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2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Jose Vasquez, Paramedic Supervisor
ATI Ambulance 

Jose Vasquez embarked on his EMS career in 2002, beginning with Toa Baja EMS in Puerto Rico, where he served for eight years. During his time there, he gained invaluable experience in both 911 emergency services and interfacility transportation, ultimately rising to the rank of acting supervisor.

In 2010, Jose transitioned to Bayamon EMS, continuing his dedication to providing critical 911 and interfacility services to his community. In 2013, Jose and his family relocated to Florida, and in 2017, he began working for Positive Medical Transport on a critical care transport unit, further expanding his expertise. In 2022, Jose joined ATI Ambulance, where he quickly distinguished himself by providing both ALS and critical care transports. His exceptional skills and dedication earned him a promotion to field training officer (FTO), and soon after, he was promoted to assistant operations supervisor.

Today, Mr. Vasquez continues to deliver outstanding care to patients and provides invaluable leadership and mentorship to the ATI team, embodying the qualities of commitment, expertise, and service that define a true EMS professional.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Titi Toporas, Critical Care Paramedic
American Medical Response – Broward 

Titi Toporas is a highly skilled and dedicated critical care transport (CCT) Paramedic with American Medical Response (AMR), where he has been delivering exceptional care since January 2007. His extensive certifications, including BLS, ACLS, CPR, AED, PALS, and CCT, underscore his comprehensive training and ability to manage a wide range of medical emergencies.

Throughout his career, Titi has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to patient care. His previous role as a field training officer allowed him to mentor new paramedics, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to help them develop into confident and capable medics.

Titi's contributions to the emergency medical field have been recognized with numerous awards, reflecting his dedication and outstanding performance. These honors include:

• Employee of the Month Award (2007)
• Commitment to Excellence Award (2007)
• Broward Health Salutes Our Heroes Award (2008)
• Recognition for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence Award (2009)
• Star Performer Award (2012)
• Employee of the Month Award (2018)

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Lynn Sorensen, Critical Care EMT
MedFleet 

Lynn Sorensen grew up in the small town of Richlands, North Carolina, just 20 miles from Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base. His journey began at the age of 14, when a local marine from the Haws Run Fire Department invited him on a fire call. This pivotal experience ignited a lifelong passion for firefighting and emergency services, steering him towards a path of purpose.

Not long after, Lynn became a North Carolina EMT. Driven by an unyielding dedication to service, he joined the Army Infantry and bravely cross-trained as a combat medic. Between deployments, Lynn’s commitment to his community continued as he founded the Onslow County Search and Rescue team. But he didn't stop there—he also conquered the Army's Special Forces selection, emerging as a weapons sergeant with advanced trauma training.

After his time in the Army, Lynn relocated to Florida to embark on an exciting new chapter with his supportive wife and family, where he now serves with Medfleet Ambulance Services. Lynn's ambitious spirit is unwavering as he sets his sights on achieving his paramedic certification and aspires to take on a leadership role in his community.

Lynn Sorensen's journey is a testament to his relentless dedication to public service, continuous professional growth, and a commitment to making a positive impact on his community. His story is one of bravery, passion, and an unbreakable spirit.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Stephanie Scilabro, EMT Field Training Officer
American Medical Response – Orlando 

Stephanie began her EMS career in 2018 as an EMT, quickly establishing herself as a skilled and compassionate healthcare provider. Stephanie has continued to exemplify herself as not only an EMT, but also as a field training officer. Stephanie has combined her love of EMS with her thirst for knowledge, routinely engaging in instructor programs so that she can not only better herself but better teach those who are new to the industry.

When Stephanie is not working on the ambulance, she can often be found instructing new hire orientation classes or working with local clinical education to enhance quality improvement programs and to streamline the orientation process. Stephanie truly embraces her love for the profession by being a positive role model for her co-workers. She is often the recipient of patient compliments who wish to express their gratitude because Stephanie turned the worst day of their life into a positive experience.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Jose Santiago, Paramedic Supervisor
ATI Ambulance

Jose Santiago began his career in emergency medical services (EMS) in 2006 when he was hired as a paramedic by Rio Grande County EMS in Puerto Rico. Over the course of 11 years with the agency, he gained extensive experience in pre-hospital emergency care and advanced his skill set to become a critical care paramedic. His dedication and strong leadership qualities led to his promotion to field supervisor, where he was responsible for overseeing field operations, mentoring new paramedics, and ensuring high standards of patient care.

In 2018, Mr. Santiago relocated to Florida to further his career and joined ATI Ambulance in Lakeland, FL. His expertise and commitment to excellence quickly earned him a reputation as a dependable and skilled EMS professional. Within a short time, he was selected as a field training officer (FTO), where he played a crucial role in training and mentoring new employees, ensuring they upheld the company’s standards of care and operational efficiency.

Recognizing his leadership capabilities and dedication to the organization, ATI Ambulance promoted Mr. Santiago to operations supervisor in 2024. In this role, he took on greater responsibilities, overseeing daily operations, coordinating with field staff, and ensuring compliance with company protocols and regulatory standards. In addition to his supervisory duties, he currently serves as the company’s safety officer and quality assurance (QA) officer, where he works to improve patient care protocols, enhance workplace safety, and ensure compliance with industry best practices.

Jose Santiago has become a vital part of the ATI management team, contributing significantly to the company’s mission of providing high-quality emergency medical services. His years of experience, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to patient care have made him an indispensable asset to the EMS community.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Alec Mealing, Critical Care Paramedic
MCT Express 


Alec Mealing began his EMS career in 2012 and started working for American Ambulance in South Florida in 2017 as an emergency medical technician (EMT). He rose to becoming a paramedic shortly after and then a certified ventilator paramedic. He was promoted to field training officer (FTO) and then became a critical care paramedic in 2019. He continued his accolades as he was promoted to supervisor and then Operations Manager shortly before the organization was acquired by MCT Express, Inc. (MCT). After the transition, he was made a paramedic lead for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital transport unit for MCT for almost two years. Mr. Mealing has worked hand in hand with nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Alec has taken care of many very sick children and learned to be patient and understanding with them and their families which again has made him a better husband and father. During that time, he continued to work with many critical patients, many with positive outcomes and some with tragic outcomes. Understanding that in this field you can experience many situations, these experiences have all made Mr. Mealing a better paramedic and a better person. Mr. Mealing is a family man and met his wife when he was in EMT school back in 2011. He has been married to her for 10 years and they have a son who just turned 10. What sets Alec apart is a particular transport that stands out among the many patients he has transported over the years. This call was an interfacility transport from Holy Cross Hospital to Boca Raton Regional Hospital with a critically ill patient that required advanced hemodynamic management. The patient, a 43-year-old male, had been diagnosed with a dissecting aortic aneurysm extending the entire length of the aorta. Given the severity of the condition, strict blood pressure control was paramount to prevent further dissection or rupture. Upon arrival, the patient was found to have bilateral radial arterial lines in place for continuous invasive blood pressure monitoring. The patient was receiving a Cardene (nicardipine) infusion, titrated to maintain systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg, per physician orders. Throughout transport, Mr. Mealing continuously monitored the patient’s hemodynamic status, making precise adjustments to the Cardene drip as needed to ensure optimal blood pressure control. The 15-mile transport was completed without incident. The patient remained hemodynamically stable, with blood pressure maintained within the target range. Upon arrival, the patient was successfully transferred to the receiving medical team for definitive care. This transport required continuous critical care interventions and precise pharmacologic management to ensure patient stability. Through meticulous monitoring and precise titration of vasoactive medications, Mr. Mealing demonstrated unwavering dedication to both his patient and the field of emergency medicine.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Braxton Jones, EMT 
Sunstar Paramedics 

We are honored to put forth a nomination for Braxton Jones, an exceptional human, and a true asset to our team at Sunstar Paramedics. Braxton Jones has served Pinellas County, Florida and Sunstar Paramedics for a year and a half. Though his time may seem brief, his service is a prime example of how proper training and an assertive approach can lay the groundwork for a successful, long-term career. Braxton has a great attitude, willingness, and drive to help others. He is an excellent example of personal improvement with Sunstar Paramedics. Braxton started his career as an EMR and soon achieved his goal to become an EMT in direct care of patients in Pinellas County. Braxton is continuing his knowledge by attending the School of EMS as a paramedic student with good questions and engagement within the classroom.

Braxton faced the heartbreaking reality of a call involving a 12-year-old who suffered a fatal gunshot wound and significant head injury. The call was especially challenging for all the first responders due to the holiday timing. However, EMT Jones arrived quickly and worked seamlessly with the team to ensure a swift response, facilitating an on-scene time of under five minutes. Through his steady focus, Braxton helped transport the patient and multiple crew members in an effort to save a life. While the outcome was tragic, Braxton's resilience and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to all first responders, showing the true strength and heart needed in such difficult moment.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Stanley Jeune, Critical Care EMT/Operations Supervisor
MCT Express

Stanley Jeune has been an EMT since 2014 and started his position with American Ambulance in Orlando shortly after. He has trained and worked as a critical care EMT since 2016 working efficiently and consistently with our most senior critical care paramedics on a variety of intense transports. His calm and easy demeanor provided the assurance needed for patient and partner alike to successfully maintain patient care on hundreds of transports each year.

As the middle child of a large family in Pine Hills, Mr. Jeune learned early on to care for his siblings. Inspired by his father's example and motivated by the memory of his mother, he sought to build a career centered on service and giving back to his community. His volunteer work began with his local church and continues to this day during his time off. As a 20-year-old, he volunteered locally to help translate for refugees, rescue workers, and survivors from the 2010 Haiti earthquake. He also dedicates his spare time to helping with the Orlando Second Harvest Food Bank food trucks. Stanley was promoted to a field training officer position in 2021 and then to a supervisor position in November 2023. Mr. Jeune stepped into a position of a deployment lead in 2017 when Hurricane Irma affected South Florida where he worked with our crews stationed in a field hospital for six days assisting with constant search and rescue missions. In 2024, Stanley and his team faced the challenges of two hurricanes, Helene and Milton, with only four hours of downtime each day as they worked tirelessly through back-to-back shifts. Over the course of more than 32 days, they were deployed between Ft. Myers and Polk County, navigating tornadoes and operating on Army bases. Stanley's dedication extends beyond his local efforts, as he has also completed multiple long-distance patient transports. His longest journey involved a relentless 5-day drive to Utah, navigating mountain passes and even backtracking due to a closed logging road.

We are very fortunate that Stanley Jeune has chosen us to build his EMS career with. We are thankful for his dedication and commitment and look forward to the future together.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Erin Hisey, Paramedic, Field Training Officer 
American Medical Response – Broward

Erin Hisey is a dedicated field training officer (FTO) paramedic based in South Florida. With five years of experience in emergency medical services (EMS), including two years as a paramedic, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN, and an associate’s degree in EMS from City College in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Erin was nominated for the prestigious Star of Life award due to her exceptional patient care skills, her unwavering commitment to completing tasks in alignment with company procedures, and her ability to inspire others to achieve and set attainable goals in their EMS careers. Additionally, Erin was recognized as employee of the month in January 2024 for her outstanding performance and dedication.

Outside of her professional commitments, Erin enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs and fiancé. She is currently working towards becoming a flight paramedic, demonstrating her commitment to advancing her skills and career in EMS.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Greg Garcia, EMT
American Medical Response – Miami Dade

Greg Garcia began his distinguished career in emergency medical services in September 1987 with Randle Eastern Ambulance, which later became part of AMR. Starting as a wheelchair driver, Greg quickly advanced his skills by completing a first responder course in 1988 and earning his EMT certification in July 1989.

Greg has held several key positions throughout his career, including field training officer (FTO), field supervisor, and quality assurance specialist. His commitment to professional development is evident through his 16-hour Accident Investigation and Reconstruction course certification, which has enabled him to investigate multiple accidents.

Greg's dedication to service is highlighted by his participation in six deployments, both within and outside the state. He has made a profound impact on patient care, including delivering six babies and achieving one code save. One remarkable example of his dedication occurred when he responded to an unresponsive patient without a pulse, initiating and sustaining CPR until an ALS unit arrived—demonstrating his unwavering commitment to saving lives.

Greg Garcia's extensive experience and dedication make him a highly respected and invaluable emergency medical service professional to his community.