CT's Best

• Joe's Heroes
  • Tom Pandolfi
  • Blanca Santana
  • Kevin's Community Center
  • Stars of Life, CT's Outstanding EMS Professionals
  • Joan Mandzuk, CT School Nurse of the Year
  • Devine Bros, Inc. and Santa Energy, Inc.
  • Sergeant James Walsh
  • Cal Torres, Carmen Nieves, Angel Reyes
  • Donna Swanson
  • Dr. Burt Saxon
  • Linda Robak
  • Mary Fetchet
  • Edward S. Banas Sr.
  • Cammy Kaplan
  • Claire's Corner Copia
  • International Institute of Connecticut, Inc. & Myra M. Oliver
  • Sheridan Communication & Technology Middle School
  • Senator Lieberman Honors Our Heroes
• Youth Heroes
  • Sadie Hartell and Elizabeth Kelly
  • Mtani
  • Will Michael
• Media
• Museums
• Radio Stations
• Recreation

Stars of life

Senator Lieberman recognized the Connecticut's Stars of Life as Joe's Heroes. Chris Handel, Nicole Figueroa, Bill Westermeyer, Deana Peterson, and Erin McNamara were all chosen as outstanding ambulance Emergency Medical Service (EMS) professionals by their peers.

The American Ambulance Association (AAA) 2006 Stars of Life Celebration is the most prestigious national event that recognizes and honors dedicated ambulance EMS professionals. Its sole purpose is to publicly recognize and celebrate the achievements of all people working in the selfless and heroic world of ambulance service providers. The program features meetings with members of Congress on Capitol Hill. The Stars themselves deliver important information to their U.S. Representatives and Senators on the value of quality ambulance services as a key component of an effective and efficient healthcare system. The AAA is dedicated to "promoting healthcare policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and providing research, education and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve."

Chris Handel:

Christopher Handel, an Emergency Medical Technician from New Britian, is described by his supervisors and managers as the example for all others to follow. He routinely volunteers for assignments on bariatric units and high performance units that require extra effort. When Chris was in Mississippi as a relief worker for AMR, the local management team called back to West Hartford, Connecticut to let them know how much Chris was valued and had contributed to the moral and overall great job he had done.

Nicole Figueroa:

West Haven resident Nicole Figueroa, System Status Controller/Training Coordinator at AMR, of is always looking for opportunities to learn more about her specialty to provide the highest level of care. Nicole not only tries to understand the customers needs, but she also tries to feel what the customer might be feeling in order to better understand their position. She looks for opportunities to help, meet and exceed expectations. As a Communications Training Officer she helps to train others and she assists with bringing in new tools to the communications center that helps all employees do their jobs better. According to her supervisor, the main reason why she was nominated is for her commitment to the "We will" statement: We will be empowered to make a difference in the world. Each year, Nicole spearheads several efforts to provide less fortunate families an opportunity to have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas. She rallies her fellow employees to donate food and toys and then organizes trip to local boarding houses to drop off and provide a wonderful experience for the less fortunate. She does all of this as an American Medical Response (AMR) employee and asks for nothing in return.

Bill Westermeyer

Bill, of Meriden, was chosen "Distinguished Paramedic of the Year - 2006" at Hunter's Ambulance. He has been with the company as a paramedic for over 20 years, joining Hunters in April 1985. He is well respected by both supervisors and coworkers. He is dedicated to exceptional patient care while sharing his knowledge with his partners. Hunter's "is truly honored to have such a dedicated individual working for our company and we hope to see him continue to grow and motivate our employee's for another 20 years."

Bill started in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field in the early 1970's when only Standard and Advanced First Aid Training was required. He completed his Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-A) Course January, 1974, his EMT-IV (Intravenous) Course in 1979 and graduating his EMT-P (Paramedic) in March, 1984. All of Bill's EMS Medical training was completed at Yale- New Haven Hospital , New Haven , CT. Bill has also been a State Certified EMS-Instructor and a dispatcher for the South-Central Connecticut C-MED system.

Deana Peterson

Deana Peterson, of New Britian, is a graduate of Daniel Hand High School . She also recently graduated from Gateway Community College and received an Associates degree from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Of receiving the Stars of Life award and working in EMS she says,
"I received the stars of life award for getting voted by my peers, paramedic of the year. It was such a thrill. I enjoyed every minute of the event. I have been involved in providing emergency medical care for a little over 10 years. I love taking care of people when they are sick, tired, scared or hurt. I like to provide some sense of comfort when that person feels as if the world might come to an end. That's why I do what I do. I am an inquisitive person and am interested in lifelong learning. I have been in EMS for a little over 10 years and love it. I will continue to work in the field as long as possible."

Senator Lieberman thanks Connecticut 's Stars of Life for their tireless service in EMS and congratulates them on the honor of being chosen as standouts in their profession.

Youth Heroes

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