I’ve had a lifelong career as a first responder, beginning in the mid 80’s as a junior firefighter with Marion Center VFD. (back then, a few of my fellow junior firemen and I would get called out of school to respond to fire calls.)

 

My interest in EMS evolved early.  I obtained my EMT certification at IUP and, with my Cert in hand, I moved to Avalon and began working with Pinkerton Services ( I was 19). A year later (fall of 1990) I enrolled at the Center for Emergency Medicine – Paramedic Program. I remember learning the endocrine system from a young physician. Dr. Mossesso.

 

In July of 2000, I started part time at STATCOM, working the medic command desk.

 

I was hired for a part time flight position in September of that year and trained at ME-7.  2004 I gained full time flight crew employment, assigned to Medevac 4 at Jefferson Hospital. Back then, we were still partners with CJ Sytems and flew fixed wing missions with the Medevac 4 crew usually first up. I did over 100 fixed wing missions in total, the farthest I traveled was Costa Rica.

 

2006 I was awarded Flight Paramedic of the Year by my peers at STAT MedEvac.

 

Thanksgiving 2016 was my last shift on the line. Personal loss, injury and PTSD led me to step away from patient care. I am an advocate for EMDR therapy and a walking example of the positive effects of that treatment. 

 

I was fortunate to be selected as an outreach coordinator in January of 2017.  In June of this year, I began a newly created, duel-function role of Outreach Coordinator/EMS Specialist for STAT MedEvac and UPMC Altoona.

 

When I have free time, I enjoy outdoor adventures, kayaking and fly fishing. I consider myself an amateur artist and musician, pencil sketching landscapes mostly and playing guitar/singing at my church.

 

I’ve enjoyed my time here as I recently hit the 25 year anniversary.

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