The Wisconsin EMS Association Announces Excellence in Service Awards for 2025
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Wisconsin EMS Association
Alan DeYoung, Executive Director
(414) 431-8193
alan@wisconsinems.com
The Wisconsin EMS Association Announces
Excellence in Service Awards for 2025
Wind Lake, WI — The Wisconsin EMS Association® is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 EMS Excellence in Service Awards. The awards will be presented during their 40th Annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Conference and Expo on Friday, February 6, 2026 during a private dinner followed by a public ceremony at Stadium View Bar & Grill in Green Bay, WI.
"Each and every day across Wisconsin, over 20,000 EMS responders serve our state and communities with profound professionalism, care and compassion. This year, Wisconsin providers have nominated their compatriots who they feel rise above the everyday excellence of all of our responders and we recognize the service of these exemplary EMS providers with these awards. These award recipients serve as an example that one person or agency can make a difference in their community and in EMS. I thank them for their remarkable service." Chanse Kaczmarski, EMT-P, President, Wisconsin EMS Association Board of Directors.
“These honorees remind us what true service looks like,” said Alan DeYoung, Executive Director of WEMSA. “Their commitment to their communities, their patients, and their colleagues exemplifies the spirit of EMS in Wisconsin. We are honored to recognize individuals and organizations who consistently go above and beyond to protect and uplift the people they serve.”
We congratulate the following recipients and recognize their exceptional contributions to the EMS profession and the communities they serve.
2025 WEMSA Lifetime Achievement - Christopher Hecht - Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department
The Wisconsin EMS Association is proud to honor Fire Chief Christopher Hecht with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing more than four decades of extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication to the people of Door County and the EMS profession.
Chief Hecht began his EMS career as a volunteer EMT on Washington Island before becoming a full-time paramedic with Door County Emergency Services. He joined the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department in 1992 and went on to serve as Fire Chief for 24 years, retiring only recently. For more than 35 years, he has been among the first to answer the call when residents needed help, embodying the compassion and selflessness at the core of EMS.
His impact reaches far beyond emergency response. Chief Hecht developed Door County’s first countywide CPR program, co-founded the Fire Chiefs Association’s emergency response team during the COVID-19 pandemic, and secured millions of dollars in grants that strengthened local EMS and fire services. He championed community health initiatives, including delivering essential supplies to vulnerable residents during the pandemic, and led the "Defibs for Door County" campaign, placing AEDs in public spaces and saving lives as a result. He also initiated a project to preserve Door County’s firefighting history for future generations.
Widely respected for his professionalism and integrity, Chief Hecht has long been described as a “nexus of the community.” He was a familiar face at school events, festivals, and local gatherings, always ready to step in and help. As a mentor, he shaped generations of EMS providers, inspiring volunteers to pursue training, fostering collaboration among agencies, and building a strong countywide network of responders.
Chief Hecht’s contributions extend deeply into community engagement and public safety advocacy. He assisted with local events, organized large community festivals, and worked alongside elected officials to secure funding and support legislation that expanded EMS resources in rural areas.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who contribute significantly to EMS over more than 20 years, demonstrate professional excellence, mentor others, and earn the respect of their peers. Chief Christopher Hecht has exceeded every measure. His visionary leadership, community advocacy, and lifelong commitment to service have transformed EMS in Door County and inspired all who have served alongside him.
2025 WEMSA Director of the Year - Robert Kirkley - Aspirus MedEvac
The Wisconsin EMS Association is proud to honor Robert Kirkley as the 2025 Director of the Year, recognizing his exceptional leadership and the profound impact he has made in the emergency medical services industry.
With more than 35 years in EMS, Kirkley has become a defining force in EMS administration. Since stepping into the Operations Director role, he has transformed Aspirus MedEvac through forward-thinking innovation, operational excellence, and a leadership style that inspires confidence at every level of the organization.
As Operations Director, Kirkley oversees all core functions of the MedEvac system, budgeting, staffing, scheduling, purchasing, billing, compliance, and strategic planning. His ability to understand both the big picture and the smallest operational detail has strengthened the efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of the service. Under his leadership, Aspirus MedEvac has implemented new technologies, streamlined documentation practices, modernized scheduling systems, and adopted data-driven strategies that directly improve patient care.
Kirkley is known for being a director who leads from the front. While managing complex systems and multimillion-dollar operations, he remains fully connected to the providers delivering care. Staff admire his high expectations, his clear communication, and the genuine support he offers to help them grow. His leadership balances accountability with compassion, setting a professional tone that elevates the entire organization.
Education and mentorship, though important parts of his career, also support his work as a director. His decades of teaching and his strong academic background, including an MBA and specialized EMS certifications, inform the evidence-based decisions he makes for Aspirus MedEvac. The students he has trained, the leaders he has mentored, and the programs he has shaped all reflect his investment in building strong future EMS systems. Colleagues across the region recognize Kirkley as a director who not only manages an organization, he elevates it. His strategic vision, operational skill, and steady leadership have strengthened Aspirus MedEvac and improved emergency response for the communities it serves.
For these reasons, and for his decades of leadership, innovation, and service, the Wisconsin EMS Association is proud to recognize Robert Kirkley as the 2025 Director of the Year.
2025 WEMSA Educator of the Year - Will Isham - NorthCentral Technical College
The Wisconsin EMS Association is proud to recognize Will Isham as the 2025 Educator of the Year, honoring his exceptional contributions to EMS education and his lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the community. Will is widely regarded as an outstanding instructor whose professionalism, compassion, and innovative teaching elevate EMS training across Wisconsin.
Will’s teaching philosophy is rooted in continuous improvement. He uses student performance data and course outcomes to refine curriculum, update labs, and ensure training aligns with current industry standards. His influence extends statewide through his participation on EMS committees, where he helps shape curriculum discussions and advocates for stronger EMS education.
Equally admired as a mentor, Will is known for being approachable, supportive, and deeply committed to student success. He emphasizes clinical competence as well as professionalism, empathy, teamwork, and strong ethical decision-making. He also guides new faculty, strengthening the overall instructional team.
In the classroom, Will creates highly engaging learning environments through simulation, scenario-based practice, and structured peer feedback. He adapts his instruction to meet diverse learning needs and regularly incorporates student feedback to enhance the educational experience.
Will is also a leader in instructional innovation. He has improved lab sign-off processes, expanded hybrid learning opportunities, and introduced assessment strategies that mirror real-world EMS practice. His work to align curriculum across courses has resulted in stronger consistency and better-prepared graduates.
Will Isham exemplifies the qualities of the Educator of the Year Award. His dedication to excellence, commitment to continuous improvement, and passion for shaping future EMS professionals continue to strengthen EMS education and the industry as a whole.
2025 WEMSA Support Champion of the Year - Stephanie Post - Milwaukee ER & Hospital (nominated by Jackson Fire Department)
The Wisconsin EMS Association is proud to honor Dr. Stephanie Post as the 2025 Support Champion of the Year, recognizing her remarkable contributions to the Jackson Fire Department and the communities of the Village of Jackson, Town of Jackson, and Town of Polk. Over the past seven years, Dr. Post has transformed the department’s EMS program through her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to high-quality emergency medical care.
When Dr. Post became Medical Control Director, the department was operating as an Advanced EMT service facing increasing demands and limited options for expanding patient care. She immediately recognized both the challenges and the potential within the agency. With her support, leadership, and confidence in the providers, the department successfully transitioned to a Paramedic-level service.
Her involvement extends far beyond administrative oversight. Dr. Post is a familiar and supportive presence within the department, riding along with crews several times each month, attending regular EMS trainings, and working side-by-side with providers in the field. Her hands-on approach allows her to see challenges firsthand and provide immediate, meaningful guidance.
Through her collaborative leadership style, she has cultivated a culture of professionalism, accountability, and pride within the EMS division. Providers know she expects excellence, but they also know she is deeply committed to helping them achieve it. Her guidance has shaped stronger protocols, improved decision-making, and elevated the standard of care across the department.
The impact of Dr. Post’s work reaches far beyond the station walls. Thanks to her leadership, families in the region now have access to life-saving paramedic care when minutes matter most. Her focus on innovation, compassion, and community-centered service has made the Jackson Fire Department stronger, more capable, and better prepared for the future. Dr. Stephanie Post has left an enduring mark on the department she has helped guide and support. Her seven years of dedication have transformed operations, strengthened provider confidence, and improved the health and safety of the communities served.
The Wisconsin EMS Association is honored to recognize Dr. Post as the Support Champion of the Year, celebrating her extraordinary service, her belief in the Jackson Fire Department, and the lasting difference she continues to make in emergency medical care.
2025 WEMSA Paramedic of the Year - Adam Meshak - Amherst Fire District
WEMSA is honored to name Adam Meshak as the 2025 Paramedic of the Year, recognizing his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to advancing emergency medical care in Portage County and beyond. Meshak, a full-time paramedic with the Amherst Fire District, has become a cornerstone of local EMS through his clinical excellence, community involvement, and innovative leadership.
Meshak began his EMS career committed to elevating care for his community, and today he manages some of the district’s most critical programs. One of Meshak’s most visible achievements has been the strengthening of EMS partnerships with local athletic programs. He built a strong, ongoing relationship with athletic trainers at the Amherst Middle and High Schools, coordinating EMS coverage for all home events and even traveling with the sports medicine team. Through this collaboration, athletes, coaches, and families now have access to high-quality prehospital care when injuries occur.
Meshak’s contribution to community health extends far beyond emergency response. He has played a leading role in AED advocacy, helping secure affordable access to lifesaving devices for local businesses and organizations. His efforts have led to AEDs “popping up in our communities,” supported by a streamlined purchase and maintenance program he helped implement. He also ensures community members receive high-quality CPR and first-aid training, programs he helped bring into local schools so Amherst Fire District members could teach staff and students directly.
His professionalism and dedication are further reflected in his extensive involvement in departmental committees and education initiatives. Meshak helped create the district’s onboarding and continuing education framework, ensuring new EMS candidates are trained through a combination of hands-on instruction, online modules, and structured self-study.
Meshak’s influence stretches across Portage County. He serves as Assistant Service Director, providing EMS system oversight and guidance for other EMS groups in the county. While his achievements in leadership and program development are extensive, Meshak is equally known for his excellence as a clinician. As Fire Chief Victor Voss wrote, “Adam runs a medical call with exacting perfection,” providing calm leadership and clear direction on scenes with responders of varying experience levels. Fellow EMS providers regularly express confidence when he is on shift because, “Adam knows his stuff.”
From advancing athletic event medical coverage, to expanding lifesaving training, to shaping EMS protocols used countywide, Adam Meshak has strengthened every facet of EMS in his community. His dedication, professionalism, and passion for service exemplify the very best of Wisconsin EMS. The Wisconsin EMS Association is honored to recognize Adam Meshak as the 2025 Paramedic of the Year for his selfless service to his community and beyond!
2025 WEMSA AEMT of the Year - Jackey Postuchow - Plum Lake EMS
The Wisconsin EMS Association is proud to recognize Jackey Postuchow, as the 2025 AEMT of the Year, honoring her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service to her community. Postuchow’s path into EMS, her exceptional call volume, and her transformational efforts in rural healthcare have made her a standout provider whose impact reaches far beyond traditional expectations.
Jackey entered EMS after more than 20 years of providing end-of-life care, bringing with her a profound sense of compassion and a deep understanding of patient needs. Seeing the growing shortage of EMS providers in her rural area, she completed her EMS training and went on to earn her Advanced EMT certification, driven by a personal commitment to ensure her community had access to high-quality emergency care.
In 2024, that commitment was unmistakable: Jackey responded to 89% of all EMS calls for her department. Her presence, reliability, and clinical skill have made her a vital lifeline for the residents she serves. But Jackey’s influence extends far beyond responding to emergencies. As Town Chairman, she led one of the most impactful healthcare initiatives in her community’s history, securing a $4.25 million grant to build a new municipal facility with dedicated space for telemedicine and EMS training. The project will significantly expand access to care in what Jackey describes as a “healthcare barren area,” directly improving emergency response and long-term health outcomes.
Her efforts to grow the future EMS workforce are equally impressive. Facing a critical volunteer shortage, Jackey successfully recruited 12 new students to enroll in EMS classes this fall, more than doubling the future size of her department. Her leadership ensures that emergency care in her community will remain strong for years to come.
Jackey’s passion for education also reaches young people. She regularly teaches first aid to local Girl Scouts, one of whom recently used those skills to help an injured athlete at a school event. Inspired by the experience, that scout is now training as a junior EMS recruit, a direct reflection of Jackey’s influence on the next generation of caregivers.
In the field, Jackey is known for exceptional critical thinking, strong communication, and remarkable compassion. After responding to a call for a patient who could not leave his home due to mobility challenges, she organized a volunteer crew to build a handicap-accessible ramp, restoring the patient’s independence. This level of care exemplifies her approach: meeting medical needs while addressing the human needs that surround them. Jackey Postuchow embodies the very best of what it means to be WEMSA’s Advanced EMT of the Year. Her tireless service, innovative leadership, community advocacy, and compassionate care have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people.
2025 WEMSA EMT of the Year - Lance Thomas - Waupun Fire & Rescue Department
WEMSA is proud to honor Lance Thomas as the 2025 EMT of the Year, honoring his exceptional dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing prehospital care in his community and across the state.
Lance plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Waupun Fire & Rescue’s EMS program, consistently covering calls as one of the department’s top responders. His involvement reaches far beyond emergency response, he personally oversees many of the systems that keep the service running smoothly, from ordering medical supplies and coordinating EMR crew schedules to working with vendors, supporting equipment maintenance, and ensuring protocols and Standard Operating Guidelines remain current and effective.
What sets Lance apart is his deep commitment to excellence and professionalism. He models the department’s core values (Professionalism, Service, Family, and Adaptability) in every task, whether routine or highly complex. His work strengthens not only Waupun’s EMR program but also strengthens EMS within the surrounding region, thanks to his compassion, advocacy, and mentorship of fellow responders.
Lance’s dedication to professional growth is equally remarkable. Despite serving in an EMR-level agency, he pursued and completed his EMT certification and continues to participate in additional training opportunities to enhance patient outcomes. When new equipment is introduced, Lance works directly with vendors to understand its capabilities, then develops training materials and refines operational guidelines so that crews are fully prepared to deliver effective, safe care. His attention to detail has resulted in clearer procedures, higher-quality service, and improved patient care.
Beyond his operational leadership, Lance is deeply engaged in community outreach, working to strengthen public understanding of EMS services. He promotes health and safety, participates in public education events, and represents Waupun EMS with professionalism and pride. His efforts have raised awareness of the resources available to the community and expanded trust in emergency services.
Lance also plays an influential role in shaping the future EMS workforce. He is proactive in reaching out to local schools to introduce students to EMS careers and the vital work responders perform. Within the department, he creates a positive and supportive environment for new EMRs, mentoring, training, and encouraging them as they begin their service. His collaborative spirit has strengthened team cohesion and reinforced a culture of excellence throughout Waupun Fire & Rescue.
In the words of his Fire & EMS Chief, “Lance exemplifies what it means to be an Emergency Medical Technician.” His impact is felt in every part of the organization, through the quality of service he provides, the improvements he has spearheaded, and the mentorship he continues to offer to the next generation of responders.
2025 WEMSA EMR of the Year - Cheryl Gassman - Monroe Fire Department
The Wisconsin EMS Association is proud to honor Cheryl Gassman as the 2025 Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) of the Year, recognizing her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service to her community. Cheryl’s remarkable response record, commitment to professional development, and passion for community education have made her an invaluable member of her department and a trusted resource for the residents she serves.
Cheryl has earned a reputation as one of the community’s most dependable responders. In 2024, she responded to 63% of all EMS calls, and by August 2025 she had responded to 61% of the year’s calls, an exceptional level of commitment that demonstrates her reliability and compassion. When an emergency occurs, Cheryl is often the first person on scene, bringing skill, calm, and reassurance to those experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Cheryl is a leader in community health education. As a certified CPR, Hands-Only CPR, and Stop the Bleed Instructor, she has trained many residents in lifesaving skills. Her classes empower community members to act confidently in emergencies, creating a safer and more resilient community.
In 2024, Cheryl launched a new educational initiative focused on reducing lift assists among older adults, one of the most common types of EMS calls in many communities. With support from a local foundation, she developed a program that provides seniors with practical tools, safety strategies, and mobility guidance to help them remain independent and avoid preventable falls. The program has already shown measurable success, reducing strain on emergency resources while improving quality of life for vulnerable residents.
Within the department, Cheryl is known as a supportive mentor and dependable teammate. She welcomes new responders, offers guidance and encouragement, and helps foster a culture of teamwork and mutual respect. Her positive influence strengthens the entire department and helps ensure that new members feel supported as they enter the EMS profession.
Above all, Cheryl is recognized for her compassionate patient care. She brings comfort, dignity, and steady reassurance to every scene, ensuring that patients and their families feel cared for and understood. Her ability to balance technical skill with genuine empathy embodies the very best of emergency medical response.
2025 EMS Service of the Year - Cross Plains EMS 
The Wisconsin EMS Association is proud to recognize Cross Plains Area EMS as the 2025 EMS Service of the Year, honoring the department’s remarkable progress, commitment to professional excellence, and deep dedication to the communities they serve. Over the past several years, Cross Plains EMS has transformed challenges into opportunities, emerging as a model of teamwork, innovation, and community-centered care.
In recent years, the service navigated significant transitions, including leadership changes and communication hurdles among its Association, EMS Board, and partner agencies. Today, thanks to a renewed commitment to collaboration and strong leadership, Cross Plains EMS stands stronger than ever. The service now works closely with the Cross Plains Fire and Police Departments, trains jointly, and holds quarterly meetings among chiefs to ensure clear communication and unified priorities.
Cross Plains EMS has also made community engagement a top priority. Providers are a familiar and trusted presence throughout the service area, attending local events, offering demonstrations, giving ambulance tours, and providing free blood pressure checks. Working closely with local Senior Services, crews visit twice each month to assist with “File for Life” forms and provide wellness checks, helping older residents stay informed, safe, and connected.
Training and clinical excellence remain at the heart of the service’s mission. With support from their Medical Director, Cross Plains EMS has implemented a robust monthly training program featuring guest speakers, hands-on skills labs, and scenario-based practice. This focus ensures every EMS provider is confident, knowledgeable, and working at the top of their scope of practice.
Recognizing the growing need for community-based care, the department’s Chief and Deputy Chief are enrolled in college courses to help launch a Community AEMT Program, an initiative eagerly supported by both the Medical Director and the service’s membership. This program will expand access to medical resources for residents and help address gaps in rural healthcare.
The agency’s dedication to professional excellence is evident across all levels. Experienced EMTs and drivers enthusiastically mentor newer members, while team-building activities strengthen camaraderie and trust. Members are encouraged to attend conferences and outside training opportunities. The department embraces families as well, hosting gatherings, inviting loved ones to visit during on-call shifts, and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment.
Cross Plains Area EMS embodies the values of dedication, innovation, community service, and teamwork that define exceptional emergency medical care. Their transformation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their community make them a deserving recipient of the Wisconsin EMS Association’s 2025 Service of the Year Award.
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The Wisconsin EMS Association is a nonprofit trade association that represents and supports the views and interests of its membership in Wisconsin communities by promoting education, sharing information, and facilitating legislative action.