Local first responder recognized with national award

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)– An American Medical Response (AMR) employee from Springfield is being recognized for her dedication to her work.

Emily Chandler, an EMS programs manager for American Medical Response (AMR) Massachusetts and program director and paramedic instructor for NCTI Massachusetts, was named one of 33 Global Medical Response (GMR) Stars of Life.

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Stars of Life is a award that pays tribute to emergency medical services (EMS) professionals who have completed extraordinary acts of service for their patients, colleagues, communities or the EMS profession.

"This award is among the highest honors an EMS professional can receive," said Kimberly D'Angelo, Operations Manager, AMR Springfield. "Emily was nominated for her commitment to training and retaining EMTs and paramedics. Through her work at NCTI, and as the driving force behind bringing the award-winning Earn While You Learn program to Massachusetts, she has helped recruit and develop new, skilled and committed first responders to the EMS industry."

"It's my passion and privilege to help find and train the next generation of EMS professionals who will serve Springfield and beyond for years to come," she said. "To be recognized as a Star of Life for something I truly love doing, is an incredible affirmation that this is important work that is helping my community address increasing demand for EMS.

Nick Loporcaro, President and CEO of GMR said, "Our Stars are all exceptional EMS professionals who are very deserving of this important recognition. They represent the thousands of GMR first responders who have committed to a profession of service to others. On behalf of all GMR team members, we send our sincerest congratulations and appreciation to all our 2024 Stars."

Chandler will receive her award in Washington D.C. at the American Ambulance Association (AAA) Stars of Life Awards Ceremony in November.