Cagle, Emergency Medical Technician, Acadian Ambulance, Lafayette, LA
Nathan Cagna, Emergency Medical Technician, Huron Valley Ambulance, Ann Arbor, MI
Jeremy Capps, Emergency Medical Technician, Hall Ambulance, Bakersfield, CA
Larry Christian, EMT-Basic, Seals Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Indianapolis, IN
Timothy Clark, Paramedic, Rescue, Inc., Brattleboro, VT
Hugh Coley, Emergency Medical Technician, Northwell Emergency Medical Services, Syosset, NY
Jason Cooke, Vice President of Operations, Medshore Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Anderson, SC
Chris Crawford, Paramedic Field Training Officer, American Medical Response, Portland, OR
Naomi Crittendon, Emergency Medical Technician, Olympic Ambulance, Tacoma, WA
Talitha Crowe, Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response , Temple, TX
Nathanael Day, Flight Nurse & Paramedic, EagleMed , Wichita, KS
Krystal Daymonde, Paramedic & Patient Field Instructor, Hartford HealthCare EMS Network, Meriden, CT
Courtney De Weese, Supervisor & Paramedic, Life EMS Ambulance, Grand Rapids, MI
Trish Dickerson, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Pafford Medical Services, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK
Sergey Dobrinin, Critical Care Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Bell Ambulance, Inc., Milwaukee, WI
Rudy Drago, Dispatch Lead, River Medical, Lake Havasu City, AZ
Aaron Durette, Paramedic Field Training Officer, American Medical Response, West Hartford, CT
Arianne Emling, Flight Nurse – Base Clinical Lead, Air Evac Lifeteam, Marion, IL
Jimi Estrada-Velazquez, Paramedic, American Medical Response, Riverside, CA
Tom Felter, Paramedic and Station Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana, Hebron, IN
Marc Flores, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam, Abilene, TX
Tyler Ford, Paramedic, REACT EMS, Shawnee, OK
Kara Fox, Chief Administrative Officer, Ute Pass Regional Ambulance District, Woodland Park, CO
Neil Frame, Operations Director, Metro-Area Ambulance Service, Mandan, ND
Eric Friedell, EMT Communications Coordinator, Northwell Emergency Medical Services, Syosset, NY
Will Gardam, Captain, Paramedic, Spirit EMS, Greenville, OH
Rusty Gilbert, Paramedic, Pafford EMS of Louisiana, Ruston, LA
Kenny Glimme, Flight Paramedic, REACH, Oceanside, CA
Aaron Goodloe, Paramedic, American Medical Response, Kansas City, KS
Alex Gossett, Paramedic, Puckett EMS, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Rockmart, GA
Dylan Graves, Lead Paramedic – Field Training Officer, American Medical Response, Keizer, OR
Terry Gray, Emergency Medical Technician – Crew Chief, American Medical Response, Puyallup, WA
Rachelle Hallett, Critical Care Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
John  Harding, Assistant Supervisor, Paramedic, Mayo Clinic Ambulance, Rochester, MN
Carol Harper, Administrative Assistant, Frontier Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Fremont County, WY
Jeanine Hasenkopf, Chief Supervisor Dispatch, Mohawk Ambulance Service, Schenectady, NY
Jayeah Haske, Dispatch Supervior, Life EMS Inc., Enid, OK
Shelby Hawkins, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Southern Paramedic Services, Brinkley, AR
Brian Heisz, Paramedic, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance, La Crosse, WI
Charles Henley, Emergency Medical Technician, On-Duty Supervisor, Pafford Medical Services, Inc., Quitman County, MS
Connor Holt, Paramedic, Shoals Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Jefferson County, AL
Athena Hopkins, Paramedic & On-Duty Supervisor, Pafford Medical Services, Inc., Rogers County, OK
Ryan Horowitz, Dispatch Manager, Falck USA, Orange, CA
Julie Humes, Flight Nurse, Air Evac Lifeteam, MaComb, IL
Braxton Impson, Paramedic, East Baton Rouge Parish EMS, Baton Rouge, LA
Zachary Jahnke, Paramedic, Life EMS Ambulance, Grand Rapids, MI
Jeremy Jaime, Paramedic, Falck USA, Alameda, CA
Louann Jarreau, Communications Supervisor, East Baton Rouge Parish EMS, Baton Rouge, LA
Stacy Jensen, Critical Care Paramedic, M Health Fairview / HealthEast, St. Paul, MN
Christopher Jerrell, Assistant Operations Supervisor, Mecklenburg EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
Jeff Kaufman, Director of Logistics & Mobility, PatientCare EMS Solutions, Sioux Falls, SD
Daryl Kennedy, Field Training Officer, Advanced Life Systems, Spokane, WA
Joseph Ketcham, Paramedic Supervisor, MedicWest, North Las Vegas, NV
Stacy Kohn, Captain, Friendswood EMS, League City, TX
Eric Korneffel, Critical Care Paramedic, Northwell Health, Syosset, NY
Jason Lambeth, Emergency Medical Technician, Sinor EMS, Butler, OK
Katie Leland, Training and Education Captain, Ute Pass Regional Ambulance District, Woodland Park, CO
Josh Lewis, Supervisor / Paramedic, Life EMS Ambulance, Grand Rapids, MI
Antony Lockwood, Paramedic Shift Supervisor, Regional Ambulance Service, Rutland, VT
Paul Lopez, Dispatch Manager, Falck USA, Los Angeles, CA
P.J. Lowe, Emergency Medical Technician Advanced, American Medical Response, Jackson, MS
Matt Magiera, Paramedic, Medstar EMS, Summerdale, AL
Samantha Mahan, Paramedic , Cataldo Ambulance Service, Somerville, MA
Dave Martens, EMS Educator, Gundersen Lutheran MedLink AIR, La Crosse, WI
Mathew Matouk, Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois, Elmhurst, IL
Eva Matyus-Bailey, Paramedic, Pafford EMS of Mississippi, Brandon, MS
Caleb McDougal, Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician , Southern Paramedic Service , Brinkley, AR
Beau McFarlin, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam, Marion, IL
Daniel McIntosh, Supervisor, Lakes Region EMS, North Branch, MN
Alyssa McMullen, Paramedic, Mohawk Ambulance Service, Schenectady, NY
Alexander Megquier, Paramedic, American Medical Response,  West Hartford, CT
Osvaldo Michel, Emergency Medical Technician, Hall Ambulance, Bakersfield, CA
William Miles, Paramedic, Hall Ambulance, Bakersfield, CA
Douglas Milks, Paramedic, American Medical Response, Angola, NY
Ashley Miranda, Emergency Medical Technician, Hartford HealthCare EMS Network, Meriden, CT
Dillon Misenheimer, Paramedic, East Baton Rouge Parish EMS, Baton Rouge, LA
Edmund Moreshead, Paramedic, North East Mobile Health, Scarborough, ME
Magen Morris, Paramedic – Special Events Administrative Supervisor, MedicWest, North Las Vegas, NV
Jon Mullaly, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Armstrong Ambulance Service, Arlington, MA
Gheorghe Munteanu, Emergency Medical Technician, Action Ambulance Service, Inc., Wilmington, MA
Holly Nasello, Paramedic, Life Line, Prescott, AZ
Andrew Natoli, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Medic Ambulance Service Inc., Sonoma, CA
Daniel Norfleet, Operations Manager – Paramedic, First Call Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Clarksville, TN
Thomas Elliot Owen, Paramedic & Field Supervisor, Magnolia Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Forest, MS
John Pagonis, Emergency Medical Technician, Northwell Emergency Medical Services, Syosset, NY
Shrey Patel, Paramedic Supervisor, Hall Ambulance, Bakersfield, CA
Aaron Pearce, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Sunstar Paramedics, Largo, FL
Jonathan Penick, Emergency Medical Technician, EMSA, TULSA, OK
Trey Phillips, Flight Nurse – Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam, Snellville, GA
Mark Powers, Emergency Medical Technician – Field Training Officer, Community Care Ambulance Network, Ashtabula, OH
Tarun Prajapati, Critical Care Transport Nurse, MedEx Ambulance, SKOKIE, IL
Rick Pringle, Paramedic – Field Training Officer, American Medical Response , Temple, TX
Julie Purick, Critical Care Paramedic, American Medical Response, Rochester, NY
Gerardo Ramirez, Paramedic, Falck USA, San Diego, CA
Emma Reyes, Emergency Medical Technician, Action Ambulance Service, Inc., Wilmington, MA
Dana Rhoades, Emergency Medical Technician, Action Ambulance Service, Inc., Wilmington, MA
LeAnn Riley, EMS & Fire Dispatcher, American Medical Response, Modesto, CA
Ryan Rizen, Clinical Education Manager, American Medical Response, Evansville, IN
Katelyn Roberts, Manager of EMS Operations, REMSA Health, Reno, NV
Jess Robins, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Medic Ambulance Service Inc., Vallejo, CA
Darrell Rohe, Critical Care Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Lakes Region EMS, North Branch, MN
Daniel Rooney, 911 Supervisor, Maricopa Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC, Maricopa County, AZ
Samantha Sabol, Paramedic – Field Training Officer, American Medical Response, Temple, TX
Joannie Sanchez, Flight Nurse, Acadian Ambulance, Lafayette, LA
Sara Sanders, Emergency Medical Technician, Mohawk Ambulance Service, Schenectady, NY
Missy Satterfield, Flight Nurse – Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam, Abilene, TX
Joseph Sisneros, Paramedic, Del Norte Ambulance, Crescent City, CA
Jamon Smith, Director of Training, Gold Cross Services, Salt Lake City, UT
Christopher Spilde, Clinical Manager, Woodburn Ambulance Service, Woodburn, OR
Mark Staley, Paramedic, Operations Manager, Pafford Medical Services, Inc., Chicot & Drew Counties, AR
Morgan Stanley, Emergency Medical Technician , American Medical Response , Independence, MO
Jason Staszko, Medical Director, Bell Ambulance, Inc., Milwaukee, WI
Jonathan Stocker, Critical Care Transport Paramedic, Superior Mobile Health, San Antonio, TX
Doug Struble, EMS District Chief, Mercy Ambulance Service, Inc., Savannah, GA
Sarah Stump, Director of CDST, Spirit EMS, Greenville, OH
Samantha Sukel, System Controller & Emergency Medical Technician, Emergent Health Partners, Ann Arbor, MI
Tristan Tomlins, Paramedic, Medic Ambulance Service Inc., Vallejo, CA
Jonathan Tseng, QA/QI Specialist, Falck USA, Orange, CA
Corey Tucker, Mechanic, Century Ambulance, Orange Park, FL
Stone Volkmer, Paramedic – Field Training Officer, Community Care Ambulance Network, Ashtabula, OH
Julianna Wadsworth, Paramedic, Olympic Ambulance, Poulsbo, WA
Adam Wagh, Communications Center Manager., Superior Mobile Health, San Antonio, TX
Parker Wallace, Crew Chief & Field Training Officer, Mecklenburg EMS Agency, Charlotte, NC
Michelle Walsh, Advanced Scope Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio, Lancaster, OH
April Weisler, Paramedic, Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service, Ardmore, OK
Alisha Welicki, Paramedic and North Operations Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan,  Sterling Heights, MI
Melissa White, Basic Life Support Lead, Metropolitan EMS, Little Rock, AR
Dustin Williams, Assistant Manager Critical Care Transport & Manager of Ground Organ Transport, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois, Schaumburg, IL
Dustin Wilson, Paramedic, American Medical Response, Stockton, CA
Ryan Zavada, Critical Care Paramedic, Advanced Medical Transport, Peoria, IL
Brannen Zilka, Paramedic, American Medical Response, Concord, CA

 

Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill hotel on November 4, 2025, from 7:00–9:00 pm. Interviews with Stars of Life will be available.

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About The American Ambulance Association

Caring for People—First.

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.



News Release | EMS Heroes Honored in Washington, DC as 2024 Stars of Life

November 14, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Riordan
703-615-4492
ariordan@ambulance.org

EMS Heroes Honored in Washington, DC as 2024 Stars of Life

Washington, DC—This week, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) recognized extraordinary EMS professionals during the annual Stars of Life celebration. 143 individuals from across the United States were honored as the 2024 Stars at the November 11–13 event.

Stars of Life pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare safety net. During their time in our nation’s capital, the Stars received medallions and awards in thanks for their lifesaving and life-sustaining service. The Stars, accompanied by their families and executive hosts, met with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss policy issues critical to emergency medical services. In recognition of Veterans Day on November 11, special recognition was afforded to Stars with a military or reserves background.

In addition to the Stars, Representative Brad Finstad of Minnesota and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington were recognized as Legislators of the Year, and 9 United States Senators and 16 Representatives received Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of mobile healthcare. Retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan was honored with the inaugural EMS Legacy Award.

American Ambulance Association President Randy Strozyk noted that, “EMS professionals work around-the-clock to deliver out-of-hospital care when it is needed most.” He continued, “We honor this year’s Stars of Life and thank them for their tireless service to local communities across the nation.”

This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:

Frank Alba, Critical Care Paramedic, Field Training Officer, American Medical Response (Kansas City, KS)
Johan Alvarado, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam (Laredo, TX)
Aubree Arneson, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Cal-Ore Life Flight (Brookings, OR)
Adam Aronberg, Paramedic, Northwell Health System Center for EMS (Norwalk, NY)
Glenn Arremony, Operations Manager, Hartford HealthCare EMS Network (Lisbon, CT)
Robyn Asher, Training Administrator & Quality Assurance Manager, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
Krystal Barboza, Community Outreach Coordinator, Hall Ambulance Service  (Bakersfield, CA)
Keone Bareng, Paramedic Supervisor, Life EMS Ambulance (West Olive, MI)
Henry Barsh, Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response (Philadelphia, DC)
John Basile, Emergency Medical Technician, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana (Highland, IN)
Jason Baum, Paramedic Supervisor, Falck – San Diego (Escondido, CA)
Alec Belau, Field Training Officer, Paramedic, Maricopa Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Scottsdale, TN)
Antoine Berenger, Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician, Rural Metro Fire (Gilbert, AZ)
Samantha Blackwell, Paramedic, Acadian Ambulance (Converse, LA)
Cornelius Brady, Chief Strategy Officer, VMSC Emergency Medical Services (Lansdale, PA)
Spencer Brittain, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Life EMS  (Enid, OK)
Gregg Bulman, Paramedic , Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Dorchester, WI)
Jade Calvin, Critical Care Paramedic, Bell Ambulance, Inc. (Waukesha, WI)
Jeremiah Capps, Operations Manager, Superior Mobile Health (Converse, TX)
Josh Cavaness, Flight Paramedic, EagleMed/Med-Trans Corp. (Chanute, KS)
Emily Chandler, EMS Programs Manager & Program Director, NCTI of Massachusetts, American Medical Response (Duxbury, MA)
Cassandra Clark, Paramedic Supervisor, Medix Ambulance Service Inc. (Vancouver , OR)
Eric Constantine, Operations Manager – Sonoma County, Medic Ambulance Service Inc. (Santa Rosa, CA)
Jason Cooke, Vice President of Operations, Medshore Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Darlington, SC)
Bernard Cote, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Rescue Inc. (Newfane, VT)
Janiece Cox, Critical Care Paramedic/911 Contract Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana (Valparaiso, IN)
Brandi Crist, Paramedic, Metropolitan EMS (Bigelow, AR)
Andrew Davalos, Paramedic , American Medical Response (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
Dwight Derby, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Life Systems, Inc. (Selah, WA)
Michael Dobrosky, Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio (Genoa, OH)
Dianna Drake, Emergency Medical Technician & Field Training Officer, Hartford HealthCare EMS Network (Meriden, CT)
Nate Dutt, Paramedic, Sanford Ambulance (Fargo, ND)
Amie Ebarb, Emergency Medical Technician, Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service (Ardmore, OK)
Riggs Egolf, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Hampton, VA)
Yahya Elshawarbi, Emergency Medical Technician, Falck USA (Hayward, CA)
Steve Emery, Emergency Medical Technician, Seals Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Indianapolis, IN)
Aidan Enders, Paramedic Chief Supervisor, Mohawk Ambulance Service (Delanson, NY)
Juvencio Estrada, Flight Nurse, Air Evac Lifeteam (Laredo, TX)
William Fisher, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam (Walnut Ridge, MO)
Jason Florance, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Overbrook, KS)
Eric Foell, Training Officer, Regional Ambulance Service, Inc. (Tinmouth, VT)
Robert Ford, Emergency Medical Technician, LifeNet Inc. – Oklahoma (Stillwater, OK)
Josh Frierson, Operations Manager, Lifenet, Inc – Texas (Wake Village, TX)
Jorge Garcia, Emergency Medical Technician, Umpqua Valley Ambulance (Roseburg, OR)
Hope Garrison, Operations Manager, LifeNet, Inc. – Arkansas (Royal, AR)
Craig Gesterling, Shift Commander & Paramedic , Sunstar Paramedics (St Petersburg, SD)
Taylor Gibson, Assistant Supervisor – Emergency Communications, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service (Rochester , MN)
Jacob Gilmore, Emergency Medical Technician, Mohawk Ambulance Service (Burnt Hills, NY)
Wayne Gooding, Community Paramedic, Emergent Health Partners (Jackson, MI)
Jessup Grogan, Sergeant & Emergency Medical Technician, Metropolitan EMS (Little Rock, AR)
Kenneth Guzman, Paramedic, Northwell Health System Center for EMS (Farmingville, NY)
Diamond Hall, Emergency Medical Technician, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois (Oak Park, IL)
Morgan Halliburton, Emergency Medical Technician, ProMed Ambulance (Maynard, AR)
Scotland Hamlin, Field Training Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response (Orlando, FL)
Kayleen Harding, Emergency Medical Technician, Frontier Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Fort Washakie, WY)
Josh Harrington, Assistant Supervisor & Paramedic , Sunstar Paramedics (Tampa, FL)
John Hathaway, Emergency Medical Technician, Spirit Medical Transport, LLC (Greenville, OH)
Robert Hatzikonstantis, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Armstrong Ambulance Service ( Arlington, MA)
William Hehn, Jr., Air Communications Specialist, REMSA Health (Reno, NV)
Jason Henry, Fire Captain Paramedic, Rural Metro Fire (Mesa, AZ)
Kylend Hetherington, Paramedic, Medstar Ambulance (Auburn, MI)
Jon Hibbard, Paramedic Supervisor, Action Ambulance Service, Inc. (Tuftonboro, MA)
Timothy Hinchcliff, Managing Director, Burholme Emergency Medical Services (Philadelphia, PA)
Jason Hodges, Operations Supervisor, Honor Guard Commander, American Medical Response (Wilsonville, OR)
Royce Hsiung, EMT-IV Tech, Lakes Region EMS (North Branch, MN)
Alan Hughry, Paramedic , Medic Ambulance Service Inc. (Vallejo, CA)
Kristen Hunter, Emergency Medical Technician Supervisor, Action Ambulance Service, Inc. (Southboro, MA)
Heather James, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician , American Medical Response (Lagrange, GA)
Lillie Jamison, Supervisor and Compliance Specialist, Baptist Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Nesbit, TN)
Steve Jaskot, Community Paramedic, Emergent Health Partners (Chelsea, MI)
Brian Keith, Emergency Medical Technician, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Wisconsin (Oshkosh, WI)
David Kingdon, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Wailuku, HI)
Alissa Krisher, Critical Care Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Wisconsin (New London, WI)
Daniel Laguna, Area Float Pilot, REACH (North Salt Lake, UT)
Matthew Lambert, Paramedic, Lifeguard Ambulance Service (Florence, AL)
Carla Landrum, Field Training Officer, Puckett EMS, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Buchanan, GA)
Miki Leslie, Emergency Medical Technician, Field Training Officer, American Medical Response (White Swan, WA)
William Loftus-Rooney, Emergency Medical Technician, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc.  (Holyoke , MA)
George Lombardo, EMS Training & Safety Manager, Superior Mobile Health (Kirby, TX)
Patti Ludvig McCartney, Integrated Care Paramedic, Life EMS Ambulance (Portage, MI)
Eric Lumpkin, Dispatch Supervisor – Quality Assurance & Training, Central EMS, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Dacula, GA)
Don Marr, Paramedic, Bay Cities Ambulance (Coos Bay, OR)
James Martin, Critical Care Paramedic, Pafford EMS (Tulsa, OK)
Maurice Matthews, Critical Care Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan (Berkley, MI)
Amanda McQuistian, Director Of Operations, LifeCare Medical Transports, Priority Ambulance (Fredericksburg, VA)
Alyssa Meier, Emergency Medical Technician, Life Line Ambulance (Prescott, AZ)
Eli Melamed, Paramedic, Life Line Ambulance (Prescott Valley, AZ)
Shelly Miller, Revenue Cycle Manager, Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Concord, NC)
Loren Mitchell, Operations Supervisor , Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Waterloo , WI)
Michael Mitchell, Emergency Medical Technician, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois (Yorkville, IL)
Kevin Moore, Paramedic, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc.  (Newburyport, MA)
Amber Munch, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, East Baton Rouge Parish EMS (Baton Rouge, LA)
Scott Munoz, Critical Care Paramedic, Missoula Emergency Services (Frenchtown, MT)
Adam Mysona, Emergency Medical Technician, Falck – Colorado (Lakewood, CO)
Philip Neff, Field Training Officer, Falck – Southern California (La Palma, CA)
Shellaine Novak, Clinical Services Director, PatientCare EMS (Sioux Falls, SD)
Stacy Omdahl, Emergency Medical Technician, LifeCare EMS (Roseau, MN)
Megan Overbeck, Paramedic, Abbott EMS (Decatur, IL)
Michael Penna, Critical Care Transport Registered Nurse, American Medical Response (Grand Terrace, CA)
Jon Jakob Peterson, Paramedic, Sanford Ambulance (Fargo, ND) (POSTHUMOUS)
Lori Peterson, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Medstar Ambulance (Shelby Twp, MI)
Emily Robillard, Emergency Communications Officer , East Baton Rouge Parish EMS (New Roads, LA)
Kevin Rochford, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Temple, TX)
Brian Rogers, Advanced Scope Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio (Ontario, OH)
Daniel Schaefer, Chief of Operations, Metro-Area Ambulance Service (Mandan , ND)
Madison Schatzer, Paramedic, McClain-Grady County EMS (Moore, OK)
Mark Schiltz, Emergency Medical Technician, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Caledonia, WI)
Ryan Schott, Field Training Officer, Paramedic Crew Chief, & Tactical Paramedic, Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Charlotte, NC)
Joe Scott, Paramedic Shift Leader, Medix Ambulance Service Inc. (Warrenton , OR)
Allison Sharp, Paramedic, East Baton Rouge Parish EMS (Baton Rouge, LA)
Faith Shuff, Paramedic Field Supervisor, National EMS, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Oxford, TN)
Nicole Silver, Paramedic, Northwell Health System Center for EMS (Staten Island, NY)
Dale Simmons, EMS Program Administrator, Mercy Ambulance Service, Inc. (Savannah, GA)
Lance Smeal, Field Training Officer, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response (Lockport, NY)
Chad Smith, Director of Operation Support, Kunkel Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Mohawk, TN)
Robin Smith, Training Administrator, First Call Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Nashville, TN)
Thomas Smith, Communications Manager, EMSA (Tulsa, OK)
Raquel Soto, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Newington, CT)
Jason Southard, Operations Supervisor, American Medical Response (Tucson, AZ)
Allen Steele, Emergency Medical Technician, Guardian Ambulance Service, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Darlington, SC)
Savannah Steele Welch, Field Supervisor, Paramedic, Acadian Ambulance (West Monroe, LA)
Ambrose Stevens, Operations Manager, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Redding, CA) (POSTHUMOUS)
Dalton Stewart, Paramedic, Pafford EMS (Boyle, MS)
Sam Swanson, Paramedic, Hall Ambulance Service  (Bakersfield, CA)
Jessicah Sweet, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Monticello Ambulance Service (Star City, AR)
Sam Sye, Fleet Service Manager , Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Mindoro, WI)
Keri Taylor, Health Information Management Coordinator, EMSA (Oklahoma City, OK)
Nikki Taylor, Captain, Nationally Registered Paramedic, Metropolitan EMS (North Little Rock, AR)
Heather Teague, Paramedic Crew Chief, Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Charlotte, NC)
Shane Terry, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam (Snyder, TX)
Chris Thomason, Paramedic, ProMed Ambulance (El Dorado, AR)
Cynthia Torkelson, Paramedic, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Monona, WI)
Richelle Treece, Paramedic, REACT EMS (Shawnee, OK)
David Trimberger, Paramedic Field Training Officer, Pafford EMS (Edmond, OK)
Cheryl VanSeters, Control Center Trainer, Life EMS Ambulance (Grand Rapids, MI)
Andrew Clei Varela, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, American Medical Response (Keyes , CA)
Lucie Walters, Flight Respiratory Therapist, AirMed International (Foley, AL)
Nicole Warren, Flight Nurse, Air Evac Lifeteam (Osceola, MO)
Andrew Watson, Paramedic & Clinical Services Specialist, EMSA (Norman, OK)
Paul Winter, Paramedic – Field Training Officer, Hartford HealthCare EMS Network (Shelton, CT)
Amy Wollenburg, Paramedic, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service (Austin, MN)
Haywad Yusufzai, EMT & Field Training Officer, Armstrong Ambulance Service (Arlington, MA)
Ronnie Zermeno, Paramedic Supervisor, Pafford EMS (Sherwood, AR)

 

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About The American Ambulance Association

Caring for People—First.

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.

2024 AAA Legislative Awards

The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 AAA Legislative Awards. Each Member of Congress is being recognized for their strong advocacy for emergency medical services and their ongoing dedication to ambulance services across the United States. In addition to our two Legislator of the Year Awards and 25 Legislative Recognition Awards, the American Ambulance Association has named their first-ever EMS Legacy Award Winner. This award is reserved for a Members of Congress who made a substantial impact on the EMS industry during their tenure in the U.S. Congress.

2024 EMS Legacy Award

Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI)

2024 AAA Legislators of the Year

Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-3)
Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-1)

2024 AAA Legislative Recognition Award Recipients

Senators

  • Senator Jon Tester (MT)
  • Senator Katherine Cortez Masto (NV)
  • Senator Susan Collins (ME)
  • Senator Bill Cassidy (LA)
  • Senator Patty Murray (WA)
  • Senator Jerry Moran (KS)
  • Senator John Boozman (AR)
  • Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV)
  • Senator Peter Welch (VT)

Representatives

  • Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7)
  • Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-2)
  • Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-1)
  • Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20)
  • Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-3)
  • Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-1)
  • Congressman Michael Guest (MS-3)
  • Congressman Michael Bost (IL-12)
  • Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-1)
  • Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)
  • Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16)
  • Congressman Kelly Armstrong (ND- At Large)
  • Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5)
  • Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37)
  • Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15)
  • Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT- At Large)

 

News Release | EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Washington, DC as 2024 Stars of Life

October 24, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Riordan
703-615-4492
ariordan@ambulance.org

EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Washington, DC as 2024 Stars of Life

Washington, DC—This November, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) will recognize extraordinary EMS professionals during the annual Stars of Life celebration. 143 individuals from across the United States will be honored as the 2024 Stars at the November 11–13 event.

Stars of Life pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare safety net. During their time in our nation’s capital, the Stars will receive medallions and awards in thanks for their lifesaving and life-sustaining service. The Stars, accompanied by their families and executive hosts, will also meet with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss policy issues critical to emergency medical services. In recognition of Veterans Day on November 11, special recognition will be afforded to Stars with a military or reserves background.

In addition to the Stars, Representative Brad Finstad of Minnesota and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington will be recognized as Legislators of the Year, and 9 United States Senators and 16 US Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of mobile healthcare. Retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan will also be honored with the inaugural EMS Legacy Award.

American Ambulance Association President Randy Strozyk noted that, “EMS professionals work around-the-clock to deliver out-of-hospital care when it is needed most.” He continued, “We honor this year’s Stars of Life and thank them for their tireless service to local communities across the nation.”

This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:

Frank Alba, Critical Care Paramedic, Field Training Officer, American Medical Response (Kansas City, KS)
Johan Alvarado, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam (Laredo, TX)
Aubree Arneson, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Cal-Ore Life Flight (Brookings, OR)
Adam Aronberg, Paramedic, Northwell Health System Center for EMS (Norwalk, NY)
Glenn Arremony, Operations Manager, Hartford HealthCare EMS Network (Lisbon, CT)
Robyn Asher, Training Administrator & Quality Assurance Manager, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
Krystal Barboza, Community Outreach Coordinator, Hall Ambulance Service  (Bakersfield, CA)
Keone Bareng, Paramedic Supervisor, Life EMS Ambulance (West Olive, MI)
Henry Barsh, Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response (Philadelphia, DC)
John Basile, Emergency Medical Technician, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana (Highland, IN)
Jason Baum, Paramedic Supervisor, Falck – San Diego (Escondido, CA)
Alec Belau, Field Training Officer, Paramedic, Maricopa Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Scottsdale, TN)
Antoine Berenger, Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician, Rural Metro Fire (Gilbert, AZ)
Samantha Blackwell, Paramedic, Acadian Ambulance (Converse, LA)
Cornelius Brady, Chief Strategy Officer, VMSC Emergency Medical Services (Lansdale, PA)
Spencer Brittain, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Life EMS  (Enid, OK)
Gregg Bulman, Paramedic , Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Dorchester, WI)
Jade Calvin, Critical Care Paramedic, Bell Ambulance, Inc. (Waukesha, WI)
Jeremiah Capps, Operations Manager, Superior Mobile Health (Converse, TX)
Josh Cavaness, Flight Paramedic, EagleMed/Med-Trans Corp. (Chanute, KS)
Emily Chandler, EMS Programs Manager & Program Director, NCTI of Massachusetts, American Medical Response (Duxbury, MA)
Cassandra Clark, Paramedic Supervisor, Medix Ambulance Service Inc. (Vancouver , OR)
Eric Constantine, Operations Manager – Sonoma County, Medic Ambulance Service Inc. (Santa Rosa, CA)
Jason Cooke, Vice President of Operations, Medshore Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Darlington , SC)
Bernard Cote, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Rescue Inc. (Newfane, VT)
Janiece Cox, Critical Care Paramedic/911 Contract Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana (Valparaiso, IN)
Brandi Crist, Paramedic, Metropolitan EMS (Bigelow, AR)
Andrew Davalos, Paramedic , American Medical Response (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
Dwight Derby, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Life Systems, Inc. (Selah, WA)
Michael Dobrosky, Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio (Genoa, OH)
Dianna Drake, Emergency Medical Technician & Field Training Officer, Hartford HealthCare EMS Network (Meriden, CT)
Nate Dutt, Paramedic, Sanford Ambulance (Fargo, ND)
Amie Ebarb, Emergency Medical Technician, Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service (Ardmore, OK)
Riggs Egolf, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Hampton, VA)
Yahya Elshawarbi, Emergency Medical Technician, Falck USA (Hayward, CA)
Steve Emery, Emergency Medical Technician, Seals Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Indianapolis, IN)
Aidan Enders, Paramedic Chief Supervisor, Mohawk Ambulance Service (Delanson, NY)
Juvencio Estrada, Flight Nurse, Air Evac Lifeteam (Laredo, TX)
William Fisher, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam (Walnut Ridge, MO)
Jason Florance, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Overbrook, KS)
Eric Foell, Training Officer, Regional Ambulance Service, Inc. (Tinmouth, VT)
Robert Ford, Emergency Medical Technician, LifeNet Inc. – Oklahoma (Stillwater, OK)
Josh Frierson, Operations Manager, Lifenet, Inc – Texas (Wake Village, TX)
Jorge Garcia, Emergency Medical Technician, Umpqua Valley Ambulance (Roseburg, OR)
Hope Garrison, Operations Manager, LifeNet, Inc. – Arkansas (Royal, AR)
Craig Gesterling, Shift Commander & Paramedic , Sunstar Paramedics (St Petersburg, SD)
Taylor Gibson, Assistant Supervisor – Emergency Communications, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service (Rochester , MN)
Jacob Gilmore, Emergency Medical Technician, Mohawk Ambulance Service (Burnt Hills, NY)
Wayne Gooding, Community Paramedic, Emergent Health Partners (Jackson, MI)
Jessup Grogan, Sergeant & Emergency Medical Technician, Metropolitan EMS (Little Rock, AR)
Kenneth Guzman, Paramedic, Northwell Health System Center for EMS (Farmingville, NY)
Diamond Hall, Emergency Medical Technician, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois (Oak Park, IL)
Morgan Halliburton, Emergency Medical Technician, ProMed Ambulance (Maynard, AR)
Scotland Hamlin, Field Training Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response (Orlando, FL)
Kayleen Harding, Emergency Medical Technician, Frontier Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Fort Washakie, WY)
Josh Harrington, Assistant Supervisor & Paramedic , Sunstar Paramedics (Tampa, FL)
John Hathaway, Emergency Medical Technician, Spirit Medical Transport, LLC (Greenville, OH)
Robert Hatzikonstantis, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Armstrong Ambulance Service ( Arlington, MA)
William Hehn, Jr., Air Communications Specialist, REMSA Health (Reno, NV)
Jason Henry, Fire Captain Paramedic, Rural Metro Fire (Mesa, AZ)
Kylend Hetherington, Paramedic, Medstar Ambulance (Auburn, MI)
Jon Hibbard, Paramedic Supervisor, Action Ambulance Service, Inc. (Tuftonboro, MA)
Timothy Hinchcliff, Managing Director, Burholme Emergency Medical Services (Philadelphia, PA)
Jason Hodges, Operations Supervisor, Honor Guard Commander, American Medical Response (Wilsonville, OR)
Royce Hsiung, EMT-IV Tech, Lakes Region EMS (North Branch, MN)
Alan Hughry, Paramedic , Medic Ambulance Service Inc. (Vallejo, CA)
Kristen Hunter, Emergency Medical Technician Supervisor, Action Ambulance Service, Inc. (Southboro, MA)
Heather James, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician , American Medical Response (Lagrange, GA)
Lillie Jamison, Supervisor and Compliance Specialist, Baptist Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Nesbit, TN)
Steve Jaskot, Community Paramedic, Emergent Health Partners (Chelsea, MI)
Brian Keith, Emergency Medical Technician, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Wisconsin (Oshkosh, WI)
David Kingdon, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Wailuku, HI)
Alissa Krisher, Critical Care Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Wisconsin (New London, WI)
Daniel Laguna, Area Float Pilot, REACH (North Salt Lake, UT)
Matthew Lambert, Paramedic, Lifeguard Ambulance Service (Florence, AL)
Carla Landrum, Field Training Officer, Puckett EMS, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Buchanan, GA)
Miki Leslie, Emergency Medical Technician, Field Training Officer, American Medical Response (White Swan, WA)
William Loftus-Rooney, Emergency Medical Technician, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc.  (Holyoke , MA)
George Lombardo, EMS Training & Safety Manager, Superior Mobile Health (Kirby, TX)
Patti Ludvig McCartney, Integrated Care Paramedic, Life EMS Ambulance (Portage, MI)
Eric Lumpkin, Dispatch Supervisor – Quality Assurance & Training, Central EMS, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Dacula, GA)
Don Marr, Paramedic, Bay Cities Ambulance (Coos Bay, OR)
James Martin, Critical Care Paramedic, Pafford EMS (Tulsa, OK)
Maurice Matthews, Critical Care Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan (Berkley, MI)
Amanda McQuistian, Director Of Operations, LifeCare Medical Transports, Priority Ambulance (Fredericksburg, VA)
Alyssa Meier, Emergency Medical Technician, Life Line Ambulance (Prescott, AZ)
Eli Melamed, Paramedic, Life Line Ambulance (Prescott Valley, AZ)
Shelly Miller, Revenue Cycle Manager, Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Concord, NC)
Loren Mitchell, Operations Supervisor , Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Waterloo , WI)
Michael Mitchell, Emergency Medical Technician, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois (Yorkville, IL)
Kevin Moore, Paramedic, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc.  (Newburyport, MA)
Amber Munch, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, East Baton Rouge Parish EMS (Baton Rouge, LA)
Scott Munoz, Critical Care Paramedic, Missoula Emergency Services (Frenchtown, MT)
Adam Mysona, Emergency Medical Technician, Falck – Colorado (Lakewood, CO)
Philip Neff, Field Training Officer, Falck – Southern California (La Palma, CA)
Shellaine Novak, Clinical Services Director, PatientCare EMS (Sioux Falls, SD)
Stacy Omdahl, Emergency Medical Technician, LifeCare EMS (Roseau, MN)
Megan Overbeck, Paramedic, Abbott EMS (Decatur, IL)
Michael Penna, Critical Care Transport Registered Nurse, American Medical Response (Grand Terrace, CA)
Jon Jakob Peterson, Paramedic, Sanford Ambulance (Fargo, ND) (POSTHUMOUS)
Lori Peterson, Paramedic & Field Training Officer, Medstar Ambulance (Shelby Twp, MI)
Emily Robillard, Emergency Communications Officer , East Baton Rouge Parish EMS (New Roads, LA)
Kevin Rochford, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Temple, TX)
Brian Rogers, Advanced Scope Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio (Ontario, OH)
Daniel Schaefer, Chief of Operations, Metro-Area Ambulance Service (Mandan , ND)
Madison Schatzer, Paramedic, McClain-Grady County EMS (Moore, OK)
Mark Schiltz, Emergency Medical Technician, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Caledonia, WI)
Ryan Schott, Field Training Officer, Paramedic Crew Chief, & Tactical Paramedic, Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Charlotte, NC)
Joe Scott, Paramedic Shift Leader, Medix Ambulance Service Inc. (Warrenton , OR)
Allison Sharp, Paramedic, East Baton Rouge Parish EMS (Baton Rouge, LA)
Faith Shuff, Paramedic Field Supervisor, National EMS, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Oxford, TN)
Nicole Silver, Paramedic, Northwell Health System Center for EMS (Staten Island, NY)
Dale Simmons, EMS Program Administrator, Mercy Ambulance Service, Inc. (Savannah, GA)
Lance Smeal, Field Training Officer, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response (Lockport, NY)
Chad Smith, Director of Operation Support, Kunkel Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Mohawk, TN)
Robin Smith, Training Administrator, First Call Ambulance, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Nashville, TN)
Thomas Smith, Communications Manager, EMSA (Tulsa, OK)
Raquel Soto, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Newington, CT)
Jason Southard, Operations Supervisor, American Medical Response (Tucson, AZ)
Allen Steele, Emergency Medical Technician, Guardian Ambulance Service, Priority Ambulance, LLC (Darlington, SC)
Savannah Steele Welch, Field Supervisor, Paramedic, Acadian Ambulance (West Monroe, LA)
Ambrose Stevens, Operations Manager, Paramedic, American Medical Response (Redding, CA) (POSTHUMOUS)
Dalton Stewart, Paramedic, Pafford EMS (Boyle, MS)
Sam Swanson, Paramedic, Hall Ambulance Service  (Bakersfield, CA)
Jessicah Sweet, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Monticello Ambulance Service (Star City, AR)
Sam Sye, Fleet Service Manager , Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Mindoro, WI)
Keri Taylor, Health Information Management Coordinator, EMSA (Oklahoma City, OK)
Nikki Taylor, Captain, Nationally Registered Paramedic, Metropolitan EMS (North Little Rock, AR)
Heather Teague, Paramedic Crew Chief, Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Charlotte, NC)
Shane Terry, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac Lifeteam (Snyder, TX)
Chris Thomason, Paramedic, ProMed Ambulance (El Dorado, AR)
Cynthia Torkelson, Paramedic, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance (Monona, WI)
Richelle Treece, Paramedic, REACT EMS (Shawnee, OK)
David Trimberger, Paramedic Field Training Officer, Pafford EMS (Edmond, OK)
Cheryl VanSeters, Control Center Trainer, Life EMS Ambulance (Grand Rapids, MI)
Andrew Clei Varela, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, American Medical Response (Keyes , CA)
Lucie Walters, Flight Respiratory Therapist, AirMed International (Foley, AL)
Nicole Warren, Flight Nurse, Air Evac Lifeteam (Osceola, MO)
Andrew Watson, Paramedic & Clinical Services Specialist, EMSA (Norman, OK)
Paul Winter, Paramedic – Field Training Officer, Hartford HealthCare EMS Network (Shelton, CT)
Amy Wollenburg, Paramedic, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service (Austin, MN)
Haywad Yusufzai, EMT & Field Training Officer, Armstrong Ambulance Service (Arlington, MA)
Ronnie Zermeno, Paramedic Supervisor, Pafford EMS (Sherwood, AR)

Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill hotel on November 12, 2024 from 6:30–8:30pm. Interviews with Stars of Life as well as national EMS leaders will be available.

# # #

About The American Ambulance Association

Caring for People—First.

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.

2023 AAA Legislative Awards

The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 AAA Legislative Awards. Each Member of Congress is being recognized for their strong advocacy for emergency medical services and their ongoing dedication to ambulance services across the United States.

2023 AAA Legislators of the Year

Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D (LA)
Senator Jon Tester (MT)

2023 AAA Legislative Recognition Award Recipients

Senators

  • Senator Cortez Masto (NV)
  • Senator Collins (ME)
  • Senator Stabenow (MI)
  • Senator Schumer (NY)
  • Senator Lujan (NM)
  • Senator Kaine (VA)
  • Senator Murkowski (AK)
  • Senator Tuberville (AL)
  • Senator Murray (WA)
  • Senator Moran (KS)
  • Senator Boozman (AR)

Representatives

  • Congressman Blumenauer (OR-3)
  • Congresswoman Kelly (IL-2)
  • Congresswoman Sewell (AL-7)
  • Congressman Wenstrup (OH-2)
  • Congressman Carter (GA-1)
  • Congressman Tonko (NY-20)
  • Congressman Davis (IL-7)
  • Congresswoman Perez (WA-3)
  • Congressman Finstad (MN-1)
  • Congressman Pence (IN-6)
  • Congressman Kim (NJ-3)
  • Congresswoman Clark (MA-5)
  • Congressman Zinke (MT-1)
  • Congressman Guest (MS-3)
  • Congresswoman Hoyle (OR-4)
  • Congressman Bost (IL-12)
  • Congressman Alford (MO-4)

 

Release | EMS Heroes Honored in Washington, DC as 2023 Stars of Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amanda Riordan
703-615-4492
ariordan@ambulance.org

EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Washington, DC as 2023 Stars of Life

Washington, DC—Next week, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) will recognize extraordinary EMS professionals during the annual Stars of Life celebration. 128 individuals from across the United States will be honored as the 2023 Stars at a prestigious event November 6–8.

Stars of Life pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. During their time in our nation’s capital, the Stars will receive medallions and plaques in thanks for their lifesaving and life-sustaining service. The Stars, accompanied by their families and executive hosts, will also meet with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss policy issues critical to emergency medical services.

In addition to the Stars, Senator Jon Tester of Montana and Senator Bill Cassidy, MD of Louisiana will be recognized as Legislators of the Year, and 11 United States Senators and 17 Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of mobile healthcare.

American Ambulance Association President Randy Strozyk noted that, “EMS professionals work tirelessly to provide round-the-clock healthcare when it is needed most.” He continued, “Together, we honor this year’s Stars of Life, and thank them for the countless hours of service they have dedicated to their local communities.”

This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:

Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Intercontinental Wharf hotel on November 7, 2023 from 7:00–9:00pm. Interviews with Stars of Life as well as national EMS leaders will be available.

# # #

About The American Ambulance Association

Caring for People—First.

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.

Release | EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Washington, DC as 2023 Stars of Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amanda Riordan
703-615-4492
ariordan@ambulance.org

EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Washington, DC as 2023 Stars of Life

Washington, DC—This November, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) will recognize extraordinary EMS professionals during the annual Stars of Life celebration. 128 individuals from across the United States will be honored as the 2023 Stars at the November 6–8 event.

Stars of Life pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. During their time in our nation’s capital, the Stars will receive medallions and plaques in thanks for their lifesaving and life-sustaining service. The Stars, accompanied by their families and executive hosts, will also meet with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss policy issues critical to emergency medical services.

In addition to the Stars, Senator Jon Tester of Montana and Senator Bill Cassidy, MD of Louisiana will be recognized as Legislators of the Year, and 11 United States Senators and 17 Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of mobile healthcare.

American Ambulance Association President Randy Strozyk noted that, “EMS professionals work tirelessly to provide round-the-clock healthcare when it is needed most.” He continued, “Together, we honor this year’s Stars of Life, and thank them for the countless hours of service they have dedicated to their local communities.”

This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:

Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Intercontinental Wharf hotel on November 7, 2023 from 7:00–9:00pm. Interviews with Stars of Life as well as national EMS leaders will be available.

# # #

About The American Ambulance Association

Caring for People—First.

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.

2023 Stars of Life Nominations Are OPEN!

Honor YOUR Stars in Washington, DC

The American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.

Recognize the unsung heroes at your ambulance service—nominate EMTs, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and other EMS professionals for this year’s class of Stars. Stars and their guests, accompanied by executive hosts, are celebrated in a series of events in our nation’s capital.

Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.

Nominate a Star of Life
American Ambulance Association
Stars of Life 2023
November 6–8, 2023
Intercontinental Wharf | Washington, DCNominations close October 10, but early nomination is suggested as space is limited.

Eligibility—Who Are Our Stars?

All employees of ambulance services are eligible for nomination for the AAA Stars of Life program. All nominees are recognized as Stars. Examples of individuals commonly nominated include:

  • State-level Star of Life or other award program recipient
  • Employee of the year
  • On-duty or off-duty services above and beyond the call of duty such as special rescue or setting of significant records
  • Notable community contributions such as volunteer work, local leadership, partnerships with other organizations or agencies
  • Significant community distinction or honors related to ambulance, public safety, public health or health care services
  • Consistent services record which exemplifies your ambulance operation’s mission

Please note that we encourage individuals being honored poshumously to be recognized through the National EMS Memorial Service.

2023 Registration Rates

Registration opens in July, and closes October 10. Late submissions cannot be accomodated.

  • Stars – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
  • Hosts – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
  • Guests – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
  • Banquet Only – $199 member / $398 non-member
Stars of Life Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations received in writing at hello@ambulance.org by September 1, 2023 will be refunded less a 25% penalty. Cancellations received from September 2 to October 1, 2023 will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.  No refunds will be issued after October 2, 2023. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.

Recognize Women Living Legends

Vanguards honor women leaders with 35+ years of extraordinary service to mobile healthcare.Nominate a Vanguard!››
Download 2023 Photo Slide PDF››

Know a Rising Advocacy Leader?

Nominations are also open for the AAA EMSNext leadership and education program focused on nurturing a new generation of EMS association and policy leaders.

Learn More››

Facebook
Twitter
Link
LinkedIn
Copyright © 2023 American Ambulance Association, All rights reserved.

2023 Stars of Life Nominations Are OPEN!

Honor YOUR Stars in Washington, DC

The American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.

Recognize the unsung heroes at your ambulance service—nominate EMTs, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and other EMS professionals for this year’s class of Stars. Stars and their guests, accompanied by executive hosts, are celebrated in a series of events in our nation’s capital.

Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.

Nominate a Star of Life
American Ambulance Association
Stars of Life 2023
November 6–8, 2023
Intercontinental Wharf | Washington, DC

Nominations close October 10, but early nomination is suggested as space is limited.

Eligibility—Who Are Our Stars?

All employees of ambulance services are eligible for nomination for the AAA Stars of Life program. All nominees are recognized as Stars. Examples of individuals commonly nominated include:

  • State-level Star of Life or other award program recipient
  • Employee of the year
  • On-duty or off-duty services above and beyond the call of duty such as special rescue or setting of significant records
  • Notable community contributions such as volunteer work, local leadership, partnerships with other organizations or agencies
  • Significant community distinction or honors related to ambulance, public safety, public health or health care services
  • Consistent services record which exemplifies your ambulance operation’s mission

Please note that we encourage individuals being honored poshumously to be recognized through the National EMS Memorial Service.

2023 Registration Rates

Registration opens in July, and closes October 10. Late submissions cannot be accomodated.

  • Stars – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
  • Hosts – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
  • Guests – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
  • Banquet Only – $199 member / $398 non-member
Stars of Life Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations received in writing at hello@ambulance.org by September 1, 2023 will be refunded less a 25% penalty. Cancellations received from September 2 to October 1, 2023 will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.  No refunds will be issued after October 2, 2023. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.

Recognize Women Living Legends

Vanguards honor women leaders with 35+ years of extraordinary service to mobile healthcare.Nominate a Vanguard!››
Download 2023 Photo Slide PDF››

Know a Rising Advocacy Leader?

Nominations are also open for the AAA EMSNext leadership and education program focused on nurturing a new generation of EMS association and policy leaders.

Learn More››

Facebook
Twitter
Link
LinkedIn
Copyright © 2023 American Ambulance Association, All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Message from President Aarron Reinert

Aarron Reinert
President
American Ambulance Association

Dear Fellow AAA Members,

I write to you today during what we all recognize as an extraordinary time for EMS. As we collectively serve on the very front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic, we know that the most challenging times are still ahead. However, I am heartened by the collective resolve of the members of the American Ambulance Association to provide 24/7 on-demand mobile healthcare, no matter the circumstances.

As President of the Association, I am sharing below a brief summary of the AAA’s activities to support its members in the face of this devastating disease.

COVID-19 Content & Approach

  • Coronavirus Working Group—AAA Region III Director Tom Tornstrom, Executive Director of Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance, has been appointed to lead the AAA Coronavirus Working Group. The team includes AAA’s lobbyists, leadership, staff, and members from across the nation. We meet frequently and collaborate constantly to track challenges and find solutions to EMS issues relating to COVID-19 response. Sample topics include:
    • First responder safety and wellness
    • Reimbursement for alternative destinations, treatment in place, and mobile testing
    • Paperwork reduction / waivers
    • Advocating for policies in federal legislation that support mobile healthcare and redacting those that can negatively impact the industry

Members will receive updates via our Digest e-newsletter as we continue to make progress on these and other issues.

  • Representation in Stakeholder Groups—From CMS to Congress to local mayors, AAA has representatives and members working with legislators, regulators, and officials at every level of government to advocate for EMS. Simultaneously, AAA leaders are working to showcase mobile healthcare’s unique strengths and capabilities for addressing the viral threat.
  • Member Newsletter—The frequency of our member Digest e-newsletter has been increased from weekly to near-daily to ensure that we are curating and communicating the most relevant and important information.
  • COVID-19 Archive—All AAA posts related to the virus can be found on our website. A COVID-19 resource link has been added to the top navigation of the AAA website for easy access by providers.

Association Events & Operations

  • Stars of Life—Out of an abundance of caution, the Stars of Life event in Washington has been canceled. All blocked rooms will be canceled and refunded by the hotel, and all attendee registration fees will be refunded by diflucan. Staff is working on the development of meaningful ways to celebrate 2020 Stars outside of the context of an in-person event.
  • Ambulance Cost Education (Cost Collection)—A plan is in place to move ACE Gold cost collection education from face-to-face to an interactive online learning environment. Subscribers can expect additional updates in early April.
  • Headquarters—Association staff is all working remotely whenever possible. Staff is adhering to strict health, hygiene, and social distancing. All order fulfillment, mail processing, and other functions have been moved offsite.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to staff at info@ambulance.org or 202-802-9020 if we can be of any assistance. Thank you again for your service to your communities during this very difficult time.

Aarron Reinert
President, American Ambulance Association

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