Two Sunstar Paramedics team members, Joshua Brumwell and Mark Fournier, have received the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life award, which recognizes outstanding service and dedication of the nation’s top ambulance service professionals. Brumwell and Fournier were among 86 emergency services personnel recognized during the Star of Life Celebration in Washington, D.C on April 13-15.

“Josh and Mark demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to quality patient care every workday,” said Mark Postma, chief operating officer of Sunstar Paramedics. “We’re proud that Stars of Life has recognized their service to Pinellas County, and we’re pleased to have their leadership on the Sunstar Paramedics team.”

Brumwell joined Sunstar as a paramedic in 2010 and was promoted to assistant supervisor in March 2015. He was nominated for the award for his excellent patient care and leadership. As one example, Brumwell and his partner were driving to get fuel after completing a patient transport in April 2014 when they noticed a young woman sitting on the ledge of Interstate 375.

She was sitting in an unsafe position near traffic so they stopped to talk with her even though a 9-1-1 call had not been received. She was depressed and considering suicide, but Brumwell and his partner were able to provide her with care, get her medical assistance and ensure her safety.

Brumwell was awarded the Commissioner Morroni Award of Excellence in EMS in February 2015 and recognized as a HCA Pinellas County EMS All Star in September 2014 and.

Fournier joined Sunstar in 2007 and currently works as a paramedic and field training officer. In addition, he is a paramedic program instructor and student mentor at St. Petersburg College. He was nominated for the award for dedication to emergency services education and training. His commitment to education and training is reflected in his decision to continue his own education; he is currently working toward nursing certification at St. Petersburg College.

Fournier was recognized as a HCA Pinellas County EMS All Star in 2010 and has been honored with several Care Plus awards, an internal award recognizing Sunstar employees for excellent customer service.