Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Paramedic of the Year Sarah Dresser with Lavonne C. Hall, Chairman of the Board and CAO.
No matter the time of day or night, they answer the call and respond to those needing medical aid. As Hall Ambulance celebrates its 53rd Anniversary of serving the people of Bakersfield and Kern County, the Company paused to recognize its best of the best across all divisions with the Annual Founder's Day Awards.
Over 50 invited guests, including family members and Hall Ambulance leadership, attended the awards ceremony at The Collective, in downtown Bakersfield honoring 16 employees whose performance in 2023 was nothing short of exemplary.
Paramedic of the Year: Sarah Dresser
The Paramedic of the Year is based on the quality of their work performed throughout the year. The selection process includes documentation, attendance, working extra shifts, career advancement and accomplishments, compliments, and peer recognition.
Paramedic Sarah Dresser began her career at Hall Ambulance in 2012 as a member of the Maintenance Division. Later that year, she applied for and was accepted into the Hall EMT Academy.
Throughout 2023, Paramedic Dresser consistently demonstrated her abilities to function as a paramedic. She worked an additional 15 shifts last year and had nearly perfect attendance with only one sick call for the year. For 2023, she completed 1,076 calls and received numerous compliments for outstanding patient care and no patient complaints. The Quality Assurance Department regarded her as an excellent example an employee who adheres to protocol compliance and outstanding documentation.
EMT of the Year Anthony Pena.
EMT of the Year: Anthony Pena
The EMT of the Year is selected by the quality of their work performed throughout the year. This selection process includes documentation, attendance, extra shifts, advancement, accomplishments, compliments, and peer recognition.
EMT Pena began his career at Hall Ambulance in 2020. In December of that year, EMT Pena transferred to the East Kern Division, and currently works at Hall Ambulance's Mojave station on B shift. He serves as a field training officer (FTO) and trained several new EMTs in East Kern last year.
East Kern Supervisors continually compliment him on his teamwork and commitment to his career and the patients he serves.
During 2023, EMT Pena worked an additional 14 shifts. His positive attitude earned him 14 compliments from supervisors and coworkers, ranking him high among his fellow EMTs and paramedics.
Additional Employee of the Year Recognition
While a patient's face-to-face contact is with the paramedics and EMTs who respond, provide patient care and transport to the ER, they are likely not aware of the personnel and resources involved behind the scenes that are required to answer every 9-1-1 call for a medical emergency. It begins with the vehicle technicians who understand that vehicle failure is not an option when someone needs an ambulance; maintenance and medical supply technicians who ensure every ambulance in the fleet is showroom clean, stocked, and ready to roll; emergency medical dispatchers who interact with Kern County's Emergency Communications Center (ECC) to process all 9-1-1 requests for an ambulance; field training officers and preceptors who prepare the next generation of EMS workers, and support staff including Human Resources, Finance, and Business Office personnel who provide customer service after the call.
Hall Commercial Vehicle Service Employee of the Year
Miguel Garcia
Hall Commercial Vehicle Service Top Producer
Fred Bernal
Business Office Employee of the Year
Alejandra Calderon
Human Resources Employee of the Year
Faith Velasco
Finance Employee of the Year
Laura Skiba
Maintenance Department Detailer of the Year
Juan Cantu
Maintenance Department Technician of the Year
Scott Benskin
Operations Support Staff Employee of the Year
Krystal Barboza
Supply Technician of the Year
Nicole Arreola
Dispatcher of the Year
Kirk Chambers
Preceptor of the Year
Rod Castillo
Field Training Officer of the Year
Shannon Agcaoili
Field Supervisor of the Year
Jason Achterberg
Founder's Award for Management Excellence
Heather Lee
In addition to their awards, each honoree received a California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition from Assemblymember Vince Fong, 32nd District.
About Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.
Hall Ambulance was founded by Harvey L. Hall on February 10, 1971, with a $15,000 bank loan, two ambulances, and his residence on S. H Street serving as headquarters. Mr. Hall built his ambulance company based on his ideals of care, compassion, and community. In 2020, the National EMS Museum and the California Ambulance Association named Mr. Hall one of 17 native Californians responsible for shaping EMS in the United States.
Today, Hall Ambulance serves as the ambulance provider for 94% of Kern County's population, including Bakersfield, Arvin, Lamont, Frazier Park, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, Delano, Tehachapi, California City, Mojave, Rosamond, Boron, and surrounding communities.
