บฃฝวึฑฒฅ Heroes Honored at 2024 California EMS Awards
Publish Date: July 20, 2025
Courageous. Committed. Ready. Dependable. These words define California's 86,000 certified EMS providersโindividuals who dedicate their lives to saving others. Each year, a few are honored for exceptional bravery and service.
At the 2024 California EMS Awards, held June 4, 2025, by the State of California-Emergency Medical Services Authority, six outstanding บฃฝวึฑฒฅ representatives were recognized for their remarkable contributions to the field.
- ๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ค๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ก โ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ
Chief Mike Smith, a บฃฝวึฑฒฅ alumnus and Foundation Board member, has dedicated over 40 years to advancing EMS, from responding to the 9/11 disaster to advocating for legislative changes. He continues to support EMS education and students at บฃฝวึฑฒฅ.
- ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ง๐๐ซ โ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ
A recent graduate of บฃฝวึฑฒฅ's paramedic program, River Casner sustained severe burns while rescuing individuals from a burning vehicle. His bravery underscores the life-saving commitment of บฃฝวึฑฒฅ-trained professionals.
- ๐๐จ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ โ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ-๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ
Roberta Valencia, a Colton Police Officer, heroically rescued a severely burned child from a house fire, personally transporting him to emergency care. Her actions highlight the strong connection between law enforcement and EMS. She is also married to a บฃฝวึฑฒฅ Hills College EMS instructor.
- ๐๐ข๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ โ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ
A graduate of บฃฝวึฑฒฅ's paramedic program, Nicole Castillo is a dedicated paramedic and EMS educator who has mentored numerous students. She continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership and resilience in the field, shaping future EMS professionals.
- ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐๐ก๐จ-๐๐จ๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ โ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ
A longtime educator at บฃฝวึฑฒฅ, Sara Broncho-Morning has been instrumental in training EMS professionals through the college's Mobile Intensive Care Nurse program. Her 30+ years of experience have significantly impacted EMS education and training in the region.
- ๐๐ซ๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ง๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ซ โ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ
A current บฃฝวึฑฒฅ student and participant in the Cal Fire Yucaipa work experience program, Brooklynne Cooper performed CPR and used an AED to revive a collapsed gym member while off duty. Her quick thinking and dedication to emergency response reflect the excellence of บฃฝวึฑฒฅ's EMS programs.
These honorees exemplify บฃฝวึฑฒฅ's commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in EMS.
For more information about the event or บฃฝวึฑฒฅ's EMS programs visit www.craftonhills.edu/ems.'
