Honoring Illinois' 2025 AAA Stars of Life: Celebrating Excellence in EMS
- vbruggeman
- Nov 14
- 5 min read
Each year, the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program shines a spotlight on the exceptional individuals who exemplify extraordinary service and dedication. These honorees represent the heart of EMS—demonstrating courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to their communities.
In 2025, Illinois was proud to see several outstanding professionals recognized from agencies across the state. Their stories reflect the depth of talent and commitment within our EMS workforce, and we’re honored to celebrate them:
🌟 Ryan Zavada – Critical Care Paramedic, Advanced Medical Transport
🌟 Tarun Prajapati – Critical Care Transport Nurse, MedEx Ambulance
🌟 Dustin Williams – Assistant Manager, Critical Care Transport & Manager of Ground Organ Transport, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois
🌟 Mathew Matouk – Paramedic, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois
Ryan Zavada
Critical Care Paramedic
Advanced Medical Transport
Peoria, IL
Ryan Zavada is a deeply dedicated member of Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, where he has served with distinction for the past 12 years. His EMS journey began 23 years ago as a volunteer Emergency Medical Responder with the Long Point Fire Department. Today, as a highly skilled Critical Care Paramedic, Ryan provides expert and compassionate care for patients with the most complex and delicate needs.
In June, Ryan and his partner were entrusted with transporting a young hospice patient whose final wish was to pass away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. Along the route, the patient’s family asked if the ambulance could slow down so she could glimpse her beloved horse one last time. Upon learning about the patient’s lifelong devotion to the animal, Ryan and his partner made a safe stop, allowing her to share a final, tender moment with her horse before continuing home. This simple yet profound act of compassion brought immeasurable comfort and joy to the patient and her family during a heartbreaking time.
Ryan’s actions reflect the very best of what EMS represents. He understands that his role is not only to provide excellent clinical care but also to honor the dignity, humanity, and emotional needs of every patient. His calm, reassuring presence helps ease the burdens of those experiencing some of life’s most difficult moments, and he takes pride in being both a source of kindness and professionalism.
Beyond his patient care, Ryan serves as a mentor and role model for newer providers, consistently demonstrating Advanced Medical Transport’s core values: Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical, and Sustainable.
Advanced Medical Transport proudly recognizes Ryan Zavada as a Star of Life for his compassion, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
Tarun Prajapati
Critical Care Transport Nurse
MedEx Ambulance
SKOKIE, IL
Tarun “Terry” Prajapati’s path into emergency medicine began from the patient’s perspective. After surviving a serious car accident, he was inspired by the compassion and skill of the ambulance crew who cared for him. Determined to provide the same comfort to others, he soon enrolled in EMT school.
At the time, Terry was working at Kinko’s, where he met MedEx Ambulance Service CEO Lauren Rubinson while assisting with presentation materials. Unaware that she owned the company, he casually asked if MedEx was hiring EMTs. With her encouragement, he applied and officially joined the MedEx team in 2006.
Terry’s career is a testament to dedication and growth. He advanced from EMT to Paramedic while attending nursing school and earning his BSN. His experience spans emergency and trauma departments across Chicagoland, shifts on the ambulance, and service as a Flight Nurse providing care worldwide.
Today, Terry balances multiple roles with remarkable commitment. He is a Nurse Practitioner, a Firefighter Paramedic with the Leyden Fire Protection District, and founder of a Prehospital Mobile Clinic designed to bring urgent care directly to underserved communities. His work demonstrates not only his clinical expertise but also his innovation and passion for equitable patient care.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Terry and his wife are eagerly preparing to welcome their first child this December.
From the patient seat to advanced practice nursing, Terry’s journey reflects resilience, service, and a lifelong commitment to others. MedEx Ambulance Service is proud to honor Tarun “Terry” Prajapati as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.
Dustin Williams
Assistant Manager Critical Care Transport & Manager of Ground Organ Transport
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois
Schaumburg, IL
Dustin Williams serves as an Emergency Medical Technician, Assistant Manager of Critical Care Transport (CCT), and Manager of Ground Organ Transport (GOT) at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance in Illinois. Since joining Superior in 2022 after completing the EMT program at the Technology Center of DuPage, Dustin has distinguished himself through leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
He began his career in the field as an EMT and Field Training Officer, mentoring new hires and ensuring they were well prepared to serve patients and the community. His leadership potential quickly became evident, and in 2023 he was promoted to Assistant Manager of CCT. In this role, he oversees a team of more than 120 critical care paramedics, nurses, EMTs, and Emergency Medical Responders across multiple stations. At the same time, Dustin serves as Manager of GOT, leading a team of 15 drivers who support surgical teams across Chicagoland.
As Superior’s youngest manager, Dustin has embraced responsibility with enthusiasm and professionalism. He ensures the operational readiness of medical equipment and fleet resources, supports compliance and accountability, and prioritizes safety across all operations. He personally meets with new drivers to review responsibilities and expectations, and he plays a key role in safety education, including Certified Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO) training and Superior’s annual “Safety Road-e-o” driving assessments.
Dustin was nominated as a Star of Life for his outstanding leadership, positive attitude, and transformative contributions to both patient care and safe ambulance operations. His colleagues praise his willingness to help, his ability to mentor across all levels of staff, and his dedication to building a culture of safety and excellence at Superior.
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance is proud to recognize Dustin Williams as a 2025 Star of Life.
Mathew Matouk
Paramedic
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois
Elmhurst, IL
Mathew Matouk serves as a Paramedic at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance in Illinois, where he is recognized for his clinical expertise, commitment to patient care, and dedication to mentoring new EMS professionals.
Mathew began his EMS journey in 2015 while attending culinary school. Seeking a career with greater purpose, he enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician program at Joliet Junior College, later completing the Paramedic Program at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois. In 2019, he expanded his emergency service credentials by earning his Firefighter II certification.
He joined Superior in July 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has continually advanced his training. In 2022, he completed the Critical Care Transport Paramedic Program at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin. The following year, he became a Field Training Officer, where he assists Superior’s education department with new-hire orientation, skills assessments, and training.
Mathew is being honored as a Star of Life for his life-saving actions during a roadside emergency. While off duty, he and his partner stopped to assist an unresponsive patient experiencing a drug overdose on the side of an expressway. Mathew immediately administered Narcan, secured the airway, and ensured the patient’s safety until fire department EMS crews arrived to continue care. His swift intervention made the difference between life and death. In recognition of his exceptional performance, Mathew received the Top Performer Award at Superior’s inaugural EMS Symposium in Rosemont, Illinois, in February 2025.
Outside of work, Mathew enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new cuisines, and pursuing his passion for the arts. A drummer and theater enthusiast, he has even appeared as an extra in an episode of Chicago Fire. Looking ahead, he aspires to become a Registered Nurse and is a strong advocate for paramedic-to-RN bridge programs.
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance is proud to celebrate Mathew Matouk as a 2025 Star of Life.