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A coach, through and through

When asked to describe his roles with Sunstar and the Bay Area Youth Track and Field (BAYTAF), Leroy Funderburk paraphrases former pro football coach Tony Dungy: “My only job,” he says, “is to make the team better.” As Operations Supervisor at Sunstar, Funderburk...

Sunstar Field Training Officer Ian Black

At Sunstar, the training never stops. “We have a very robust education system,” explains paramedic Ian Black. Members of the Sunstar team undergo hours of continuing education every month, rigorous certification programs such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support and...

EMT and Paramedic Bond with Young Man They Saved

It was November 2013, and EMT Jay Messier and Paramedic Brent Jackson were seated at the Thanksgiving table with Ian Ondina and his family. Before the meal began, Ian offered a Thanksgiving prayer. “He said, ‘I just want to start off by thanking you guys for saving my...

Sunstar’s Child Safety Seat Program

Dave Selbach was sitting at a stoplight when a car ahead of him began to make a left turn. As the car turned, its back door opened, and Selbach could see a child safety seat nearly coming out of the car. A parent himself, Selbach says that the sight of that seat...

Honor Guard Members Serve Tampa Bay with Dignity and Respect

You may have seen the Sunstar Honor Guard at parades or sporting events around Tampa Bay, marching in unison with their rifles and flags, the silver buttons on their uniforms shining in the Florida sun. Or you may have seen them on a serious occasion, as they present...

SWAT Medics Work Hard to Keep the Community Safe

Life as a special weapons and tactic (SWAT) medic is a study in extremes. On some calls, medics may be staged in an ambulance, armored vehicle or in strategic locations surrounding the perimeter of a building often for hours at a time. But when it’s time to act,...

Rescued Girl Becomes Hero’s Legacy

The news of the tragic riding lawnmower accident that severed 2-year-old Ireland Nugent’s ankles shook the entire Pinellas community. Sunstar Paramedics Christopher Jennings and Jay Horne were among the first emergency responders on the scene that day. As a father of...

Sunstar Volunteers Help to Improve Lives

Every day, around the clock, Sunstar saves lives. But did you know that in addition to providing lifesaving EMT and Paramedic services, Sunstar improves the lives of Pinellas County residents through extensive volunteer work? Charlene Cobb, NR-EMTP, Sunstar’s...

Sunstar Paramedic’s Surprise Reunion with Woman He Saved

Sunstar Paramedic Jason Bihlajama recognized her the second she walked into the room: Melissa Dohme, the young woman whose life he had helped save after she was brutally attacked by an ex-boyfriend in 2012. She looked healthy; happy to be alive; grateful. Her wounds...

Andrew Pawlowski American Ambulance Association Stars of Life Award

Andrew Pawlowski, who most people call “Pow Pow,” is mostly known for his ability to make friends quickly. He has a fun, caring, driven, and outgoing personality. Andrew began his career at Sunstar Paramedics twelve years ago as an EMT. He quickly became a strong team...