The Wisconsin EMS Association Announces Excellence in Service Awards for 2024
Wind Lake, WI — The Wisconsin EMS Association® is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 EMS Excellence in Service Awards. The awards will be presented during the Wisconsin EMS Association’s Conference and Expo on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Resch Expo in Green Bay, WI.
"I am continually inspired by the dedication and passion displayed by the recipients of the Excellence in Service awards. Their unwavering commitment to our mission and their impact on our communities serve as a beacon of excellence. They remind us all of the profound difference one can make through service, and I am honored to celebrate their achievements alongside our WEMSA family." expressed Tony Lash, NREMT-P, President of the WEMSA Board of Directors.
"I am honored to celebrate these outstanding individuals receiving the Excellence in Service awards. Their dedication and perseverance exemplify the very heart of EMS. These recipients remind us of the critical role Emergency Services play in our communities, often under the most challenging circumstances." stated Alan DeYoung, Executive Director of WEMSA.
We congratulate the following recipients and recognize their exceptional contributions to the EMS profession and the communities they serve.
2024 WEMSA Lifetime Achievement:
Ernie Koepp - Poynette Dekorra Emergency Medical Service
WEMSA proudly presents the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Ernie Koepp. With over 54 years of service as a first responder, firefighter, EMT, and fire inspector, Ernie has left a permanent mark on the Poynette-Dekorra community. As a pioneer in establishing EMS services for his community and a former Assistant Chief of EMS, Ernie’s contributions have paved the way for advancements in pre-hospital care.
Even in retirement, Ernie continues to hold a current EMT license, mentor team members, and support training efforts. His passion for community safety led to equipping dozens of local businesses with AEDs, performing biannual fire inspections, and restoring antique fire trucks displayed proudly at the station.
Ernie’s impact extends beyond his community through his years as an educator at Madison College EMS Services, where he mentored thousands of EMTs who now serve across the nation. Known for his kindness, ingenuity, and vast expertise, Ernie has earned accolades including EMT of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, and the Hometown Hero Award from State Assembly Representative Jon Plummer in 2021.
The legacy Ernie has built over decades is nothing short of remarkable, touching countless lives both directly and through those he has trained and inspired.
The Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon Ernie Koepp by WEMSA acknowledges his unparalleled contributions to the EMS community and celebrates his remarkable journey of service spanning over half a century.
This Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates Ernie Koepp’s exceptional legacy—a testament to his tireless dedication, far-reaching impact, and lifelong commitment to improving emergency medical services. Through his leadership and mentorship, Ernie has touched countless lives, leaving an enduring mark on the EMS profession and the communities he has served.
2024 WEMSA Director of the Year:
Dan Pojar - Milwaukee County EMS
WEMSA is proud to recognize Dan Pojar as the 2024 Director of the Year for his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to EMS administration and community health. Under Dan’s guidance, an EMS department serving 14 fire departments, a population of 1 million, and managing 120,000 patient encounters annually has become a benchmark for excellence.
Dan led the seamless consolidation of 14 prehospital patient care record systems into a single, unified platform, revolutionizing how data informs quality improvement and community engagement. This innovation has driven impactful initiatives, including targeted community CPR training in underserved areas and the creation of public dashboards to track and share health outcomes, fostering transparency and awareness.
Among his many achievements, Dan launched Wisconsin’s first field-based buprenorphine program to combat the opioid crisis and established the state’s inaugural prehospital whole blood administration program, directly saving lives and setting a new standard for emergency care. His collaborative approach has empowered EMS leaders across Wisconsin to adopt these innovative, life-saving practices, further expanding their impact statewide.
Dan’s career reflects a relentless commitment to service and innovation. From his early days with the Bellevue Fire Department to his leadership role directing Milwaukee County’s EMS consortium, Dan has exemplified professionalism, ethics, and an unwavering dedication to advancing EMS. His focus on education, system improvement, and community health places him among the nation’s leading figures in emergency medical services.
WEMSA’s 2024 Director of the Year Award honors Dan Pojar’s remarkable achievements and his enduring impact on EMS, celebrating a career defined by excellence, collaboration, and a vision for a healthier, safer future for all.
2024 WEMSA Educator of the Year:
Cregg Suess - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
WEMSA is thrilled to recognize Cregg Suess as the 2024 Educator of the Year for his extraordinary contributions to EMS education and his unwavering dedication to shaping the next generation of EMS professionals. From his start as an exceptional EMT student to his role as a full-time instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Cregg has consistently set new standards in EMS training.
Cregg has revolutionized the learning experience by incorporating innovative teaching techniques that blend hands-on practice, interactive educational games, and dynamic online tools, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. His mentorship of struggling students, development of new CPR instructors, and implementation of advanced teaching strategies have significantly elevated the program’s success, evidenced by its outstanding pass rates and the career achievements of his students.
Beyond the classroom, Cregg’s influence reaches across the EMS community. He actively contributes to state-level curriculum development, works part-time at Froedtert Hospital and with an EMS agency to maintain clinical expertise, and engages with peers at events like the WEMSA conference to stay ahead of emerging trends in EMS education.
Cregg’s legacy is defined by mentorship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in EMS education. WEMSA’s 2024 Educator of the Year Award celebrates his profound impact on students and the broader EMS community, honoring a career dedicated to shaping the future of emergency medical services through education, compassion, and leadership.
2024 WEMSA Support Champion of the Year:
Michael Robinson - Elm Grove EMS & Froedtert Hospital
WEMSA is proud to honor Michael Robinson as the 2024 Support Champion of the Year for his exceptional dedication, innovative contributions, and tireless advocacy for EMS education and services in Milwaukee and Waukesha County communities.
Michael bridges the worlds of EMS and nursing, serving as a seasoned emergency department nurse at Froedtert Hospital and a paramedic for the Village of Elm Grove. His dual expertise fosters collaboration between these critical fields, advancing patient care and professional development.
As an EMS Educator, Michael has introduced groundbreaking training initiatives, including Ultrasound-guided IV insertion and intubation training, utilizing tools he ingeniously crafted in his own workshop. He goes beyond group instruction, offering individualized support to team members preparing for national registry exams, ensuring their success and confidence in the field.
Michael’s influence extends to the next generation of EMS professionals as a state-certified adjunct instructor at Waukesha County Technical College. His dedication to mentoring and fostering growth in others exemplifies true leadership, ensuring the strength and resilience of the EMS profession for years to come.
Michael Robinson embodies the essence of a Support Champion—advancing skills, inspiring others, and driving the future of emergency care. WEMSA’s 2024 Support Champion of the Year Award celebrates his unwavering commitment to serving his community, his patients, and his colleagues, making him a beacon of inspiration and excellence in the field.
2024 WEMSA Paramedic of the Year:
Patrick McDonnell - Belleville Area EMS
WEMSA is honored to name Patrick McDonnell as the 2024 Paramedic of the Year for his exceptional leadership, tireless dedication, and profound impact on the EMS community. Patrick has been a cornerstone of Belleville Area EMS, stepping up as a steadfast leader during challenging times when the service was without a chief. From recruiting and training new members to covering shifts and managing behind-the-scenes operations, Patrick has ensured the smooth functioning of the service and upheld the community’s access to critical emergency care.
Patrick’s influence extends far beyond his own service. He has fostered strong collaboration with fire and law enforcement, cultivating an atmosphere of teamwork and open communication that enhances public safety. His training sessions are known for their thoroughness, compassion, and even humor, equipping colleagues with invaluable skills and a sense of confidence. Always willing to lend a hand, Patrick goes above and beyond—whether troubleshooting complex scenarios, answering questions, or even helping with personal matters, like dog-sitting, to support his team.
While Patrick’s humility often keeps him out of the spotlight, his extraordinary contributions to EMS deserve recognition. His commitment to community service, mentorship, and professional excellence exemplifies the very best of paramedicine. Congratulations to Patrick McDonnell, WEMSA’s 2024 Paramedic of the Year, for this well-deserved honor.
2024 WEMSA AEMT of the Year:
Steve Kosch - Baldwin Area EMS
WEMSA is proud to recognize Steve Kosch as the 2024 AEMT of the Year for his exceptional dedication, leadership, and passion for patient care and mentorship. Since rejoining the EMS profession in 2021, Steve has been a steadfast contributor to Baldwin Area EMS, serving as a Paid-on-Call AEMT while balancing his demanding role as a Global Specialist for Fire & EMS at 3M. Despite his busy schedule, Steve dedicates an average of 120 hours each month to his community, providing expert and compassionate care.
Steve’s leadership shines in every aspect of his service. As a Field Training Officer, he designed a comprehensive six-module training program to prepare new members for the challenges of EMS. As a Squad Leader, he introduced innovative practices like online meetings and video make-ups, achieving record-high squad attendance. Beyond these roles, Steve serves as the Lead Explorer Advisor, mentoring high school students and inspiring the next generation of EMS professionals.
Steve’s passion for teaching and patient care is evident in the way he supports his colleagues. Many EMTs performed their first IV starts under Steve’s guidance, benefiting from his patience and expertise. His commitment also extends beyond the field, fostering camaraderie by organizing healthy crew meals and demonstrating unwavering kindness and professionalism on every call.
With over 216 calls year-to-date, Steve remains a cornerstone of Baldwin Area EMS and a patient advocate whose efforts have touched countless lives. WEMSA is proud to honor Steve Kosch as the 2024 AEMT of the Year, celebrating his remarkable contributions to emergency medical services and his enduring impact on the community.
2024 WEMSA EMT of the Year:
Tracy Herman - Allenton Volunteer Fire Department
WEMSA is proud to honor Tracy Herman as the 2024 EMT of the Year for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and tireless commitment to her community and her team. Tracy’s journey in emergency services began in 2012 as a volunteer with the Kohlsville Fire Department, and she has continued to expand her skills and contributions ever since. After earning her EMR license in 2013 and upgrading to EMT-Basic in 2021, she is now pursuing her Advanced EMT certification, showcasing her dedication to professional growth.
Since joining the Allenton Fire Department in 2021, Tracy has become an invaluable member of the team, contributing over 2,000 hours of service in 2023—the third most in the department—all while maintaining a full-time job. In 2024, she balanced 1,600 service hours with her rigorous AEMT coursework, exemplifying her extraordinary work ethic and passion for EMS. As Lieutenant of EMS Operations, appointed in 2023, Tracy also serves as a liaison to the Town of Wayne and actively participates in the EMS Operations and Public Relations committees.
Tracy’s commitment goes beyond emergency calls. She organizes educational events, supports community initiatives like the American Tribute Ride, and fosters a positive and encouraging environment for her team. Her leadership, enthusiasm, and compassion make her a role model in the department and the broader EMS community.
Recognized as the 2023 Member of the Year by the Allenton Fire Department, Tracy continues to inspire those around her with her dedication and positivity. WEMSA is proud to celebrate her achievements as the 2024 EMT of the Year, honoring her remarkable service and profound impact on her community.
2024 WEMSA EMR of the Year:
Charles Hausman - Tomah Area Medical Responders
WEMSA is honored to name Charles “Chuck” Hausman as the 2024 EMR of the Year in recognition of his dedication, leadership, and lasting contributions to the Tomah Area Medical Responders and the broader EMS community. As Assistant Director and a founding member of the service, Chuck has been a cornerstone since its inception, setting a standard of excellence and commitment.
In 2024, Chuck responded to an 86% of all calls, demonstrating his impressive dedication to his community. From residential emergencies to complex multi-vehicle interstate accidents, his steadfast presence and calm demeanor bring reassurance to both the patients and his team.
Chuck’s impact extends well beyond the field. He has been instrumental in modernizing the service by equipping it with advanced technology, selecting essential tools such as radios, pagers, and overseeing vehicle lighting and graphics. His contributions to training and mentoring are equally significant—Chuck has developed hands-on exercises and continuing education programs that elevate EMT practices and instill confidence in new responders.
With nearly two decades of experience as a first responder, Chuck has built strong relationships with local communities, emergency services, and public safety leaders. His compassion, selflessness, and dedication to volunteerism embody the true spirit of service, making him a respected ambassador for first responders across Wisconsin.
WEMSA’s recognition of Charles Hausman as the 2024 EMR of the Year celebrates his exceptional service, leadership, and the profound impact he has had on his community. His commitment inspires all who work alongside him to strive for excellence, embrace learning, and serve with compassion.
2024 EMS Service of the Year: Elm Grove EMS
WEMSA is proud to present the 2024 Service of the Year Award to Elm Grove EMS, honoring their exceptional contributions, innovative practices, and unwavering commitment to excellence in emergency medical services.
Elm Grove EMS has established itself as a leader in pre-hospital care, consistently raising the standard for EMS in Wisconsin. By integrating advanced tools like onboard nitrous oxide for pain management and portable ultrasound for enhanced diagnostics, they have set a new benchmark for patient care and outcomes, ensuring their community receives cutting-edge medical support.
Beyond delivering outstanding patient care, Elm Grove EMS invests heavily in education and training. Their dedication to equipping their team with state-of-the-art tools and providing exceptional training ensures that every responder is prepared to handle emergencies with confidence and expertise.
Each day, Elm Grove EMS exemplifies the values of innovation, professionalism, and community service. Their proactive approach and commitment to advancing EMS make them a shining example for the entire field. The recognition of Elm Grove EMS as WEMSA's 2024 Service of the Year is a testament to their leadership, dedication, and profound impact on their community and the EMS profession statewide.
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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.