WYEMSA Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission Statement:
Unifying Wyoming Emergency Medical Services by cultivating excellence through advocacy and education.
Vision:
The voice of Wyoming EMS with a vision for the future.
Values:
Equality, Excellence, Professionalism, and Compassion.
Meet Your Board of Directors and Staff
Luke Sypherd
President
Luke is the EMS Administrative Manager for Cody Regional Health EMS and Co-founder of the Wyoming Emergency Medical Services Association. During his two years leading the Wyoming EMS Association, the organization has become strong and influential in Wyoming and abroad. Notable efforts and accomplishments during the first two years include successful lobbying for and against legislation; educating local, state, and national lawmakers, leaders, and the public; advocating for EMS providers and systems; development of EMS legislation; and the implementation of the Helmsley Wyoming First Responder AED project.
Luke began his career in EMS as an EMT and worked as such while attending college. Luke has a lifelong passion for education, which includes a BA in Paramedicine (Summa Cum Laude) from BYU-Idaho and an MA in Emergency Management in Homeland Security from Arizona State University.
He serves as the Co-chair for the Northwest College Paramedic Program Advisory Board, Steering Committee Member for the Big Horn Basin Health Care Coalition, and is a member of the Governor’s Health Task Force.
In his free time, Luke enjoys shooting, camping, hiking, helping his wife Kirstie with her baking business, and spending time with his wife and their young son Cooper.
Michael Hotchkiss
Vice President
Michael Hotchkiss is the EMS Division Chief for the Laramie Fire Department in Laramie, Wyoming. The Laramie Fire Department is truly an “all hazards” department by providing EMS transport, Region 3 Hazmat response, wildland engines, technical rescue and structure fire response. Mike has been an EMT for over 25 years, is currently a paramedic and critical care paramedic and has obtained BS and MS degrees from the University of Wyoming.
Eric Quinney
Secretary/Treasurer
Eric Quinney is the Chief Administrative Officer at Uinta County Fire and Ambulance. He began his public safety career in 1998 as a State Trooper with the Wyoming Highway Patrol and a volunteer with the Lyman Volunteer Fire Department. In 2004 he made a full-time career switch to Fire and EMS and is now the administrator for Uinta County Fire and Ambulance. The department serves over 2,000 square miles with six full-time positions and over 100 volunteers. Eric is a licensed EMT-Intermediate and often volunteers call shifts on the ambulance. He received his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Weber State University and his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Wyoming. Eric serves as the County Fire Warden, is a board member of the Wyoming Volunteer Fire and EMT Retirement Board, and is also the 2nd Vice President of the Wyoming Fire Chiefs Association and Chairs the Governor’s Advisory Committee on EMS and Trauma. On the National Level Eric represents Wyoming on the National Volunteer Fire Council and is the Chairman of the EMS Rescue Section. He is married with four children.
Scott Bagnell
Big Horn Basin Representative
Scott is the EMS Manager at Powell Valley Health Care. Scott began his EMS career in 1999 when he was asked to become a volunteer EMT while working in a tire store in Powell. He finished the course and started as an EMT basic. In 2002 Scott started the courses to become an intermediate while still working as a manager in the tire store. In 2005 he started a full-time career in EMS as the manager of the EMS department in Powell. In 2010 Scott decided to take the step into nursing and graduated in 2012. EMS went from a hobby to a full-time position as the EMS manager for Powell Ambulance, an ER nurse at Powell Valley Health Care, and a flight nurse with Guardian Flight. In his free time Scott likes to hunt, fish, camp, and snowmobile with friends and family. Scott has a very supportive wife, 2 daughters and a son in-law.
Chris Belz
EMT-P, Region 1 Representative
Chris Beltz represents the northeast area of the state for the Wyoming EMS Association; this area includes Sheridan, Johnson, Campbell, Crook, and Weston counties. Chris has been in EMS since 1998, taking the Basic Emergency Care provider course in Washington state where he lived at the time. He obtained licensure in Wyoming as an EMT in 2003 and paramedic in 2008. Throughout his career Chris has been involved in fire-based EMS, hospital-based EMS, and helicopter EMS and is currently the Director for Campbell County Health-EMS. Chris’ passion is effecting positive change through engaged leadership and facilitative learning.
April Larsen-Oaks
Central Wyoming Representative
April Larsen-Oaks is the Executive Director of Clinical Operations for Classic Air Medical. April started her career in EMS and found her passion in the Air Medical Transport environment. Throughout her career, April has been dedicated to improving access to quality critical care in the rural communities across many states. April has always been a passionate advocate for the pediatric population, and advocates for quality health care despite the geographical challenges faced by EMS. April continues to volunteer as a provider in EMS in her local community as well as volunteering in international critical care transports.