Chrissy Bartel, Paramedic & Director, Norwich EMS

Chrissy has been in EMS since 2002. Her community needed volunteer EMTs, and she answered the call to give back to her community, but she also wanted to dabble in healthcare. Both of her parents served on the department and encouraged her to take the EMT course as well. After the first class, the EMS bug got ahold of her, and she never looked back. She continued to earn higher EMS certifications and eventually left education to work EMS full-time. She explained, “I found a fire and a passion for EMS. I absolutely love my job, and I love representing Kansas EMS regionally, at the state and national levels.”

When Chrissy stepped across the threshold of the classroom for her first EMT class, she never envisioned what this career would have in store for her. Since 2002, she has progressed in not only EMS certifications, but her advocacy and role in Kansas EMS. She joined KEMSA in 2011. She explained, “A good friend suggested I become involved and represent rural EMS. I wanted to make a difference on a larger scale than my own community. I was nervous and hesitant that I didn’t have much to offer, but I took that leap. It has been an incredible journey.”

Chrissy indicated that over the years, she has learned more about KEMSA and the vital role it plays in Kansas EMS. That is why her desire to be even more involved increased. Since joining KEMSA in 2011, she has been the treasurer, secretary, and vice president, and she is now the newly elected president of KEMSA as of August 2024. While serving on the executive committee, she has also served as the vice chair of the Educator’s Society since 2015 and has been the president of the Peer Support Society since the official inception of the society in 2019.

Chrissy said, “It is important to me to be a voice for all EMS providers. My heart is with rural EMS, and I have a passion to help those providers and agencies succeed at taking care of their communities. I understand the struggles and challenges those departments face to provide prehospital care. It was important to me that all types of providers and agencies had a seat at the table.”

When asked why the association was important to her and EMS providers in Kansas, Chrissy explained, “Prior to my involvement, I did not understand KEMSA or what the organization did. It was a name I had heard, and I attended a conference every year. As my involvement grew, I came to understand the significant role the organization plays in Kansas EMS. The organization works hard to try to improve prehospital healthcare for patients, providers, and agencies. It may be through educational opportunities, legislative activity, or support services. Our profession faces great challenges, and it is important to be able to have a unified voice striving to advance and support EMS. Personally, my career has been impacted by KEMSA. The ability to network, find mentors, and have resources to ask questions or find solutions has proven invaluable. I have been privileged to be a part of making a difference.”

Chrissy has attended lots of KEMSA events over the years, but she said her favorite activity is the annual conference. She stated, “I love attending every year. In fact I often have a countdown started in the summer. Every year we have the chance to see old friends and make new friends when EMS providers from across the state come together. Despite different zip codes, we can find commonalities in the same struggles EMS faces. The education provided at the conference challenges my thinking, making me a better provider. Spending time with my fellow EMS family reignites my excitement and passion.”

We asked the board members to give us three interesting facts about themselves that others might not know. This could be a conversation starter at the next KEMSA event!

Chrissy’s three facts include:

1. “I used to be a chat host for AOL. I hosted chats and game chats for many years, and I loved doing it. For payment, I received my AOL subscription for free.”
2. I taught preschool for 13 years before working EMS full-time.
3. I met my husband as a freshman at college in our psychology class at Butler Community College. The teacher paired students up for a psychology experiment, which included leading the partner around campus blindfolded. When people ask how we met, I share that he was my psychology experiment, and the experiment has not concluded yet.”

Frank Williams, Paramedic/RN & Chief, Butler County EMS

Frank’s hometown is El Dorado, Kan., and he has been in EMS for more than 38 years. He started as an EMT, then EMT-I, then paramedic for Butler County EMS. He always dreamed of being a flight paramedic, but had to become an RN to work for a flight service full-time. So, he took off to nursing school to obtain his BSN. After a few years of critical care nursing in the hospital, he was fortunate enough to go back to Air Medical EMS as a LifeWATCH crew member. After 23 years of EMS in the air, he was honored to come back home to Butler County as the Chief where he has spent the last five years serving his community.

Frank’s path to EMS comes from EMS providers who mentored him as a child. He explained, “My father was a WW-II veteran who was injured in battle, which created life-long health issues. These health issues included an untreatable heart condition at the time, called Wolf-Parkinson’s White Syndrome. He would frequently have uncontrolled, symptomatic, heart rhythms that would trigger a 911 call for EMS. The local EMS crews and I got to know each other and two of them took me under their wing when I was 11 years old. The caregiving, science, and technical part of EMS had me hooked. Under the mentoring of famous Kansas EMS providers such as Joe Megredy, Chris David, Joe Moreland, and Ken Keller, I embarked on my EMS career. It has exceeded my expectations, but it would not have been possible without my parents and strong Kansas EMS leaders encouraging and mentoring me.”

Frank joined the KEMSA Board in 2015 because of the mission, vision, and values of the organization. He wanted to be a voice for Kansas EMS and help implement EMS best practices on a state-wide level. He also wanted to learn from the great leaders of Kansas EMS! Frank became the vice president of KEMSA in August 2024.

Regarding why KEMSA is important to Frank and other EMS providers in Kansas, he said, “KEMSA is the leader in EMS for Kansas. To lead means to represent the profession as a whole, down to individual EMS providers and all the way up to the federal government. A strong association means a larger voice to provide stability and growth of our pre-hospital profession.”

Of all the KEMSA events, Frank enjoys the annual KEMSA conference the most. He said, “I love seeing our Kansas EMS family together, having fun, and growing.”

Frank’s three interesting facts that others might not know include:

1. “I play the saxophone. Not well, but I dabble.
2. My wife and I have been married for 30 years
3. I like to sky dive. Although I haven’t had a jump in 15 years.”

Monika Heller, Paramedic/RN & Deputy Chief, Reno County EMS

Monika has worked for Reno County EMS for 22 years starting as a part-time EMT. She originally took her EMT course as a requirement for a Fire Science degree without any intention of working in EMS. During the testing process to get a job on a fire department, she took a part-time job with Reno County EMS and never left! She explained, “One shift on the ambulance and I absolutely fell in love with this career and organization and knew I had found where I was meant to be. I truly consider it a blessing to get the opportunity to have a small impact in someone’s life or make things a little better on the worst day of their life. We get to connect with our community and individuals in a way that is unique only to our profession.”

Since starting as an EMT, Monika went on to paramedic school at Hutchinson Community College and started working full-time for Reno County in 2005. In 2016, she was promoted to EMS Division Chief and was the frontline supervisor for a team of 10 people. She transitioned to the Special Projects Chief role full-time in 2021 taking on more administrative functions, and in July 2023 was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations.

Monika has been on the KEMSA board since 2022 and has served as the Administrator’s Society secretary since 2022. She was elected as the KEMSA board secretary in August 2024. For her, it was important to become more involved with the association. She said, “As I transitioned to an administrative role [in EMS], I realized that I needed to build relationships and connections with peers at the administrative level. KEMSA is an excellent organization and the many events that are held throughout the year allow for not only quality education, but also networking opportunities across the state.”

As to why the association is important to her and Kansas EMS providers, she said, “The association is important to me personally because of the friendships and relationships that I have been able to make. KEMSA is important to me as a professional and to all Kansas EMS providers for many reasons: a voice at the state and nation levels to improve Kansas EMS, networking, shared knowledge and experience from some of the best in the profession, and high quality educational opportunities to name a few.”

Like other KEMSA board members, her favorite KEMSA event is the annual conference. She said, “There are some people from across the state who I really only get to see this one time a year, so it is a great time to reconnect with people as well as meet new people and build new relationships. We bring in outstanding national speakers, and I learn so much every year to stay relevant clinically and in leadership.”

Monika also wants you to know “she has been happily married for 18 years and is the mother to three awesome children, two daughters and one son. She is a dedicated Chiefs fan and strong supporter of her local school system, GO SALTHAWKS!” We also have three more interesting facts you might now know about Monika including:

1. “I used to be a boxer when I was in my early 20s.
2. I am not really a cat person because of allergies but cannot resist petting a cat if there’s one around.
3. I get car sick/motion sickness pretty regularly but have never had motion sickness in the back of an ambulance.”

Angela Fuller, Paramedic & Deputy Chief Operations, Sedgwick County EMS

Angela knew she wanted to do something in the medical field, but wasn’t sure about her path. While working toward a social work degree in college, she took an EMT class and knew that was the career for her. She began her EMS career in 1998 and worked in the emergency department at Wesley Medical Center as a volunteer reserve with Sedgwick County. She began paramedic school in 2000. While working for Sedgwick County, she also worked briefly for Mulvane EMS.

After moving into an administrative role with Sedgwick County, Angela was mentored by KEMSA Past President Dave Johnston and wanted to be more involved in EMS across the state. She also wanted to meet providers from different services and advocate for the EMS profession, so she joined KEMSA in 2019 as a board member. She has been the KEMSA treasurer since August 2023.

When asked about the importance of KEMSA to her and EMS providers in Kansas, Angela said, “It’s important to have advocacy for EMS and bridge the gap to policymakers in the state. KEMSA is a unified voice for EMS providers regardless of certification level or service size. We all have the same goal: to provide the highest quality of care to the citizens and communities we serve.”

Angela’s favorite event is also the KEMSA annual conference because she gets to meet providers from across the state and build relationships.

Three interesting facts about Angela include:

1. “I am an only child.
2. I am extremely introverted.
3. I met my husband at a “club” - Sam’s Club, in the protein drink aisle!”

Anderson Lowe, Paramedic & Director of Emergency Services, Halstead Fire/ EMS

Anderson (Andy) Lowe has dedicated his career to advancing rural emergency medical services (EMS). He began his EMS journey in 1992. He originally got involved in EMS when his rural area needed more volunteers by taking a first responder course, so he could drive the ambulance and be the second attendant at the time. After only a few calls, he knew he wanted to be in the back of the truck helping people and went on to get his EMT and EMT-I certifications. He became a paramedic in 2005. He is currently in his 18th year working with the City of Halstead. Throughout his career, Lowe has remained committed to community involvement, participating in the local school site council and the Halstead Lions Club.

Serving as a KEMSA Board Member for the past nine years, Andy credits retired Chief Mark Willis as a key mentor who inspired his deeper involvement. His role on the board allows him to advocate for Kansas EMS providers, helping to influence legislative decisions and promote educational growth within the profession while stopping other initiatives that would harm EMS.

One of Andy’s favorite events is the annual KEMSA conference, where EMS providers gather for networking, social interaction, and educational opportunities to learn new and upcoming items as well as refresh on current trends. He also enjoys KEMSA board meetings where he gets to work with other board members on ways to continue to support and promote Kansas EMS.

Outside of EMS, Andy loves Basset hounds and breeding them, taking his three sons to NASCAR races, and camping. He feels that sometimes you need a way to get out with no radio or pager and unwind.

Con Olson, Paramedic & Regional Executive Director, TECHS EMS

Con brings over 35 years of experience to his EMS career from both rural and urban areas, with the last three decades serving as a paramedic. Raised in a small town with deep roots in the local volunteer fire department, Con was influenced by the dedication of both his mother and father, who were long-time first responders.

Currently serving his first year as an elected KEMSA board member, Con previously held the position of President of the Administrator’s Society. His decision to pursue a board position stemmed from a desire to reflect on how he could contribute to improving EMS in Kansas.

For Con, KEMSA has been a vital resource throughout his career. The association’s networking and educational events have played a significant role in enhancing both his clinical and administrative skills. His favorite event is the annual KEMSA conference, which provides an opportunity to rejuvenate his passion for EMS, gain new knowledge, and reconnect with old friends while meeting new colleagues.

Con’s story highlights his unwavering dedication to EMS, showcasing his commitment to advancing emergency medical services and strengthening the community of EMS professionals in Kansas.

Craig Isom, Paramedic & Program Director, EagleMed

Craig Isom has spent his entire adult life dedicated to EMS. His journey began in high school with an EMT course, followed by graduation from Cowley College’s paramedic program in 1999. Early in his career, Craig worked at Ark City Fire/EMS before moving to Winfield Area EMS, a hospital-based service covering rural Cowley County. After 15 years, he transitioned to EagleMed, where he has held various leadership roles, including overseeing multiple bases across Kansas and expanding operations.

Craig’s original plan was to become a physician, but started looking into more fast-paced careers. His interest in EMS began with a high school research project. Interviewing Ark City Fire/EMS paramedic Velva Bruester solidified his decision to pursue a career in emergency services—a passion that has lasted nearly 26 years.

Craig has served as a KEMSA board member for three years, currently co-chairing the Conference Committee. His increased involvement with KEMSA was driven by a desire to advance EMS in Kansas, recognizing the critical role of legislative advocacy and industry collaboration.

For Craig, the association’s strength lies in its unified voice for Kansas EMS, providing essential resources and a robust support network. He regularly collaborates with EMS colleagues to tackle challenges and aims to be a resource for others.

His favorite KEMSA event is the annual conference, which not only provides valuable education and skill development but also fosters a sense of community among EMS professionals. It’s an opportunity to network, share experiences, and learn best practices. The conference also offers a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and strengthen the professional bonds that are vital to navigating the challenges of emergency medical services. The dynamic environment and shared passion for EMS make it a highlight of the year for him.

Outside of EMS, Craig is a dedicated family man. Married with four daughters, Craig and his wife run a large Kiko Meat goat operation on their 116-acre property in rural Cowley County. They breed around 100 does every year and have anywhere from 200-300 babies mid-March of every year! Additionally, Craig teaches as an adjunct instructor for Cowley College’s Allied Health Department, further contributing to EMS education in the state.

J. Paul Davis, Paramedic, & Director, Department of Emergency Services (Chief of EMS – MED-ACT)

Paul Davis has been serving in EMS and public safety since 1986, beginning his journey on a volunteer rescue squad that specialized in crash and technical rescue. Over the years, he spent nearly 25 years as a rural EMS provider in northeast Missouri and west-central Illinois before stepping into leadership roles. Since 2006, Paul has served as Chief of the Department—first in Adams County, Illinois, and later in Johnson County, Kansas, where he has led the department since 2017.

Paul’s early interest in EMS was sparked by the TV show EMERGENCY! and solidified by his experiences growing up in a small town without EMS services. Long before his formal EMS career, he and his youth group took CPR and first aid courses, self-dispatching to emergencies to fill the long response gap before ambulances arrived. He indicated that they responded to “scanner” calls and freelanced.

Today, Paul is deeply involved in KEMSA, where he serves as a board member and contributes to the legislative affairs, bylaws and policy, and scholarship committees. His dedication to KEMSA stems from his belief that professional association involvement is critical for amplifying the voices of EMS departments and personnel. He sees the association as a key player in creating a collaborative network that can drive legislative and regulatory improvements.

Paul also values KEMSA’s role as a statewide advocate for EMS providers, emphasizing the organization’s national recognition and strong presence in the statehouse and among U.S. lawmakers. He appreciates how KEMSA’s education programs, particularly the annual and core conferences, provide meaningful opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

While Paul prefers to share more personal details in conversation, his career and leadership clearly reflect a lifelong passion for public safety and advancing the EMS profession.