McDowellEMS.com

McDowell County EMS Staff

Director William J. Kehler IV, A.A.S. CCEMT-P, NRP
System Administrator

William J. Kehler IV is the Director of McDowell County EMS. He is a lifelong resident of McDowell County. He began his career in EMS in 1998 when he joined McDowell EMS. In 2002 he was selected by his peers and received the Paramedic of the Year award. He was promoted to Lieutenant and Training Officer in 2005. In 2007 he was promoted as the Director of McDowell County EMS. He is a National Registry/Critical Care Paramedic with NCEMT-P, ACLS-EP, PALS, AMLS, ASLS, BCLS, NAEMT Safety, HAZMAT Operations and ITLS certifications. He holds instructor certifications in ACLS-EP, ACLS, PALS, BCLS, and ITLS. He is a North Carolina Level II Instructor and a NC Type IV Emergency Manager. He is ceritified to function on Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team. Director Kehler has an Associates degree in Emergency Medical Science from Davidson Community College. Currently he is pursuing his bachelor's degree in healthcare administration from Columbia Southern University and is enrolled through UNC-Chapel Hill in EMS Administration and Disaster Management Program. In late 2007, the agency began focusing heavily on public education and injury prevention in an attempt not only to prevent emergencies but also to have the general public educated on how to respond if an emergency occurs. Director Kehler's relentless desire to decrease injury and disease rates among McDowell County citizens is evident by new programs the agency is offering the community. Such programs include Operation-Save-A-Child, Community CPR Classes, Kids Safety Camp and other safety programs designed to decrease injury rates. Director Kehler exemplifies the McDowell EMS Motto of Commitment to community, Compassion for patients, and Service that exceeds expectations. Currently Director Kehler serves as the vice chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, member of McDowell Rotary Club, and is a former board member for the Good Samaritan Free Medical Clinic of Marion. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family as well as hunting and fishing.

Major Eugene Edwards A.A.S. CCEMT-P, PNCCEMT-P, NRP, RN
Operations / Training Officer

Major Eugene Edwards is the Operations and Training officer for McDowell EMS. Major Edwards states that as a child, he watched the show "Emergency" and it became his dream to become a paramedic. He states that he has always been interested in helping others and giving back to the community. He joined the fire service in 1978 and was Firefighter of the year in 1981. Major Edwards became a first responder in 1982 and continued to further his education. He began his career in EMS in 1984. Major Edwards gained his Paramedic Certification from Western Piedmont Community College in 1988. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1992. Major Edwards was chosen as Paramedic of the Year for McDowell County EMS in 1999. He was promoted to Captain in 2006 and then to Major in 2008. Major Edwards has an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Davidson Community College in Emergency Medical Science. Major Edwards is a National Registry, Pediatric/Neonatal Critical Care Paramedic. He is a NC Level II Instructor, and holds Instructor Certificates for ACLS EP,ACLS, PALS, ITLS , and CPR. Major Edwards obtained certification through EMS Management Institute at UNC Charlotte. Currently he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Emergency Medical Care through Western Carolina University and his associates degree in nursing through Davidson County Community College. Major Edwards is also the EMS Program Coordinator at McDowell Technical Community College. He retired from volunteer service in 2008 where he had served both the Nebo Fire Department and McDowell County Rescue Squad. Major Edwards currently serves on the Child Fatality Review Board and the Child Protection Team through the Department of Social Services in McDowell County. During his spare time, Major Edwards enjoys traveling and fishing with his wife, kids, and grandkids.

Captain Barry McPeters CCEMT-P
Supervisor

Captain Barry McPeters is the Shift Captain for A shift. He began his EMS career in 1989 when he joined our agency. Capt. McPeters obtained his Paramedic Certification in 1993 from McDowell Technical Community College. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1995 and then to Captain in 2007. Capt. McPeters is a Critical Care Paramedic and holds ACLS-EP, PALS, ITLS, BCLS, and HazMat Ops certifications. He is also a NC OEMS Level II Instructor, PALS Instructor, AHA Instructor, and BLET Instructor. He is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte EMS Management Institute. Capt. McPeters enjoys spending his spare time with family, attending church, as well as hunting and fishing.

Captain Donnie Tipton CCEMT-P, NRP
Supervisor *CPS Coordinator

Captain Donnie Tipton is the shift captain for B shift. Capt. Tipton began his EMS career in 1989. He joined McDowell EMS in May of 1991. Capt. Tipton obtained his Paramedic Certification from McDowell Technical Community College in 1991. Capt. Tipton is a National Registry, Critical Care Paramedic with ACLS-EP, PALS, BCLS, ITLS, PEPP, NAEMT Safety and PALS certifications. He is a NCOEMS Level II Instructor, a PEPP Instructor, ACLS-EP / ITLS / and PALS instructor. Captain Tipton is a National Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician and leads the Child Safety Seat Team at McDowell EMS. He is ceritified to function on Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team. He also obtained NC EMD certification. Capt. Tipton is the Chief of the Glenwood Fire Department. He has the OSFM Level II Firefighter certification and is an OSFM Level II Fire Instructor. Capt. Tipton enjoys spending time with his family.

Captain Craig Walker CCEMT-P
Supervisor- Special Ops Coordinator

Capt. Craig Walker is the shift captain for C shift. He began his career in EMS in 1994 when he joined McDowell EMS. In 2000 he was promoted to Leuitenant and promoted to Captain in 2007. Capt. Walker is a Critical Care Paramedic with ACLS-EP, PALS, BCLS, and PHTLS certifications. He is an ACLS-EP and Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor. He is ceritified to function on Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team. He is the former Chief of the Sugar Hill/Montford Cove Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoys spending his spare time with family.

Lt. David Stepp CCEMT-P, NRP
Field Training Officer / Asst. Supervisor

Lt. David Stepp is the Lieutenant and Field Training Officer for A shift. Lt. Stepp began his EMS career in 2001. He joined McDowell EMS in 2004. Lt. Stepp is a National Registry, Critical Care Paramedic. He is also a Level I EMS Instructor. He obtained his Paramedic Certification at McDowell Technical Community College in 2006. Lt. Stepp holds certifications in ACLS-EP, ITLS, PALS, AMLS, NAEMT Safety and BCLS. He is currently enrolled at Davidson Community College where he is obtaining his degree in Emergency Medical Science. Lt Stepp completed EMS Administration and Disaster Mgt program through UNC-Chapel Hill. In 2007 through the Emergency Management Institute he completed over 30 classes and completed the certificate program through FEMA. Lt. Stepp is a volunteer with the Hankins-North Fork Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoys spending his spare time with his family.

Lt. Steve Wilkerson B.S. CCEMT-P
Field Training Officer / Asst. Supervisor

Lt. Wilkerson is the Lieutenant and Field Training Officer for B Shift. He also serves as an assistant quality assurance officer. In 2009 Lt. Wilkerson assumed the duty of STEMI coordinator for the agency. Lt. Wilkerson began his EMS career in 2004 and joined our agency in May of 2006. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University in 2007. Lt. Wilkerson is a Critical Care Paramedic with ACLS, PHTLS, PALS, and BLS-CPR certifications. He is also a National Child Safety Seat Technician. Lt. Wilkerson is a volunteer with the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department, EMS Instructor, and is the Pitching Coach for the McDowell High School Baseball Team. Lt. Wilkerson enjoys spending his spare time golfing.

Lt. Chad Robinson CCEMT-P,
Field Training Officer / Asst. Supervisor

Lt. Chad Robinson is a Lieutenant and Field Training Officer for C shift. He began his career in EMS in 2003. He joined McDowell County EMS in 2004. Lt. Robinson is a Critical Care Paramedic with ACLS-EP, PALS, BCLS, and ITLS certifications. He obtained his Paramedic Certification from McDowell Technical Community College. He is ceritified to function on Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team. He is currently obtaining his Level I EMS Instructor certification. Lt. Robinson is also the chief for McDowell County Rescue Station 97. He has his Hazmat Operations certification. Lt. Robinson enjoys spending his spare time on the ball field with his daughter.

Lt. Marvin Hancock CCEMT-P, NRP
Field Training Officer / Asst. Supervisor / Asst Coordinator Special Ops

Lt. Marvin Hancock is the Field Training Officer for part time staff. He began his EMS career in 2000 and joined our agency in 2001. He is a National Registry Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic with PALS, ACLS-EP, BCLS, NAEMT-Safety and ITLS certifications. He is also a NC OEMS Level I Instructor. Lt. Hancock also holds Hazmat Operations certification. He is the Medical Section Chief for McDowell County State Medical Assistance Team and is the Assistant Team Leader for the Mountain Wilderness Team. He is a volunteer with the Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department and enjoys spending his spare time listening to music.

Lt. Adrienne Jones CCEMT-P
FTO / Asst. Supervisor / Ambulance Strike Team Leader

Lt. Adrienne Jones began her career in EMS in 2008 when she joined McDowell EMS. She is a Critical CareParamedic with ACLS, PALS, ITLS, BCLS, and ASLS. She obtained her Paramedic Certification from Mayland Community College. She is also a AHA CPR Instructor and ambulance strike team instructor. She is a volunteer with Marion Fire Department where she is a Lieutenant. She has the Firefighter Level 1 certification. Ms. Jones was promoted to Sgt. Paramedic in February 2011 and Lt/FTO in May of 2013. She enjoys spending her spare time with friends and family.

Lt. John Bruner NREMT-P
SMAT Coordinator

Lt. Bruner is the Lieutenant for B Shift. Lt. Bruner began his EMS career in 1990 and joined our agency in 1992. Lt. Bruner is a National Registry Paramedic with ACLS, PALS, ITLS, DMS, and Hazmat Operations certifications. He obtained his Paramedic Certification from McDowell Technical Community College. Lt. Bruner is the Coordinator for the State Medical Assistance Team in McDowell County. Lt. Bruner also coordinates employee health and safety. He is also an instructor for McDowell Tech and teaches multiple disaster related classes.

Lt. Judy Shelton EMT-P

Lt. Judy Shelton is the Lieutenant for A shift. She began her career in 1990 when she joined our agency. Lt. Shelton is a North Carolina Paramedic with the ACLS-EP, PALS, and ITLS certifications. In her spare time, Lt. Shelton enjoys camping and being outdoors with her family.

Sgt. Johnsie Parker CCEMT-P
Administrative Sgt.

Paramedic Johnsie Parker began her EMS career in 2008 when she joined our agency. In 2012 she was promoted to Administrative Sgt. She assists EMS Administration and manages the EMS Business Office. Sgt. Parker also performs peer performance review of EMS charts and serves as the coordinator for public relation events. She is a Critical Care Paramedic with ACLS, PALS, ITLS, AMLS, and BCLS certifications. Currently she serves as a lead medic on B-shift. She obtained her Paramedic Certification from McDowell Technical Community College in 2008. She is the Assistant Coordinator for McDowell County State Medical Assistance Team. Paramedic Parker is also the Assistant Advisor for the McDowell EMS Emergency Medical Explorers. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family on her boat at the lake.

Sgt. Nicole Alexander B.S. NREMT-P, CCEMT-P

Paramedic Nicole Alexander joined the agency in 2010 as a full time paramedic. Her career in EMS began in 2008. A 2010 graduate of Western Carolina University Ms. Alexander obtained her bachelor's degree in Emergency Medical Care. She is a nationally registered paramedic holding certifications in ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, BCLS, and ICS. She enjoys spending her spare time outdoors with family and friends.

Jason McKinney EMT-P
Special Ops Medic


Craig Mace CCEMT-P *US Air Force Veteran*
IT Coordinator * Special Ops Medic

Craig Mace joined McDowell EMS in 2010. He currently serves as a lead medic on A-Shift and also IT Coordinator for the agency. Paramedic Mace attended EMT-P school at McDowell Tech Community College. He holds certifications in Critical Care, ACLS, PALS, PEEP, ITLS, NAEMT Safety and BCLS. He is a NC VIPER programming technician. He is also an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. He is a volunteer with Crooked Creek Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoys spending his spare time with his family.

Nimon Badgley B.S. CCEMT-P, NRP

Paramedic Nimon Badgley began his career in EMS in 2006. He joined McDowell EMS in 2008 and. Paramedic Badgley obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University in 2009. Paramedic Badgley is a National Registry Paramedic with ACLS-EP, PHTLS, PALS,Level I Instructor and BCLS certifications. He is employed as an EMS Instructor with CVCC. Paramedic Badgley enjoys spending his free time golfing.

M. Todd Mullenix B.S. CCEMT-P *US Army Veteran*
Senior Explorer Advisor

Paramedic Mullenix began his EMS career in 1993. He joined our agency in 2007 and currently serves as a part-time paramedic. He is a North Carolina Paramedic with ACLS-EP, PALS, ITLS, AWLS and BCLS certifications. Paramedic Mullenix is an American Heart Association BLS Instructor. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. He is a member of the American Mountain Guides Association. He is the Lead Advisor to the McDowell Emergency Explorer Post. Paramedic Mullenix is a professional rock climber and known for his expertise in wilderness rescue. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and climbing mountains.

Luke Jenkins A.A.S CCEMT-P
IT Coordinator

Paramedic Luke Jenkins, began his EMS career and joined our agency in 2005. He serves as IT Coordinator for the agency. Paramedic Jenkins is a North Carolina Paramedic with the following certifications: ACLS-EP, PALS, ITLS, AMLS, NAEMT Safety and CPR. He obtained his Paramedic Certification from McDowell Technical Community College. Paramedic Jenkins is also a Child Passenger Seat Technician and NC VIPER programming technician. Paramedic Jenkins has an Associates degree in Applied Science in Forestry Management from Haywood Community College. He is a volunteer with the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department.

Kathleen Parks B.S. CCEMT-P, NRP
Explorer Advisor

Kathleen Parks joined McDowell County EMS in 2010. Ms. Parks has a bachelors degree in elementary education. She is graduated from the paramedic program in 2010 from McDowell Tech. Certifications include: NCEMT, BCLS, ACLS-EP, PALS, PEPP and HazMat Operations. She is a volunteer at McDowell County Rescue Squad and is pursuing TR certification. She enjoys spending time with her son, camping, exploring new places, swimming, and reading.

Aaron Wheeler EMT-P

Aaron Wheeler began his career in EMS in 2008 with McDowell EMS. He is a North Carolina Paramedic with ACLS, PALS, ITLS and BCLS certifications. He completed EMT-Paramedic school at MTCC in Dec 2010. He is a volunteer with Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoys spending his free time golfing.

Crystal Byrd Anderson BSN, EMT-P, RN

Photo Not Available

Paramedic Crystal Byrd Anderson began her career in EMS in 1998. She obtained her Paramedic Certification from McDowell Technical Community College in 1998. She is a North Carolina Paramedic with PALS, ACLS-EP, ITLS, and BCLS certifications. Paramedic Anderson has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Winston Salem University and is a Registered Nurse.

Ricky Wright EMT-I

Ricky Wright began his career in EMS in 2003. He joined our agency in 2009. He obtained his EMT-Intermediate from McDowell Technical Community College and has ACLS and BCLS certifications. He is also the Assistant Chief for McDowell Rescue Station 97. Intermediate Wright is a certified Rescue Technician, SCUBA diver, Swift Water Rescue Technician and Hazmat Operations. He enjoys bowling in his spare time.

Dustin Washburn BS. EMT-P
MD Candidate

Paramedic Dustin Washburn began his career in EMS in 2005 and joined our agency in 2006. He is a North Carolina Paramedic with ACLS, PALS, ITLS, and BCLS certifications. Paramedic Washburn is a National Child Passenger Seat Technician. He obtained his Paramedic Certification from McDowell Technical Community College in 2008. He graduated with honors from Western Carolina University where he majored in biologyl. He currently is in Med School at East Carolina University. He is a volunteer with the Ashford-North Cove Volunteer Fire Department. Paramedic Washburn enjoys spending his spare time with family and being in the outdoors.

Chris Burnette EMT-I
No Photo Available
Chris Burnette began his career in 2007. He joined our agency in 2009. He obtained his EMT-Intermediate from McDowell Technical Community College. He is a volunteer with the Marion Fire Department where he has the following certifications: Fire Fighter 2, and Hazmat Awareness. He is currently pursuing an A.A.S degree from AB Tech. He currently works full time with Black Mtn. Fire Dept. He enjoys shooting sports and fishing in his spare time.

Vincent Morgan M.S. EMT-I

Morgan began his EMS career in 2002. He joined McDowell EMS in 2009. He is a North Carolina EMT-Intermediate with certifications in ACLS, PEEP,PALS, BCLS, and ITLS. Intermediate Morgan holds a Bachelor's degree in Geology from Western Carolina University and a Masters degree in Hydrology from West Virginia University. He is a volunteer for Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department and also serves as a NC State Park Ranger at Mt.Mitchell State Park. He enjoys fishing, rowing, hiking, skiing, and working on Jeeps in his free time.

Phillip Tate B.S. EMT-P *US Navy Veteran*

Philip Tate began his EMS career in 2007 when joined our agency. He is a North Carolina Paramedic with ACLS-EP, PALS, ITLS and BCLS. He is a volunteer for McDowell County SMAT, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the Red Cross. He has a degree in Political Science-Industrial Relations from UNC Chapel Hill. He is the Lay Speaker for the First United Methodist Church, former chairman for the Good Samaritan Clinic, and a Board Member of Grace Hospital. Paramedic Tate is the Chair of Trustees of the Marion District First United Methodist Church. He enjoys spending time with his grandson. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, aquatics, scouts, and volleyball in his spare time.

Jeremiah Gaddy B.S. EMT-P *Currently Serving US Air Force*
MD Candidate

Jeremiah Gaddy joined McDowell EMS in 2010. He is a North Carolina EMT Paramedic with ACLS-EP, PALS, ITLS and BCLS certifications. Paramedic Gaddy is a Swift Water Rescue Technician. He has a Bachelor degree in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill and will begin Medical School at East Tenn. State in the fall of 2011. He enjoys hiking, fishing, kayaking, trail running and reading during his spare time.

Daniel White B.S. EMT-P

Daniel White joined McDowell EMS in 2010. He is a NC EMT-Paramedic. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health/Wellness from Gardner-Webb University with a Minor in Sports Medicine. Daniel works closely with MHS and serves as a trainer for high school athletics. He enjoys spending his spare time playing golf, working out, and being with his family.

Scott Whitmoyer CCEMT-P
Special Ops Medic


Scott Whitmoyer joined the agency in 2010. He completed his paramedic schooling at McDowell Tech Community College and obtained his critical care paramedic cert from UMBC . Scott holds certifications in Critical Care, NCEMT-P, ACLS-EP, PALS, ITLS, PEPP, DMS, and Haz-Mat Ops. He is a member of McDowell Rescue. Scott enjoys spending his spare time with his family, friends and playing the guitar.

Brenda Agreda A.A.S. EMT-P


Brenda Agreda was born in Peru and moved to North Carolina when she was 7. She obtained her A.A.S in EMS from CVCC. Brenda joined McDowell EMS in 2010. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family.

Kevin Cunningham EMT-P


Paramedic Cunningham began his career in EMS in 2009 and joined McDowell EMS in 2011. He completed the NC Paramedic program at McDowell Tech Community College in 2010. He holds certifications in ACLS-EP, PALS, PEEP, ITLS, DMS, BCLS, CEVO, and Emergency Vehicle Operations. Kevin has 25 plus years experience in law enforcement as he served as a Peace Officer Park Ranger for several years at the rank of Sergeant. Paramedic Cunningham is an ordained minister, former church Pastor and Chaplain. Kevin is passionate about serving and helping others and enjoys fly fishing, and spending time with his family in his free time.

Kristen Oliver EMT-P

Paramedic Kristen Oliver joined the agency in 2012. She completed her paramedic studies at Mayland Community College. She holds certifications in ACLS-BCLS-PALS-PHTLS- and SCOPE. She is a member at Linville Central Rescue.

Brittany McCormick EMT-P Intern
Brittany joined the agency in 2011 as an EMT-Basic. She is currently pursuing a degree in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University. She is currently a part-time employee and serves as a paramedic intern. In her spare time she enjoys playing the guitar and spending time with family.

Courtney Setzer B.S. EMT-P

Paramedic Setzer began her EMS career in 2009. She joined our agency in 2012 and currently works She earned her bachelors degree from Western Carolina University and currently holds certifications in NCEMT-P, ACLS, PALS, ITLS, BCLS, and NIMS. In her spare time she enjoys spending time on the lake and snow skiing.

Alicia Clayton B.S. EMT-P
Paramedic Clayton began her EMS career in 2010. She graduated from Western Carolina University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Emergency Medical Care. She currently holds certifications in NCEMT-P, ACLS, PALS, BCLS, PHTLS, and CEVO. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family as well as fishing, hiking, and camping.

Aaron Purcell A.A.S NREMT-B *US Army Veteran*
Mr. Purcell joined the agency in 2012 after starting his career in EMS in 2011. He obtained his National Registry EMT-Basic while in the US Army. He earned as associates degress from AB Tech in Asheville. He served in the US Army starting in 2009 and was deployed to Afghanistan where he served as a combat engineer. He is currently enrolled in a paramedic program and serves as a part-time employee for McDowell EMS. He holds certifications in NREMT-B, NCEMT-B, BCLS, NIMS 100-200-700-800. He enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing.

Andrew Pressley EMT-P

Mr. Pressley joined McDowell EMS in 2012. He began his EMS career in 2008 and joined the agency as a full time medic in May of 2013. He volunteers for Glenwood Fire Dept. He is a NC EMT-Paramedic. He holds certification in ACLS, PALS, PEEP, ITLS, EVD, FF I & II, Haz Mat Ops, TR, and OSHA confined space rescue.

Stephen Gray EMT-P

Mr. Gray joined the agency in 2011. He obtained his paramedic certification from McDowell Tech Comm College and holds certifications in the following areas, ACLS-EP, PALS, ITLS, PEEP, BCLS- Instructor. He also volunteers with Lake Lure Fire Dept and Hickory Nut Gorge EMS. Mr. Gray is a full time paramedic with McDowell EMS.

Jacob Leopold EMT-P

Heather Hollifield EMT-P

Steve Wall EMT-P

Matt Lonon NRP, CCP


Heath Wiggins EMT-P
Trey Sinker EMT-P
Brian Lonon NRP, CCP
Gavin Wood EMT-P
Greg Hollifield EMT-P
Heidi Abston EMT-P Intern
Zachary Manley EMT-I
John Williams EMT-P Intern
Corey Webb EMT-P Intern
Stephen Hollifield EMT-P