WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Battle Creek (April 21, 2016)- The American Ambulance Association recently presented Darrell Mahrle, a paramedic with LifeCare Ambulance Service, the Star of Life award – – the highest honor an Emergency Medical Service worker can receive.
Each year the American Ambulance Association hosts the Stars of Life event in Washington, D.C. to publicly recognize and celebrate the achievements of their members. Mike Hall, AAA President, stated, “These men and women of EMS are serving their communities, every day and at every hour, by providing vital medical care in emergency situations. When someone dials 9-1-1, there are a number of highly trained professionals ready to respond with excellent emergency medical and pre-hospital care.”
Past Stars of Life have included heroic individuals involved with the response to September 11th, Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, and other National Disasters. “However,” Hall notes, “all of our stars have performed a duty equally important to the communities they serve and hold this event to honor their everyday efforts.”
Mahrle has been employed at LifeCare Ambulance Service since 2006. He was nominated by his peers for this award for his dedication for helping new employees develop their potential. He also was recognized for the caring manner in which he interacts with EMS students doing their clinical ride-along’s on the ambulance. Mahrle obtained his EMT and paramedic certifications from Kellogg Community College.
While in the nation’s capital, Mahrle joined 102 other Stars from throughout the United States for three days of education and recognition on Capitol Hill. While, there Mahrle met with Michigan’s Senators and Representatives to discuss legislative issues critical to all Emergency Medical Service professionals.
“It says a lot when Darrell’s peers are the ones who selected him for this award,” says LifeCare Ambulance CEO Ron Slagell. “His level of caring to his fellow employees and his commitment to providing quality patient care are truly appreciated.”
