Proudly presented at the 2025 Colorado State EMS Conference, November 8

Dr. Robert Campbell Award for Meritorious and Distinguished Service Award

Harold Smith, Limon Ambulance Service

This award recognizes individuals for their dedication and devotion to excellence in EMS, or for dedicated service to EMSAC or EMS. It honors the dedicated service to EMSAC of Dr. Robert Campbell who critically supported the association (then “EMTAC”) in its formative years.

Over the course of nearly three decades in emergency medical services, Harold Smith has demonstrated not only clinical excellence as a critical care paramedic, but also tireless dedication to advancing EMS systems, supporting rural healthcare, and mentoring the next generation of EMS professional.

From the earliest days of his paramedic career in 2007, as one of the graduates of Aims Community College’s inaugural paramedic class, Harold has embodied resilience, professionalism, and compassion. His work at Lincoln Health included countless emergency department shifts and long, often grueling, interfacility transfers in difficult conditions, where his calm presence and advanced clinical expertise quite literally saved lives. Beyond patient care, Harold strengthened the system itself: teaching BLS, ACLS, and PALS to hundreds of EMS providers, writing successful grants to expand resources for both Lincoln Health and Agate Fire Protection District, and establishing two state-recognized training groups to ensure continuing education opportunities in rural Colorado.

Harold has consistently stepped into leadership when his community needed him most. As EMS Captain at Agate Fire Protection District, he oversaw ambulance readiness, supply management, and workforce development. As EMS Director for Limon Ambulance Service, he guided the agency through a period of tremendous growth and financial stability, balancing personnel management, municipal collaboration, and grant development.

Most recently, he has served as Chair of the Lincoln County EMS Council, where his vision is shaping the groundwork for a county-wide ambulance authority to strengthen rural emergency response. Perhaps most importantly, Harold has been a passionate educator and mentor. Through his years as a primary EMS instructor for Morgan Community College, he trained well over 20 EMT and AEMT cohorts, ensuring a high pass rate on National Registry examinations and directly contributing to a stronger EMS workforce across Eastern Colorado. His impact on rural healthcare cannot be overstated—many of today’s paramedics and EMTs in the region trace their professional foundation back to Harold’s instruction and guidance.

The Dr. Robert Campbell Award is reserved for those who demonstrate lasting contributions to EMS, leadership in the advancement of prehospital care, and deep commitment to their community. Harold Smith exemplifies each of these qualities.

He is not only a skilled Critical Care Paramedic, but also a visionary leader, a tireless advocate for rural emergency services, and above all, a servant to his community. His career reflects the very best of what EMS can be—selfless, innovative, and unwavering in the pursuit of saving and improving lives.

Dr. Gerald Gordon EMS Instructor-of-the-Year

Bill Johnston, Eagle County Paramedics and Denver Health Medical Center Paramedic Division

This award recognizes an outstanding instructor of an approved training program for EMTs or paramedics while honoring Dr. “Gerry” Gordon, a legendary educator of paramedics, especially in cardiology.

Bill Johnston exemplifies the very spirit of dedication, service, and excellence that this award is intended to honor. Beyond his already demanding role as a full-time paramedic serving Eagle County with distinction on his regular 48-hour shifts, Bill has devoted himself wholeheartedly to the future of EMS by taking on one of the most challenging and critical roles in paramedicine: education.

For more than 20 years, Bill has taught fledgling paramedics a variety of topics including pharmacology, toxicology, hematology, renal disease and acid-base balance among many other advanced level topics. However, cardiology is perhaps the most intensive, requiring deep knowledge, precision and an ability to translate complex concepts into practical applications. Bill has embraced this subject: During the 2025 cohort at the Denver Health Paramedic School at Eagle County, Bill instructed six full days—64 hours in total—on top of his regular shifts. His teaching is marked by clarity, energy and a genuine passion for helping students succeed.

On more than one occasion, Bill worked through the night serving the community on shift, only to arrive the next morning ready to teach an eight-hour class with a smile and unwavering enthusiasm. Bill’s mastery of electrocardiography rivals that of many physicians and his willingness to volunteer to teach the most difficult and obscure topics speaks volumes about both his courage and his commitment to the profession. When asked why he chooses to take on the hardest and most obscure material, Bill has said, “I like taking the hard topics that I don’t know that much about.” This mindset—embracing challenge as a path to growth—exemplifies true leadership and sets an inspiring example for both colleagues and students.

Bill’s impact as an educator is evident in the voices of his students. They commend his empathy, humor and ability to make intimidating subjects approachable: “Bill was a great, empathetic speaker that consistently came equipped to teach and explain with great metaphors that stuck with me.” “He was able to take rather overwhelming medications and make them less overwhelmingly focusing on why we would use them, then explaining how they work. “Bill’s lecture was great! He made a hard subject engaging and memorable. “Bill embodies an extraordinary balance of service and sacrifice. On top of his regular duties, Bill develops lesson plans, fine-tunes lectures, and prepares himself to deliver high-quality education.

Bill does not limit sharing his knowledge to the classroom—he also has a popular YouTube channel, Prehospital Wisdom, in which he shares his depth and breadth of experience. It’s info that anyone in EMS (and really any first responder) can learn from. He has also presented at the EMSAC conference in both 2019 and 2023 with enthusiastic response from the audience. In every respect, Bill Johnston demonstrates outstanding and distinguished service to all aspects of the EMS spectrum—not only in the life-saving care he provides as a paramedic but also in his tireless commitment to preparing the next generation of EMS professionals.

His expertise, humility, humor and dedication are an inspiration and his contributions reach far beyond the classroom. By educating the next generation of paramedics, Bill ensures that patients across Colorado will receive compassionate, high-quality care from their medics, because he is not just an outstanding instructor—he is a transformative figure in EMS education.

EMS Dispatcher-of-the-Year

Larissa Nelson, Dolores County Sheriff's Office

Honors a dispatcher for outstanding effort in processing and dispatching a specific, or multiple, EMS call(s).

Larissa’s outstanding efforts in managing multiple complex incidents, her ability to remain calm under pressure, and her commitment to supporting both patients and responders exemplify the qualities this award seeks to recognize. Although new to her position, Larissa brought with her prior military experience and a strong personal connection to fire and EMS through her family.

Dolores County dispatchers do not currently receive Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training due to staffing and cost limitations, which places an even greater responsibility on individual dispatchers to adapt, learn quickly, and perform under pressure. From her very first day on the job, Larissa demonstrated that she was uniquely capable of meeting those challenges.

On her first shift, Larissa answered a difficult call for an unattended death. Despite the added challenge of personally knowing the caller, she handled the situation with professionalism, composure, and compassion. She provided clear communication while maintaining emotional steadiness, setting the tone for her work as a dispatcher.

Just one month later, Larissa was tested again during a major tanker rollover on a county road. Managing the complexity of this incident required balancing multiple communication platforms simultaneously—coordinating Dove Creek Ambulance (800 MHz), Dolores County deputies (800 MHz), and Dove Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VHF)—while also speaking directly with bystanders. Larissa successfully relayed critical information to responders about the number of patients, the need for extrication, and safety concerns regarding the overturned vehicle. In addition, she coordinated with Classic Air Medical, located appropriate landing coordinates for air response, and continued to answer other incoming calls.

Throughout the incident, Larissa demonstrated remarkable composure and ensured that all responding agencies had the information they needed to act effectively and safely. Only a week later, Larissa again displayed her skill during a three-vehicle motor vehicle accident with airbag deployment. At the time, Dove Creek Ambulance was already out of the county on a transport. Without hesitation, Larissa managed the initial response, relayed details to the Chief of EMS, and began coordinating mutual aid. She immediately requested Southwest EMS from Cortez, Pleasant View Fire Department with their rescue truck, and dispatched a second DCAD ambulance. She maintained communication with deputies on scene, proactively requesting patient updates to ensure responding medical units had real-time information before arrival. Even while managing radio traffic across multiple frequencies and coordinating outside resources, Larissa remained calm, organized, and focused on ensuring both patient and responder needs were met.

In each of these incidents, Larissa displayed not only technical skill but also a deep sense of responsibility for the people she serves. Without formal EMD training, she has relied on her instincts, her quick thinking, and her ability to prioritize critical information. She has quickly become a role model for her fellow dispatchers, demonstrating how to remain calm, decisive, and professional even in the most stressful situations. Dispatcher Larissa Nelson has proven herself to be an essential part of the emergency response system in Dolores County. Her ability to support responders, advocate for patients, and maintain control during complex and high-pressure incidents makes her the Colorado EMS Dispatcher-of-the Year.

EMS Registered Nurse-of-the-Year

James Stunden, Delta County Ambulance

The RN of the year award recognizes an RN who, by outstanding actions contributes to the advancement of emergency care provided to the citizens of Colorado. Must be an active RN in emergency care.

James Stunden's level of clinical knowledge is extraordinary by any standard. His prior experience as a 911 paramedic, coupled with his extensive breadth of experience in nursing has made him an exemplary fit for the Mobile Integrated Healthcare team. James was and continues to be instrumental in the development of the MIH program at Delta County Ambulance. James frequently trains other EMS colleagues and provides guidance on aspects of MIH which are not traditionally part of a paramedic's practice, such as care plans, Foley catheters, infusion management, accessing ports, long-term maintenance and utilization of central lines, PICC lines and other assistive healthcare devices.

James engages with patients and community partners with joy and a smile on his face. Every comment received about James from community partners and cooperating healthcare professionals is a glowing review of how amazing he is to work with, how amazing he is with patients and what great clinical decisions and suggestions he provides.

James is an invaluable asset to our team and exemplifies the great benefit that multi-disciplinary teams in the Mobile Integrated Healthcare setting offer. He personifies the characteristics and standards of clinical practice that define an exceptional nurse, who values the importance of excellent patient outcomes and patient care above everything else. There is no RN more deserving of this award, especially in the setting of EMS.

Community Paramedic-of-the-Year

Sarah Provins, Evergreen Fire Rescue

Annually recognizes one individual who, by outstanding actions and contributions to the advancement of excellence in the delivery of Community Integrated Health to the citizens of Colorado, is identified as representing the ideal Community Paramedic.

It is with great enthusiasm and respect that I nominate Sarah Provins for the distinguished honor of Community Paramedic of the Year. In my role as the owner of Grace At Home Care, I have the privilege of working closely with Sarah in the delivery of coordinated care to many of our seniors in Evergreen.

From the very beginning of our collaboration, Sarah has stood out as an exceptional professional whose knowledge, compassion, and commitment are unmatched. She works tirelessly to ensure that seniors receive not only immediate medical attention, but also long-term support through medication management, care coordination, family support, and patient education. Her ability to navigate complex medical systems on behalf of clients demonstrates both her intelligence and her deep sense of responsibility toward those she serves.

What makes Sarah truly extraordinary is the way she combines technical skill with humanity, and genuine compassion. She has a rare ability to build trust with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their health while ensuring they never feel alone in the process. Families consistently express their gratitude for her steady presence, problem-solving abilities, and tireless advocacy.

Sarah's dedication extends beyond her current role-she is preparing to apply to medical school, a natural next step for someone with her intellect, curiosity, and determination. I have no doubt that her future patients will be fortunate to have such a devoted professional caring for them. Yet even now, as a paramedic, Sarah has already left a lasting impact on our community. She exemplifies what it means to serve with both excellence and heart.

In my experience, very few professionals possess the unique blend of intelligence, compassion, and commitment that Sarah embodies. She elevates everyone she works with-clients, families, and colleagues alike.

Critical Care Paramedic-of-the-Year

Brian Dupey, UCHealth Lifeline

Annually recognizes one individual who, by outstanding actions and contributions to the advancement of excellence in the delivery of Critical Care paramedicine to the citizens of Colorado, is identified as representing the ideal Critical Care Paramedic.  

Brian (affectionately known as “Dupey”) is a testament to the paramedicine profession. Brian demonstrates, on a daily basis, expert clinical skills and knowledge. I have witnessed his decisive action and calming demeanor first hand with many critical patients both on scene and in the hospital.

He is the perfect combination of knowledge and compassion. In addition to his clinical skills Brian is the picture of paramedicine in the community. Although I know him as a flight medic he still takes shifts on the street (his true love). He states that this is his way of “giving back and taking care of the community where he grew up”. He frequently trains new paramedics and helps to teach new hire academies. Brian doesn’t just enjoy reaching out to the local fire departments but believes it is imperative to have a personal relationship with each and every crew member that he sees in the field.

When we are called to a scene, the relief is obvious on the faces of the other responding units when they realize that “Dupey” (their friend) is the responding medic. Dupey says a large part of the success of being a good provider is having a great relationship with each and every person you come in contact with.

This is especially true with patients and their families. Dupey goes out if his way to ensure the patient and family members that he will treat them as though they are his very own. Dupey and his positive attitude and caring demeanor is contagious. His professionalism and personality are contagious. For the last few years he has been going to his alma mater Liberty High School to talk about the profession of paramedicine and what it takes to become paramedic and flight medic. There have been many stories of students stating that they want to become involved and set a course for health care. Dupey has not only affected the lives of every single one of his patients and their families, he has improved the entire system of care.

BLS EMS Professional-of-the-Year

Deby Merriam, Rio Blanco Fire Rescue

Annually recognizes a person who, by outstanding actions and contributions to the advancement of excellence in the delivery of emergency care to the citizens of Colorado, is identified as representing the ideal EMS professional First Responder.

Deby Merriam embodies the very heart of what it means to be an EMS professional—steadfast, compassionate, and unwaveringly dedicated to her patients, her colleagues, and her community. For decades, Debbie has been the backbone of EMS in our region. She shows up with professionalism and grace in every call, whether it’s a routine transfer or a life-threatening emergency.

Her calm presence, clinical skill, and ability to reassure patients in their most vulnerable moments make her an irreplaceable part of our team. Debbie’s impact extends far beyond her individual calls. She is a mentor, a role model, and a source of strength for new providers who look to her for guidance. Her wealth of knowledge and her willingness to teach others ensure that the future of EMS in our community is strong and well-prepared. She is someone who lifts others up and sets the standard for excellence.

In addition to her professional skill, Debbie’s commitment to community is unmatched. She has devoted countless hours to ensuring that our small, rural community has reliable, compassionate EMS coverage—often going above and beyond what is asked. She is the kind of professional who not only responds to emergencies but also takes the time to check in on families afterward, ensuring they feel supported and cared for.

In every sense, Deby is the foundation upon which our EMS system stands. Her selflessness, dedication, and quiet strength inspire all who have the privilege of working alongside her.

Robert Marlin ALS EMS Professional-of-the-Year

Tanya Applegate, North Fork EMS

The Robert Marlin ALS Professional-of-the-year Award annually recognizes one EMS professional who, by outstanding actions and contributions to the advancement of excellence in the delivery of emergency care to the citizens of Colorado, is identified as representing the ideal EMT. We honor the memory of “Bob” Marlin, who was a graduate of the first paramedic class in Colorado, arising to be Chief Paramedic at the Denver General Paramedic Division before serving at several other Front Range agencies. He showed many the way to excellence in paramedicine.

Tanya Applegate is an exceptional EMS leader whose dedication and innovative spirit have had a profound and lasting impact on her agency and our community. Her extensive expertise and commitment to advancing emergency medical care make her an ideal candidate for this honor.

There are few that match her dedication to the patient’s care, their outcome and our community. In a profession that relies upon providing “care,” she stands head and shoulders apart, and is a role model others in the organization strive to duplicate.

A Leader in EMS Innovation and Education

Tanya’s career demonstrates a remarkable trajectory of leadership, commitment and innovation. In her role as Assistant District Chief, she's led strategic planning and operations for a multi-station district, all while pursuing a Master of Paramedicine Leadership. Her forward-thinking approach is evident in her leadership of new technology implementations and the establishment of a comprehensive Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program, which has significantly improved patient care standards.

Beyond her administrative duties, Tanya is a dedicated educator. As the North Fork EMS Education Coordinator, she developed and implemented comprehensive programs, including IV therapy and EMR certification courses. More recently, she designed and launched a Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) to standardize training protocols, ensuring all providers meet a high standard of excellence. Her commitment to education also extends to her role as the Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator, where she champions improvements in pediatric care through specialized training and advocacy for enhanced protocols.

A Community-Focused Professional

What truly sets Tanya apart is her deep commitment to our community. She has been instrumental in developing and executing several community prevention programs, including planning and implementing a Health and Wellness Expo. As NF EMS Community Paramedic Coordinator, she directs our Mobile Integrated Healthcare-Community Paramedicine program, expanding care delivery to underserved populations.

Tanya’s ability to secure and manage grants is another testament to her dedication. She successfully managed a $100,000 Firearm Safety Initiative, distributing essential safety equipment while pairing it with crucial crisis intervention resources. This program highlights her ability to blend public health and emergency services, directly addressing our community’s specific needs.

A Respected and Skilled Practitioner

Throughout her career, Tanya has maintained her role as a practicing paramedic, providing advanced life support to critically ill and injured patients. This hands-on experience keeps her grounded in the realities of pre-hospital care and ensures her leadership decisions are always patient-centered. She holds numerous certifications, including Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP), Flight Paramedic-Certified (FP-C), and Certified Community Paramedic (CP-C), which reflect her broad skill set and commitment to professional development.

In summary, Tanya Applegate is a multifaceted professional who embodies the qualities of an outstanding advanced life support provider. Her strategic leadership, passion for education, and unwavering focus on community health make her an invaluable asset to the EMS profession.

EMS Executive-of-the-Year

James Robinson, Thompson Valley EMS

Honors an individual EMS executive—whether at a response agency or professional, governmental or NFP organization—who has become a leader in EMS and serves as a role model for EMS managers throughout the state.       

Chief James Robinson is the rare leader who can steady the wheel in a storm and still build a better ship. With more than 35 years in EMS-including 26 years at the Denver Paramedic Division (10 as Chief of Operations before serving as Chief of Special Operations), he brought that depth of experience to Thompson Valley EMS in early 2022 and, by late 2022 to the Chief’s chair.

Since then, he has accelerated clinical innovation, strengthened workforce development, deepened community trust, and navigated a complex regional healthcare transition with clarity and calm. His north star is simple and demanding: expert, compassionate care that earns public trust-Every. Single. Day. “Trust is at the foundation of everything we do. Earning trust from our communities is something we hold sacred, and we will work every single day to honor that trust.”—Chief James Robinson.

Upon becoming Chief, Robinson re-shaped the leadership structure to meet modern EMS demands by adding a Community Health & Special Projects Battalion Chief, Director of Safety & Wellness, Communications & Community Engagement Director, Finance Director, Emergency Manager, and a Preparedness Battalion Chief. This has turned TVEMS into a visible, emulated model for agencies nationwide while keeping decisions close to the field and the patient. He helped launch a Clinical Development Pathway, which is a non-command track that advances paramedic practice, rewards expertise, and keeps seasoned clinicians working with patients. This complements command and community health tracks and signals to clinicians that growth does not require leaving patient care.

In 2024, under Robinson’s direction, TVEMS implemented prehospital whole blood transfusions, an advanced protocol currently adopted by roughly 200 EMS agencies nationwide. As TVEMS Medical Director Dr. Johar notes "TVEMS’ participation in the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition places the agency among the top ~1% of EMS systems in the U.S. offering this life-saving capability". The initiative reflects Robinson’s insistence on evidence-based medicine and interagency collaboration.

Also, during his tenure at TVEMS, Robinson has bolstered the district's preparation for large-scale and unplanned events by standing up a dedicated Special Operations Team (SOT) trained in search-and-rescue and wilderness response. This team is also now red-card certified for wildland fire deployments, which expands TVEMS’ capacity to operate safely and effectively in multi-operational environments. By adding an Emergency Manager and a Preparedness Battalion Chief, he institutionalized after-action learning, scenario planning, and agency-wide readiness, not as events, but as habits.

In partnership with the McKee Wellness Foundation, Robinson is setting and meeting ambitious goals to train at least 1,000 residents annually in CPR/AED protocols and place 50 new AEDs per year across the district. This is community risk reduction with measurable reach, sustaining Loveland’s HeartSafe designation and, more importantly, creating more survivors. With the recent closure of a local community hospital’s ED and inpatient services, Robinson has been the steady voice of reassurance for crews and the community alike, reinforcing patient choice and continuity of care while coordinating with regional partners to maintain response reliability and quality.

In less than three years at the helm, Chief Robinson has guided TVEMS through transformative clinical upgrades, built a leadership bench (I'd go for 'team') that matches the complexity of modern EMS, and strengthened the covenant of trust with the public, all while stewarding his people through a once-in-a-generation healthcare system shift. He leads with humility, serves with rigor, and innovates with purpose. The Colorado EMS community is stronger because he is in it.

Francis Mildred Roth Women in EMS Award

Margaret "Peg" Sharp, Crested Butte Fire Protection District

A tribute to women in Colorado EMS, and for those who have served their community and integrated safety prevention, education, and their love for the community in their lives. The Roth Award is for outstanding women who have helped carve out the history of Colorado EMS. Women who have made a difference through innovative contributions at a local, state, or national level.

Francis Mildred Roth was one of the first female EMS professionals in Colorado. She embodied the true spirit of volunteers. She saved lives, fought fires, and taught basic first aid and CPR. She helped build the first local firehouse in her community, coached little league baseball and was also recognized as teacher of the year.

It is with great pride and deep respect that Crested Butte Fire Protection District nominates Margaret “Peg” Sharp, RN, CEN, CFRN, NREMT-P, CFRN, CEN, for the EMS Association of Colorado’s Francis Mildred Roth Women in EMS Award. Peg’s career in emergency medical services and nursing spans nearly four decades, marked by a calm and caring demeanor, exceptional clinical skill, a focus on lifelong learning, and an ongoing dedication to serve rural communities across the Western Slope. There is no doubt that Peg has demonstrated the traits necessary to be a role model for women in the EMS profession throughout Colorado.

From the outset, Peg pursued a unique and demanding pathway—serving simultaneously as a volunteer EMT, later as a volunteer paramedic, and then as a professional registered nurse. Beginning with the Crested Butte Fire Protection District (1985–2012), Peg gave more than 27 years of service to her mountain community as a volunteer EMS professional and volunteer pension trustee. During this time, she was not only a trusted clinician, but also a visible leader and mentor, remembered by colleagues for her calm professionalism, compassion for patients and families, and her willingness to step forward in service of the community. She also gave freely of her time at health fairs, hospital events, and public outreach, reflecting her belief that EMS extends beyond the ambulance and into the heart of community well-being. As one colleague recalls, “Peg had a remarkable ability to bring people together, offering her many years of experience and knowledge to fellow coworkers. She could turn a chaotic call into a well-rehearsed knowledge-based call with good outcomes. Even on the toughest scenes, her calm and confidence were unsurpassed.” These qualities became a hallmark of her service, inspiring countless EMS professionals who had the privilege of working beside her. In parallel, Peg built an extraordinary professional nursing career. At Gunnison Valley Hospital (1995–2013), she worked in nearly every unit—emergency, medical-surgical, and obstetrics—bringing versatility, teamwork, and clinical excellence to rural hospital care. In 1999, she joined St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, where she first served in the Emergency Department before moving to CareFlight of the Rockies (2012–2024) as a flight nurse. For more than a decade, Peg responded to some of the most critical emergencies across western Colorado, providing lifesaving care in remote and rugged settings where advanced medical resources were hours away.

Her colleagues often turned to her not only for clinical guidance, but also for support after challenging calls. Peg’s legacy is as much about mentorship and compassion for her peers as it is about her clinical expertise. She consistently encouraged others, offered perspective after difficult experiences, and modeled the resilience needed to sustain a career in EMS. Recently retired, Peg leaves us a legacy of service that bridges volunteer EMS, hospital-based nursing, and critical care transport. Few embody the pioneering spirit and dual commitment to EMS and nursing as fully as Peg Sharp. Her career has touched thousands of lives, from ambulance calls in small mountain towns to complex transports in flight. The entire team at the Crested Butte Fire Protection District, both past and present, believes Peg embodies the legacy service intended to be recognized by the Francis Mildred Roth Women in EMS Award.

C.J. Shanaberger Award for Lifetime Achievement

Danny Barela, Western RETAC

Recognizes an individual whose contributions to prehospital care have been consistent and long-lasting, representing in effect, a lifetime of outstanding service to the profession and the public.  Honors the memory of Carol J. Shanaberger, a paramedic and attorney, who diligently worked for many years to improve EMS in Colorado and the nation.

For 45 years Danny has worked in all aspects of EMS. He has served as an agency director, RETAC coordinator, AHA instructor, ER tech, flight paramedic, 911 paramedic, paramedic program director and advocate for instructor development around the state. Danny is currently the Board President for Delta County Ambulance District, the RETAC Coordinator for the WRETAC and teaches AHA courses for Montrose Regional Hospital, as well as leading the EMSAC EMS Educator Conference for. He has trained and mentored countless paramedics and EMTs throughout his career, many of whom are now chiefs, line officers and EMS educators. Danny has spent his entire career caring for the people of Western Colorado and ensuring that the next generation of EMS professionals are well prepared to continue the work. He has tirelessly committed himself to improving the EMS systems throughout Colorado through volunteer work, advocacy, and involvement at all levels from local agencies to state boards.

“As you look around the State of Colorado and meet more people you truly see the lives and careers that Danny has touched and influenced,” said Olathe Fire Chief Scott Fitzgerald.

Avery MacKenzie MD, WRETAC Regional Medical Director says of Danny, “Danny’s dedication goes far beyond regular business hours. His commitment to EMS is unyielding. Danny’s work honors the legacy of Carol J. Shanaberger, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”

EMS Ambulance Service-of-the-Year

Eagle County Paramedic Services

Honors an ambulance service that has become a leader in patient care, medical control, quality assurance, public education, public access and training and education.

Eagle County Paramedic Services (ECPS) exemplifies what it means to be a leader in emergency medical services. For nearly four decades, ECPS has provided exceptional ambulance service across a rural mountain community where challenges of geography, weather and access make timely emergency medical response both essential and complex.

The organization has consistently demonstrated innovation, compassion and leadership in advancing patient care—not only through 911 response, but also through programs that extend far beyond the back of an ambulance. ECPS operates with a progressive medical direction system that emphasizes clinical excellence, physician collaboration and evidence-based practice. Our paramedics are highly trained to deliver advanced life support in austere environments, from ski slopes to mountain passes and in backcountry situations, sometimes in extreme alpine conditions.

Beyond daily emergency response, ECPS demonstrates a deep commitment to continuous quality improvement, using data analytics and peer review to strengthen clinical care and drive performance improvements. One of the elements of which I am proud is our culture of accountability and growth. The agency’s robust quality assurance program ensures clinical accuracy and fosters professional development among providers. The service goes beyond compliance, striving to pioneer solutions that improve outcomes, such as our impending whole blood program and extensive training for critical care transfers.

Eagle County Paramedics have long invested in the health of the community through proactive outreach and education. The service provides CPR and first aid training and school-based education, empowering community members to play an active role in emergency preparedness. Public safety campaigns and social media engagement further support community awareness, transparency and trust.

In every dimension of the EMSAC Ambulance Service-of-the-Year criteria—patient care, medical control, quality assurance, education, public access and training—Eagle County Paramedic Services has demonstrated exemplary performance. From life-saving interventions on busy mountain corridors and in the backcountry to innovative community paramedicine models to the newly established home health program, ECPS consistently raises the standard of care for rural Colorado.

Recognizes an EMS agency, medical facility, or local or regional EMS system, either individually or in any combination, for their prehospital or out-of-hospital care and transport of pediatric patients.  

Nicolena Mitchell, NRP and Dr. Kathleen Adelgais.

The Colorado EMSC Program is fortunate to have some regional force multipliers with their partner pediatric healthcare organizations (Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver Health and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children). Nicolena and Kathleen have responsibly utilized these resources. However, over the past few years, under their guidance, our local EMSC Program has really exploded to a stratospheric level that has garnered regional and national attention. They have both worked tirelessly to get over 23 hospital emergency departments "pediatric ready" over the past few years through their COPPER Program. The data is clear. When a pediatric patient is cared for in a pediatric specific emergency department or one that has a high pediatric readiness score, the pt's mortality rate is much lower.

They have simultaneously been working with EMS agencies around the state to achieve these same "pediatric readiness" goals. Much of this work is behind the scenes, it is advocating, it is attending meeting after meeting, it is herding cats, its finding resources where there aren't any, its love, its frustration, its dedication and most importantly, its making a huge impact on the emergency care that children in Colorado receive. It is for these reasons and many more that Children's Hospital Colorado is proud to present Nicolena Mitchell, Dr Kathleen Adelgais of the EMSC Colorado program, the 2025 EMSAC award for commitment to pediatric emergency care. Congratulations!