WEMSA Foundation Announces 2024 EMS Scholarship Winners

The Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) Foundation, a 501c3 charitable foundation, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Academic Year Annual Scholarship. This year marks a significant milestone, as we are now able to award five scholarships thanks to new scholarship funding!

The winners of the 2024-2025 WEMSA Foundation Scholarship are:

1. Taylor Zache – Jefferson Fire & EMS

2. Curt Minter – Jackson Fire Department

3. Mason Walters – North Fond du Lac Fire Department

4. Millie Kumbier – Ripon Guardian Ambulance

5. Joshua Luebke – Mountain Ambulance Service & Manawa Rural Fire Department

Each of these outstanding recipients has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their education and the communities they serve.  The winners will be honored at the WEMSA 2025 Conference & Expo held in Green Bay, WI at the Awards Ceremony on January 23rd, 2025. 

   
Taylor Zache

EMS Department: Jefferson Fire & EMS
Educational Institution: Mercy Hospital Janesville – Paramedic Technician Program 

Taylor Zache began her EMS journey thanks to a close family friend who encouraged her to explore the field. Taylor enrolled in EMT-Basic training while attending college, and from her first day, she knew EMS was more than just a job—it was a lifelong commitment to helping others. After obtaining her Advanced EMT license, Taylor now dreams of becoming a paramedic, focusing on reducing financial stress so she can dedicate more time to her education and patient care. Taylor is recognized as a hard-working and self-starting professional. Her supervisor, Megan Kastern, noted her deep commitment to advancing her knowledge, her confidence in providing patient care, and her willingness to go beyond her duties to better understand EMS protocols. Taylor’s ability to be a team player and her patient-centered approach make her an invaluable member of Jefferson EMS.

  
Mason Walters

EMS Department: North Fond du Lac Fire Department
Educational Institution: Fox Valley Technical College – Paramedic Technician Program

Mason Walters has dreamed of becoming a firefighter/ paramedic since he was a child, feeling it was his calling to serve his community. After completing an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology and obtaining his EMT license, Mason now works as a part-time firefighter/EMT. He is passionate about working as a team and giving back to the community through his chosen career.  Rick Gerritson, a firefighter/EMT with the Fond du Lac Fire Department, has known Mason for many years and describes him as a hardworking and responsible individual with a strong work ethic. Mason’s eagerness to learn and improve was evident during his fire internship, where he made a great impression on the department. Mason’s resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills set him apart. 

Millie Kumbier

EMS Department: Ripon Guardian Ambulance
Educational Institution: Moraine Park Technical College – Paramedic Technician Program

Millie Kumbier began her healthcare career as a CNA in 2020 and quickly discovered her passion for helping others. Although she initially pursued nursing, Millie found her true calling in emergency medicine after enrolling in an EMT program. Finishing up working toward her Advanced EMT certification, Millie is excited to continue her education and make a meaningful impact in her community through EMS. Chief Chris Backes from Belleville Area EMS highlighted Millie’s excellent communication skills, ability to stay calm in stressful situations, and her dedication to both professional and personal development. Millie is praised for her commitment to improving herself and the team around her, consistently seeking out learning opportunities to enhance her skills​. Millie now primarily runs with Ripon Guardian Ambulance. 

Joshua Luebke

EMS Department: Mountain Ambulance Service & Manawa Rural Fire Department
Educational Institution: Mid-State Technical College – Emergency Medical Services Administration

Joshua Luebke has been in EMS for over 15 years and has worked across the state of Wisconsin as both a paramedic and an EMS instructor. His passion for the profession began when he joined a local department as a driver, and he has since advanced through the ranks to become an EMS supervisor and training officer. Joshua aims to further his education in EMS administration to help lead departments into the future. Joshua’s supervisor, Daniel Koland, commended him for his thirst for knowledge, leadership, and dedication to the profession. As a colleague and instructor, Joshua consistently strives to push the boundaries of his skills and education, while also helping others reach their full potential in the EMS field. He is described as a motivated, knowledgeable, and exemplary representative of the Wisconsin EMS community.

Curt Minter

EMS Department: Jackson Fire Department
Educational Institution: Waukesha County Technical College – Paramedic Technician Program 

Curt Minter’s journey into emergency services began with a life-changing experience—helping to save someone’s life using CPR and an AED while working as a personal trainer. Prior to his current position, Curt worked as a personal trainer, helping clients meet their health goals. In late 2018, while in between client appointments, a member of the club ran up to Curt, stating that a man had appeared to suffer a heart attack while playing racquetball. Being AED/CPR certified, Curt and another trainer immediately responded, administering CPR and using the AED. Together, they were able to restore a heart rhythm, aiding in the man’s survival. Curt credits his ability to stay calm and focused during the emergency to the level of training he had at the time. This experience fueled his passion for EMS and inspired him to join the Jackson Fire Department, where he continues to build his skills and knowledge, with the goal of becoming a paramedic. Gregg Rathke, Curt’s supervisor, praised him for his dedication, work ethic, and leadership within the department. Curt has gone above and beyond the department’s expectations by volunteering countless hours and pursuing additional certifications. His ability to motivate others and his strong commitment to EMS make him a valuable member of the Jackson Fire Department​.

The WEMSA Foundation Selection Committee reviewed all applications from students enrolled in approved EMS programs across Wisconsin before coming to a decision.  This scholarship was made possible as part of a 5-year commitment from the Schoenleber Foundation, Inc. to provide an annual scholarship of $1,000 to students enrolled in approved EMS programs in Wisconsin, and starting this Academic Year, the WEMSA Foundation was able to offer an additional 5 scholarships thanks to a partnership and establishment of the Lake Mills EMS Legacy Scholarship Program.

The WEMSA Foundation appreciates the Schoenleber Foundation and Lake Mills EMS for their donation and annual commitment to make this scholarship possible. We thank every applicant for submitting to this scholarship program and we hope to provide additional scholarship opportunities in the future. We are actively seeking additional donors to expand the number of scholarships we provide on an annual basis.

*******

The Wisconsin EMS Association Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization that seeks to address the needs and provide the means to further the education and training of emergency medical services personnel. The foundation also aims to improve the health and well-being of communities through education and awareness of issues involving emergency medicine.

Contact:  Foundation@wisconsinems.com

Website:  www.wemsafoundation.org