Denver Health Foundation hosted the 2025 Paramedics Awards Celebration on Monday, May 19, at The Cable Center. Nearly 150 people attended to honor and celebrate the Denver Health Paramedic Division for their heroic work.
NBC 9NEWS weekday morning anchor Corey Rose emceed the event. The Denver Police Department Pipes and Drums performed as the DPD Honor Guard presented the colors, followed by a stirring rendition of the national anthem by Denver vocalist Lauren Hunter and an invocation by Denver Health chaplain Rebecca Scull. Speakers included Denver Mayor Mike Johnston; Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne, DrPh; Chief Operating Officer Kris Gaw; Chief Paramedic Gary Bryskiewicz; Paramedic Division Medical Director Dr. Jacob Nacht; Deputy Chief Brent Stevenson; and Denver Health Foundation Board Chair Josh Hanfling, all of whom shared reflections on the paramedics’ achievements and their vital role in the health and safety of our community.
Dependable Cleaners was the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Denver Health Foundation Paramedics Awards Celebration, and The Christian P. Anschutz Foundation and MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation were the frontline sponsors. Craig Hospital, HealthONE, Patti Klinge and Connie McArthur were guardian sponsors. Alpine Bank, Colorado Rockies Baseball Club, Focused Alpha, Osage Initiatives, r2 advisors llc, Bill Saslow, Sewald Hanfling Public Affairs, Enid Wade and Kris Gaw, and Xcel Energy were first responder sponsors. Proceeds from the event will directly support training equipment for the Denver Health Paramedic Division and educational resources for the EMS Education Program.
Community leaders Rose Andom, Jessica and Colin Barclay, The Christian P. Anschutz Foundation, Sterling Crowe, Dependable Cleaners, Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins, Doug Friednash, Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton, Drs. Patricia and Hal Gabow, Fred Glick, Josh Hanfling, Dr. Dick Krugman, Ann Linnea, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, and Coco Wham all served as Champions of the Paramedics.
Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne welcomed guests and spoke to the significance of the occasion, recognizing scholarship recipients, generous sponsors, and the vital role philanthropy plays in the paramedic community. She introduced this year’s Spirit of Philanthropy Award honorees, Josh Hanfling and R.D. Sewald of Sewald Hanfling Public Affairs, whose support has empowered emergency medical services across the city. A tribute video celebrated their enduring commitment to Denver and Denver Health, and Donna Lynne presented them with the award.
For years, Josh Hanfling and R.D. Sewald have demonstrated their deep commitment to Denver’s health and safety through both advocacy and philanthropy. Their leadership has strengthened Denver Health’s ability to deliver lifesaving emergency care across the city. As champions of the Paramedic Division, Sewald Hanfling has helped ensure our first responders have the resources, training, and support they need. Their dedication inspires others to invest in a healthier, safer Denver, and Denver Health Foundation is proud to honor them with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award.
After remarks from Josh and R.D., Donna Lynne then turned the spotlight to Denver Health Chief Paramedic Gary Bryskiewicz, who is retiring later this year, honoring his 27 years of service and leadership. A tribute video highlighted his career and impact, followed by remarks from Denver Health Chief Operating Officer Kris Gaw, who presented Chief Bryskiewicz with a special recognition.
Chief Bryskiewicz offered heartfelt thanks and reflected on the growth and resilience of the Paramedic Division during his tenure. He then introduced Paramedic Division Medical Director Dr. Jacob Nacht, whose leadership in clinical operations has been instrumental to the team’s success.
Dr. Nacht delivered a message of gratitude and admiration for the Paramedic Division, emphasizing the clinical excellence and collaborative spirit that defines their work. His remarks were followed by a moving tribute video highlighting the courage, compassion, and impact of Denver Health Paramedics across the community.
The celebration continued with the presentation of ten awards, honoring paramedics, educators, dispatchers, and support staff for their exceptional service. Deputy Chief Brent Stevenson joined Kris Gaw in presenting the awards, recognizing recipients for bravery, dedication, and commitment to patient care. (See full list of Paramedics awards below.)
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston spoke after the awards ceremony, offering praise for the Paramedic Division and presenting an official proclamation declaring May 18-24, 2025 “EMS Week” and recognizing their contributions to Denver’s health and safety.
Closing out the program, Spirit of Philanthropy honoree Josh Hanfling returned to the stage in his role as Board Chair of Denver Health Foundation. He shared a personal message about the importance of supporting paramedic education and training and issued a heartfelt call to action, encouraging attendees to invest in the people who serve Denver in its most critical moments.
Under the Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver Health Paramedic Division (DHPD) provides 9-1-1 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and ambulance transportation to the City and County of Denver, Denver International Airport, as well as the cities of Glendale, Sheridan, Englewood, and areas of unincorporated Arapahoe County Their mission is to provide professional, compassionate, and clinically excellent care to every patient, with every encounter, through a culture of integrity and continuous improvement. As first responders, Denver Health Paramedics put their lives on the line every day. Their commitment to the community is evident in the care they provide at the scene. The Division, with support from mutual aid partners, responds to over 131,000 calls annually and more than 81,000 patients are treated and transported by EMS providers and partner agencies.
2025 Denver Health Paramedic Awardees
Paramedic Sterling Barnes received the Paramedicine Award for his positivity, clinical excellence, and commitment to mentoring his peers.
Henry Stoffer received the VST (Vehicle Service Technician) of the Year Award for his outstanding support of paramedic crews and dedication to education efforts.
Keanu Harris received the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) of the Year Award for his compassion, professionalism, and dedication to treating every patient with kindness and respect.
Adam Ellis received the Dispatcher of the Year Award for his clear communication, focus on crew safety, and operational excellence.
Rose Rivera received the STAR (Support Team Assisted Response) Medic of the Year Award for her compassionate patient care and dedication to connecting patients with vital community resources.
Justin Lawrence received the Educator of the Year Award for his approachable teaching style and commitment to strengthening the future of the Division.
Erin Munger received the Training Officer of the Year Award for her outstanding leadership, mentorship, and patient advocacy.
Paramedic Jay Starzynski received the Employee of the Year Award for his thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.
The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to Paramedics Nicholas Chierchie and Nicholas Do for their heroic actions suppressing a vehicle fire and rescuing a trapped patient. It was also awarded to Paramedics James Boyer, Lucius Lau, and Jen Lockwood for their lifesaving care of a mother in hemorrhagic shock and her newborn twins.
The Medal of Valor was awarded to Paramedics Trent Heddings, Sebastian Naranjo, and Brigitte Szobar for extraordinary courage and bravery in the face of great danger.
