• News Release

   

  September 10, 2024

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Contact: Samantha Hilker
  920-202-2955
  shilker@ambulance.org

  EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Madison as 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life

  Madison, WI—This week, the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin announced the 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life honorees; extraordinary EMS professionals who have gone above the call of duty to serve their communities. 23 individuals from across the state will be recognized as the 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life at an October 16, 2024 banquet.

  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. The Madison Concourse Hotel will host an awards ceremony where executive hosts and family members will join in the recognition and celebration of the Stars’ contributions to the field and their community. 

  Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin President Chris Anderson noted that, “EMS professionals work tirelessly to provide round-the-clock healthcare where and when it is needed most.” He continued, “We look forward to this event all year, and look forward honoring our 2024 recipients in October.”

  This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:

• Brent Bischoff | Operations Manager – EMT | Midwest Medical Transport
• Travis Downing | Team Leader – Critical Care Paramedic | Midwest Medical Transport
• Diana Frances | Assistant Station Manager, Norther Wisconsin | Superior Ambulance
• Mariana Gonzales-Walker | EMT | Bell Ambulance
• Katie Halbach | Operations Manager | Gold Cross Ambulance
• Brian Heisz | Paramedic | Gundersen Health System Ambulance
• Patrick Janzen | Field Training Officer, EMT | Bell Ambulance
• Mary Johnson | Cadet & Outreach Supervisor/AEMT | Bell Ambulance
• Tom Loescher | Physician, Posthumous Recognition | Gold Cross Ambulance
• Cindy McDonald | Critical Care Paramedic | Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
• Nicholas (Niko) Oehlenschlager | Paramedic | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
• Tariq Sabbah | EMS Dispatcher | Superior Ambulance
• Natasha Sager | Supply & Logistics Officer | Orange Cross Ambulance
• Jason Santos | Paramedic | Mayo Clinic Ambulance
• Greg Schaefer | AEMT | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
• James See | Field Supervisor | Orange Cross Ambulance
• Dee Dee Thornton | Dispatch Call Taker/EMD | Bell Ambulance
• Mariah Ullrich | EMT | Gold Cross Ambulance
• BJ Van Engen | Shift Supervisor, Critical Care Paramedic | Bell Ambulance
• Carol Varys | EMT Field Training Officer | Superior Ambulance
• Casey Welsh | Paramedic Shift Lead | Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
• Brittany Wirth | Dispatch Manager | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
• Travis Wright | Paramedic, Dispatch Call Taker/EMD | Bell Ambulance

Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Madison Concourse hotel on October 16 from 5:00–9:00pm. Interviews with Stars of Life as well as state EMS leaders will be available.

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About The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin

The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin (PAAW) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the quality and professionalism of emergency medical services in Wisconsin. Founded with a mission to support and advocate for the state's ambulance services, PAAW provides essential resources, training, and legislative representation to its members. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, PAAW strives to ensure that all communities in Wisconsin receive the highest standard of pre-hospital care. For more information, visit paaw.us.