Alstar EMS, WCA Services Corp.

09/14/2026

📸🚑 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: JARED PAXTON 🚑📸

This week, we’re highlighting Jared Paxton, one of the voices behind the radio as a Medical Communications Dispatcher!

Jared plays an important role in keeping our crews connected, organized, and moving throughout their shifts. Working behind the scenes in MedCom, he helps make sure the right information gets to the right people when it matters most.

When he’s not behind the radio, you might find Jared behind a camera! 📷 He’s an avid photographer with a great eye for capturing the world around him.

Thank you, Jared, for everything you do for our crews and our patients. We’re glad to have you as part of the ALSTAR EMS team! 💙🚑

"I'm Jared Paxton. I'm 28 years old and I've been with ALSTAR EMS as a Medical Communications Dispatcher for 7 years. This has been my dream job since middle school. It can be rewarding to be a part of public safety system that helps people in the community, even if I'm behind the scenes and only heard on the phone and radio. I'm glad to be here. EMS and public safety is a very unique type of work family to be in!

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, photography, local history, and Amateur Radio. My favorite area to travel to are the mountains of the Mid-Atlantic region and Southeastern US where there is no cell service, and nothing but nature scenery. The longest road trip I ever took was across the country 7,168 miles roundtrip through 21 states in under 2 weeks."

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 We Will Never Forget — September 11, 2001 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the incredible courage shown in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

We remember the firefighters, EMS providers, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, healthcare workers, and countless others who ran toward danger to help those in need. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to carry the memories of that day.

Twenty-five years later, their bravery, service, and sacrifice remain an enduring reminder of what it means to serve others.

To the families who lost loved ones, the survivors, and every first responder forever impacted by September 11th — we remember with you.

Never Forget.

09/09/2026

Stop down to SUNY JCC for the Career Kickoff Fair at the Jamestown campus and say hi!

09/08/2026

🚑 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: KAREN CALDWELL 🚑

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Karen Caldwell!

Karen has experienced EMS from both sides of the radio—spending time on the streets and in dispatch. These days, you’ll primarily hear her working in Medical Communications, helping keep our crews connected and things moving behind the scenes.

Karen is known for being a friendly and familiar voice on the radio, always ready to help our crews get where they need to go and find the information they need.

Thank you, Karen, for everything you do and for always being that friendly voice on the other end of the radio! 🚑📻💙

“ I HAVE BEEN IN EMS MOST OF MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE WITH MY FIRST EMT CARD IN 1991. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR EMS. I WAS FIRST HIRED AT ALSTAR IN AUGUST OF 1998 AS A DISPATCHER, AND WORKING MY WAY UP TO THE EMS SIDE IN 2003. I WAS AWAY FROM ALSTAR FOR MANY YEARS RETURNING AS A DISPATCHER IN JULY OF 2023. TO THE PRESENT. I LOVE MY JOB, IT IS CHALLENGING AND NO TWO DAYS ARE EVER THE SAME. I AM GRATEFUL TO WORK HERE AND WITH THIS AMAZING GROUP OF PEOPLE.

I HAVE 3 ADULT CHILDREN, 3 IN LAW CHILDREN, 4 GRANDCHILDREN, 3 GRAND PUPPIES TANK, BENNY AND BRUNO, AND ONE GRAND KITTY MINX. WHEN I AM NOT WORKING I AM SPENDING TIME WITH MY FAMILY AND TRAVELING. MY MOST RECENT ADVENTURE WAS TO NYC. I ALSO ENJOY MY CHURCH ACTIVITIES, SHOPPING AND GOING TO THE BEACH. I AM A SPORTS FAN AND WATCH FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL. BILLS/STEELERS/YANKEES.”

08/27/2026

🚑 A New Journey Begins! 🚑

This week, 14 eager EMS providers took their first steps on a 16-month journey to becoming paramedics through the UPMC Chautauqua Regional Paramedic Program!

Over the next year and a half, they’ll dedicate two days a week to classroom learning, plus nearly 600 hours of clinical and field experience. Their hard work will prepare them to take either the NYS Paramedic Exam or the National Registry Paramedic Exam — and more importantly, to serve our community at the highest level of prehospital care.

Let’s show them our support! 💙 Drop your words of encouragement below and wish them success as they take on this challenging and rewarding path.

You’ve got this, future medics — your community is cheering you on! 🙌

08/25/2026

🚑 We’re Hiring! Join the ALSTAR EMS Team 🚑

Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference?

ALSTAR EMS is now hiring Full-Time and Casual:

Paramedics
EMTs
ATS Wheelchair Drivers
If you’re passionate about helping others and want to work with a dedicated, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!

📌 Apply today at: https://careers.upmc.com/

✨ Come be part of a team that cares for our community every day!

From nursing to finance, pharmacy to software development, we have careers for everyone, including you.

08/24/2026

**EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT**

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Sarah Bellardo, one of our dedicated EMTs who is currently taking her skills to the next level in paramedic class.

Don’t let her size fool you — Sarah’s got "big guns" in more ways than one. Whether it’s her physical strength on the job or her unwavering ability to help in any situation, she’s a powerhouse through and through. Her quick thinking in high-pressure situations, and her ability to bring calm to chaos make her an invaluable part of our team.

Sarah’s journey is a perfect example of how passion, grit, and heart can make a real difference in the lives of others. We’re proud to have her on our crew and can’t wait to see her continue to grow as both a professional and a leader.

"I’ve been in EMS for 5 years, currently enrolled in the paramedic class. I’ve been in Busti Fire for 8years and am an Interior Fire Fighter in the department. When I’m not at work I enjoy all things outdoors fishing, hunting, and just being with my friends and family. I have a dog Buddy, and 2 cats Willie and Salem."

08/17/2026

🚑 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL KINNEY 🚑

This week’s Employee Spotlight is Michael Kinney, one of our Field Supervisors in the South Division!

Michael is one of the dedicated members of our overnight crew, helping keep things running smoothly while most of us are asleep. In addition to his role as a Field Supervisor, Michael is about to take the next big step in his EMS career—starting paramedic class in just one week! 📚🚑

We’re excited to watch Michael take on this new challenge and continue growing as an EMS provider. Good luck in paramedic school, Michael! We know you’ll do great! 👏💙

“My name is Mike Kinney. I have worked EMS for roughly 3 years now. My original intent for my career was police. However, when that did not work out, I turned to EMS. I could not be happier about my choice. With the things I've seen and the amazing people I have met, I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I look forward to continuing my long career in EMS. On my off time I love to spend time with my family. I am a gamer and comic book nerd. I play Fortnite with my wife as well as Call of Duty. My favorite days are spent playing with my daughters.”

08/11/2026

🎉 August Employee Anniversaries! 🎉

This month, we’re proud to recognize our team members celebrating another year of dedication and service with ALSTAR EMS! 🚑💙

🌟 Donna Elderkin — 28 years
🌟 Kelsey Mattison — 11 years
🌟 Mark Peterson — 5 years
🌟 Elizabeth Lutgen — 3 years
🌟 Brendan Good — 3 years
🌟 Chris Batista — 1 year
🌟 Alexzandria Genco — 1 year

Thank you for your hard work, commitment, and the difference you make for our patients, coworkers, and community every day.

👏 Congratulations on your August anniversaries! Here’s to many more! 🚑

08/10/2026

🚑 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: ALEXZANDRIA GENCO 🚑

This week, we’re excited to recognize Alexzandria Genco!

Alexzandria is an EMT who is getting ready to take the next big step in her EMS career by starting paramedic class! She’s always eager to ask questions, learn something new, and—most importantly—understand the “why” behind what we do.

That curiosity and drive to keep learning are exactly what help make a great EMS provider. We’re excited to watch Alexzandria take on paramedic school and continue to grow in her career!

Keep asking questions and never stop learning, Alexzandria! 🚑💙👏

“I have been in EMS for 10 months, I love this job because I never know what I am going to be doing, and I like helping people. In August I plan on attending Alstars paramedic program and furthering my career at Alstar!

When I’m not at work I like to hang out with my dogs Odin and Freya. I enjoy running them on my bike when weather permits. I also like getting to hang out with friends, and spending time with my family. Going to all kinds of craft shows with my mom and helping her at West Main Mercantile with her business CHQ Soap Co. I enjoy doing my own nails and having fun with the designs I do! I play a lot of different video games, I enjoy playing with my brother and friends, and love listening to music. I also enjoy fishing, and getting outside and spending time in nature”