FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 31, 2025

Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin Announces 2025 Stars of Life Honorees

Madison, WI – The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin (PAAW) proudly announces the 2025 recipients of the Wisconsin Stars of Life Award, honoring 19 outstanding emergency medical services (EMS) professionals from across the state. These honorees have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion while serving patients and communities in their most critical moments.

The Wisconsin Stars of Life program celebrates the best of EMS, recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide lifesaving care, leadership, and mentorship to the next generation of EMS providers. The 2025 honorees will be celebrated during a special ceremony this October in Madison, WI.

This year’s Wisconsin Stars of Life honorees include:

• James Acker, Critical Care Paramedic – Ryan Brothers Ambulance

• Brady Alfred, Dispatcher – Ryan Brothers Ambulance

• Ben Coenen, Supervisor – Gold Cross Ambulance

• Amanda Corrao, Community and Education Coordinator – Gold Cross Ambulance

• Bailee Espelien, Paramedic – Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service

• Kaitlyn Frank, Paramedic – Bell Ambulance

• Lemya Hangrove, Paramedic – Bell Ambulance

• Derek Hernandez, Emergency Medical Technician – Superior Air Ground Ambulance

• Callie Hofmeister, Operations Supervisor – Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance

• Don Iggulden, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician – Superior Air Ground Ambulance

• Colleen Kaiser, Critical Care Paramedic/FTO – Gold Cross Ambulance Service

• Emma Klein, Emergency Medical Technician – Superior Air Ground Ambulance

• Andrew Lane, Paramedic – Bell Ambulance

• Eric Lucas, Paramedic – Bell Ambulance

• John Moen, AEMT – Ryan Brothers Ambulance

• Joshua Schmidt, Paramedic – Bell Ambulance

• Bob Stein, Logistics Coordinator – Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance

• Kat Wojnar, Paramedic - Bell Ambulance

• Cody Zehnder, Critical Care Paramedic – Gundersen Health System Ambulance

“The Stars of Life honorees are the heart of EMS in Wisconsin,” said Chris Anderson, PAAW President. “They represent the courage, compassion, and dedication that define our profession. It’s an honor to recognize these individuals who make an incredible difference in the lives of others every day.”

The Wisconsin Stars of Life ceremony is part of PAAW’s ongoing commitment to advocate for EMS providers, promote excellence in pre-hospital care, and honor those who deliver critical services to communities statewide.

For more information on the Wisconsin Stars of Life program or this year’s honorees, visit https://paaw.us/2025Stars/.