May 16-22, 2021 is EMS Week — which is a perfect time to honor the front line heroes dedicated to providing emergency medicine that saves lives every day.
The 2021 EMS Week theme is “THIS IS EMS: Caring for Our Communities.” This theme is particularly meaningful following a year like 2020, to remind people that every day these men and women are still here to respond, support, and care for the needs of our communities.
The Lennox Area Ambulance would like to sincerely thank the community for their participation in this year’s Fundraiser. Even with the COVID precautions and lack of a meal, the Ambulance was still able to raise almost $22,000 that will be used to purchase more equipment and provide training for the crew.
Alan Perry, Director of EMS for the Lennox Area Ambulance, said, “Thank you again. It’s amazing to serve such an amazing community.”
Meet the Lennox Area Ambulance Crew:
Angela Cuka has served as an EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for one year.
She said, “I enjoy the medical field and helping people in my local community.”
Angela’s favorite part is getting to meet and help people in their most needed time.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Angela volunteers with the Parker and Marion Ambulance. She also is busy running her three kids to various activities.
Logan Fischer has served as an EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for over a year.
She said “I love adrenaline, and getting the opportunity to help people.”
Logan’s favorite part is the fact that you never know what you’re going to get.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Logan enjoys hiking and traveling.
Ignacio Larios has served as an EMT-B for the Lennox Area Ambulance for over a year.
He said “I want to make a difference and help my community.”
Ignacio’s favorite part is knowing that whenever that pager goes off, he has the opportunity to help someone and learn something so he can better help his community in the future.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Ignacio is a full time student at Augustana University, studying Biology.
Shelly Hup has served as a volunteer RN/EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for three years.
She said, “My dad worked in EMS when I was a kid and when I turned 18 the local ambulance was in desperate need for EMTs and approached me about taking an EMR class. I soon realized that I enjoyed working on the ambulance and went on further.”
Shelly’s favorite part is the team of people that work for Lennox. “It also helped me to learn many things that have helped me out in the career.”
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Shelly works at the Sanford ED as an RN and while not working, she spends her time at home with her two dogs.
James Johnson has served as an EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for almost nine years.
He said “Both my dad and grandma volunteered with their local ambulance when I was growing up so it was something I had been around for quite a while. After taking the EMT course, I knew it was going to be something that I enjoyed doing and it was a way for me to give back.”
James’ doesn’t have just one favorite part about being involved with the Ambulance, but it’s a combination of every day being different, the camaraderie with the other members, and at the end of the day knowing that someone’s life is a little better because they were there to help.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, James works full-time as an Inventory Specialist at Larson Manufacturing, having worked there for 4.5 years. He has been married for almost three years and has a cat and a dog. He also enjoys camping and watching movies in his free time.
Isaac Lambertus-Land has served as an EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for three years.
He said, “A brief experience on the patient side piqued my interest.”
Isaac’s favorite part is the fact that he as been given the ability to help people, either medically or just by providing comfort. “It’s an incredible honor,” he said.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Isaac works a few other jobs as well, both EMS and in the hospital. Outside of that, he loves to read, play guitar, go on hikes and spend time with his family.
Paige Moeller has served as an EMT-B for the Lennox Area Ambulance for almost two years.
She said, “An EMT class was offered to me through high school as a result of my interest in the medical field. I looked at the EMT class as a way to gain medical experience and increase my knowledge base for other ventures in my future. As I was taking the course, I realized how much I enjoy learning about emergency medicine and could not wait to start working in the emergency medical field.”
Paige’s favorite part is the team she works with and having the pleasure of working in the Lennox community. “The people that I work with are very talented, passionate and caring individuals that inspire me to learn more and become better each day. Worthing and Lennox have shown me what it feels like to be a part of a small, tight-knit community with people that take care of one another,” she said.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Paige works at Sanford as an LPN and Paramedics Plus as an EMT. She also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Alex, and cat, Bella, hanging out with friends, or sleeping.
Mark Luvaas has served as an EMT Basic and President for the Lennox Area Ambulance for nearly 11 years.
He said, “I volunteered to be able to give back to the community.”
Mark’s favorite part is seeing the reaction of patients when they see us arrive to help. “The heartfelt thank you is always good to hear,” said Mark.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Mark works full time for the South Dakota Air National Guard. He volunteers in church and spend time with family.
Feyet Munshikpu has served as an EMT, board member, and treasurer, for the Lennox Area Ambulance for 10 years.
He said, “Back in Cameroon, I saw people who were willing to help during emergencies but were not equipped with the proper knowledge to deliver the proper care/help. I took the training hoping to hone my skills that one day, I will be able to share with them.”
Feyet’s favorite part is all the knowledge and skills he has acquired throughout the years. “I am empowered to make decisions on the go as long as they are within my scope of practice,” he said. “I learned to recognize that asking for help is not a bad thing. Lastly, the people I work with are supportive and have my back at all times.”
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Feyet works full time at Great Western Bank as a BSA/AML Analyst. He also teaches martial arts in Lennox. “I am a performing musician in the Sioux Falls Area,” he said. “I love hiking, traveling, cooking and learning new things.”
Nathan Ochsner has served as an EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for 2 years.
He said, “I got my EMT license right out of high school. I’m pursuing a MD in the future and I thought this was a great opportunity to serve a community and get medical experience.”
Nathan’s favorite part is helping people in need and being a part of a tight group of like minded people.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Nathan attends Augustana University for pre-med and enjoys spending time with family, spending time with friends and exercising.
Emily Powell has served as a RN for the Lennox Area Ambulance for 3 years.
She said, “My dad and my grandpa were both volunteers back in my hometown.”
Emily’s favorite part is getting to meet the community and help them.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Emily is an RN in the Sanford ER and enjoys fishing, hiking, and paddle boarding.
Rebecca VandeBraak has served as an EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for 5 years.
She said, “I joined the EMT field to gain more medical experience and to be able to make a difference in the community.”
Rebecca’s favorite part is being able to spend time with her coworkers and learning new things.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Rebecca works with Sanford at the eye clinic. She also spend time with friends and family.
Jim Voyles has served as an EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for 4 years.
“I had friends on the Ambulance service in Spearfish and some experience in military so I decided to take a EMT class.”
Jim’s favorite part is helping people.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Jim works in the business office for Sanford Health. He spends his spare time with children and grandchildren. He is married to his wife Anna, the two have two children and four grandchildren.
Nick Weisenbach has served as a volunteer EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance for 9 years.
He said, “I was wanting to help people.”
Nicks’ favorite part is getting to meet new people.
When not working or volunteering with the Lennox Area Ambulance, Nick works full time at Interstate Power System. He enjoys playing with his two girls and playing darts.
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