Spirit EMS hosts Annual Christmas Party

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GREENVILLE – Once again, Spirit EMS held its annual Christmas Party and it did not disappoint. The evening was filled with surprises, shared stories, great food, and fellowship.

This year the party began in the freshly built building at the Fairgrounds and then was directed to the Youth Building to unopen the surprises that awaited behind the curtains from the North Pole.

Amongst other special guests, there was one in particular who got everyone into the Christmas spirit if it wasn’t contagious already. Santa himself decided to pop in and say hello.

Spirit Santa this year had an incredible story and was one of Spirit’s very own patients earlier this year. Brian Hathaway, CEO and President of Spirit EMS shared his journey with those in attendance and there were tears shed after hearing such a phenomenal story.

“To make a difference in the lives of others,” said Brian, while sharing why so many choose the EMS profession. “It’s Our Family Taking Care of Your Family.”

Kevin Pleiman, was also recognized as the 2024 Spirit Star of Life Recipient. In late 2023, Pleiman was involved in an accident that left his body 70% burned which left him in critical condition. He has undergone 15 surgeries and 27 transfusions.

Also, on the list for the evening, were the highly anticipated surprises and reveals. This has always been a fun and exciting part of every Spirit Christmas Party and this year was no different.

Behind the first set of curtains, were two new Breast Cancer Awareness ambulances with deer guards, since many know deer are very common in Ohio. Also behind the first curtain were two new wheelchair vans.

“One of the vans will take the place of Car 1, which can both transport kids to school and transport wheelchairs. It’s multi-purpose and we’re certainly excited about that,” said Brian.

The next surprise began when Brian called up Steve Kellem, the fleet mechanic for Spirit. He was instructed to open a box that contained a clue to the next reveal. The anticipation built up… then, he pulled out a worn towing strap.

Then, Buddy the Elf presented a brand-new flatbed wrecker decked out with the Spirit logo.

“Our service area continues to spread out and Steve can only have so many helpers to get him a vehicle from one station to the next. So, it only makes sense to have something that doesn’t have to drive itself,” Hathaway explained. “Having a flatbed wrecker to move our vehicles from one station to the next as we do preventative maintenance only makes good sense and will save thousands of man hours.”

Next up, were three categories of gifts to unwrap from the ‘sleighs’ that were also behind the last curtain. These gifts included many great things for EMS Providers and Patients including:

  • 5.11 90% backpacks for all the ambulances
  •  New transfer sheets for easier patient movements from the cot to the bed
  •  Mounting systems for heart monitors for easier access on ambulance shelves
  • New 12 lead cables and all-in-one EKG patches for easy application of 12-lead EKG’s
  • Ventilators for every station
  • Vein finders for every advanced life support ambulance
  • A Mobile EMS Education Lab
  • A simulation mannequin that can be used for training in real-life situations and has multiple abilities

Additionally, Brian and Vice President Aaron Guthrie also surprised the crowd with a pair of new Spirit EMS Ranger Vehicles. These will help with easy access to patients at special events, in the rural areas they provide primary 9-1-1 services, as well as the ability to be able to plow snow at the stations in which the vehicles are housed.

Following the Spirit surprise, everyone gathered back in the new building for a meal prepared by Audrey and Naomi Hathaway and Larissa Winchester.

Before the meal was served, Guthrie prepared a small memorial service for a recent employee who Spirit lost back in May. Wanda Schroeder was a dedicated and passionate employee of Spirit EMS. She passed away unexpectedly while she remained a full-time employee. She was known for her record-breaking attendance, having been honored the past nine years prior for the most hours of any other driver at the Spirit Christmas Party each year. She was also a super fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals.
“Wanda will be remembered as her dedication and passion have left a legacy on many lives she has touched,” Guthrie shared. “In memory of her amazing soul, her picture will be located on the two Spirit EMS vehicles she often times drove, Van 15 and Ambulance 4920.”

Her daughter, Randi Schroeder, was in attendance and accepted a memorial plaque that was also prepared on behalf of the Spirit EMS family.

This year’s Employee of the Year was Jacob Carracher. The Supervisor of the Year Award was given to Captain Will Gardam. Jacob and Will received an 85-inch big-screen television, and they will have their pictures placed on the side of their chosen ambulances, which they will drive throughout 2025. Devoted Assistance Awards were presented to Dave Snider, Audrey and Naomi Hathaway, Larissa Winchester, and Carol Hathaway

Bus Aide recognitions went to Darlene Pearson, Lucas Miller, and Bonnie Behee.

Cheryl Emmons and Ann Ditmer, members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, were honored for their dedication for driving the company sign truck and participating in twenty plus community parades this year. They were also presented new Spirit EMS uniforms to wear for when they assist with parades.

“Star of Excellence Awards” were given to Miami University interns, with Malia Collins recognized for her successful recruitment of over forty full, part-time, and contract employees since June. Carlos Correa and Ben Zazycki were acknowledged for their efforts in facilitating a plan to collect over $175,000 in old debt from 2023 and prior within just eight weeks of summer work.

Recognition was also given for the commitment of hours worked over the past year from each department: EMT John R. Hathaway Jr. (3,674.39 hours), Advanced EMT Jeremy Miller (3,028.41 hours), Paramedic Karl Kleinekathoefer (3,234.72 hours), CDST Amanda Fore (2,896.28 hours), Driver Shannon Miller (2,440.50 hours), Human Resources Carie Pope (2,310.17 hours), Mechanic Steve Kellem (2,028.93 hours), and Nurse Jaime Burton (1,877.45 hours.

The 2024 Perfect Attendance Award recipients were Amanda Fore, Curt Garrison, Samantha Glover, Lucinda Ledbetter, Levi Marcum, and Leon Rogers.

The President’s Award was awarded to 23 individuals who completed their EMT classes including, Mawaheb “Hiba” Abdelrahman, Adam Bartley, Alise Bartley, Leah Beltran, Maya Buerkle, Jacob Carracher, Sarah Colamarino, Destiny Eitniear, Gary Fort, Jacob Fuchs, Will Gardam, John Greenway, Braxton Goings, Hayley Haines, Laura Kiser, Haiden Livingston, Gordon Ma, Xavier Robinson, Dylon Pickett, Ashley Shaw, Connor Sines, Eran Woodyard, and Brandon Wright.

Darleen Wilcox was also recognized for her nine years of service and retired in November and Roberta Hoschouer was honored for five years and retired in December.

Since 2018, the company has added 64 new vehicles to its fleet. The owners also expressed gratitude for the facilities they serve, announcing a waiting list of 141 facilities eager for Spirit services, but lacking the personnel to meet the increasing demand.

“We are excited for many great things on the horizon in 2025 and couldn’t do it without our amazing employees and the great support we get from everyone in the communities we serve,” Hathaway said. “God has done amazing things in our business and we are forever grateful for the journey and look forward to another successful year.”