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
Michael Hotchkiss
Executive Director
Michael Hotchkiss retired as the EMS Division Chief for the Laramie Fire Department in Laramie, Wyoming in 2025. 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. He is a founding member of the Wyoming EMS Association and previously served as a Regional Representative and Vice President.
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.
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 works at Powell Valley Healthare and North Big Horn Hospital. 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.
Karri White
Region 1 Representative
Karri White serves as the Director of Buffalo EMS, bringing over two decades of dedicated service and leadership to the organization. With 24 years of experience in pre-hospital care, Karri has built a reputation for operational excellence, community commitment, and team-centered leadership. She demonstrates a passion for improving emergency medical services in rural Wyoming. She is known for her collaborative approach, strong organizational insight, and unwavering focus on patient care and safety.
Under Karri's leadership, Buffalo EMS continues to grow as a respected, private ambulance service committed to timely, professional response and community engagement. Her vision centers on continuous improvement, support for EMS professionals, and fostering strong partnerships with local agencies and healthcare providers. Karri is proud to lead a team that puts compassion into action every day and remains deeply invested in the well-being of the community she calls home.
Chase Bridgmon
Southeastern Wyoming Representative
Chase Bridgmon was born and raised in Laramie, Wy and has made it his home. He got his EMT-B license in 2006 and has been employed with the Laramie Fire Dept since 2007. Chase currently holds the title of Shift Commander/EMS Division Chief. Chase is an EMT-I and has certifications in PALS, ACLS and ABLS. His focus has been building and improving the team at LFD through countless hours of training and mentorship. He recently instituted, coordinated, and taught a 12 week leadership class, Developing Leadership, at the fire dept and has seen promising results in members already. Chase has attended trainings all over the nation from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD to the Fire Dept. International Conference in Indianapolis, IN. Chase has been continuously improving his leadership skills as well as his overall knowledge of the fire based EMS system. Chase is on the ambulance spec committee at the Laramie Fire Dept. and has a great amount of knowledgeable on the “ins and outs” of ambulance safety and transport and capabilities. Chase was recently a guest speaker at the 2023 Leadership Summit Conference in Afton.
Chase’s passion outside of EMS and Fire is traveling, business, real estate and spending time with “his person”, Timbre. They recently bought property in Belize and love spending their free time at the beach and exploring the Caribbean. They love checking out new places, both in the country and internationally.