MANCHESTER — On July 31, 2014, five EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth ASM and Aetna seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

Tom Carey:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Thomas Carey and I am 22 years old. I lived in East Hartford until I was 11 years old and then moved to South Windsor. I have always had a passion for helping others which is what drove me to public safety in the first place. Growing up I wanted to be everything a veterinarian, a zoo keeper, and even a paleontologist. Animals are one of my biggest passions in life. When I was in high school I was in a program called Kids N’ Critters, where we brought snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, toads, and frogs to elementary schools to teach children about the animals and what to do when they see one. I have handled all sorts of creatures, from snakes that are larger than I am to even alligators. I wanted to become a police officer for the ASPCA to protect animal rights, and that’s when I began my education into criminal justice at Manchester Community College. I also joined the South Windsor Fire Department and realized how much I enjoyed being a fireman. Since my membership I have completed Fire 1, Fire 2, and have been chosen to be a member of the departments Rescue Squad. My career choice had changed and now I want to become a Career Firefighter. So now here I am a member of ASM and I couldn’t be happier to be working in a field that I want to be in. Although the job will take up much of my time I am still looking into volunteering at an animal shelter of some kind as well as being involved in the fire service.

Jeff Hornish:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jeff Hornish.  I am 55 years old and live in South Windsor. I have a daughter who is an EMT and works at St Francis Hospital’s ED as a tech, and a three year old grandson (who calls me “B”).  Born and raised in South Windsor, I enjoy camping and hiking.  I went through a number of jobs until I found my career in EMS. I started as an EMT with the South Windsor Ambulance Corps on 8/8/2001.  Over the years I’ve had many pleasant experiences working with ASM employees on intercept calls.  I am very happy to be able to continue my EMS career working with those same people.  I am very impressed by the professionalism and camaraderie here at ASM.  I also plan to advance my career by becoming a Paramedic at ASM.

Tom MacLean:   FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Tom MacLean, I’m 24 years old and live in Vernon CT. I graduated Xavier High School in Middletown CT and went on to study Business Administration at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY. I did some volunteer work in the Vernon Fire Department in High School and really enjoyed the experience as a whole. In college, I became very business-minded and stepped away from EMS for awhile, but always missed the passion I felt in providing a service that really helped people. After working in the insurance industry for a couple years after school, a great opportunity opened up for me to complete my EMT certification. I went for it, and could not be happier with my decision. Outside of work, I like hanging out with my two boxer dogs and just having a good time. I’m a big New York sports enthusiast, and have always been a life long Yankee and Jets fan. Recently, I’ve also gotten pretty big into boxing – I love the discipline and it’s a great work out. I look forward to working at ASM and can’t wait to get to know everyone.

Keith Ringuette:  FULL TIME, EMT. Hello my name is Keith Ringuette. I am 22 years old and I am from Eastford, CT. I recently graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut in Allied Health Sciences and I’m excited to have a career in the job field I have been studying. Before UConn I attended Quinebaug Valley Community College where I graduated with Honors with my Associate’s Degree. I have lots of hobbies that include reading, playing videogames, and playing or watching any kind of sport. I obtained my EMT-B in 2012 after taking a course with Code One in East Hartford, CT. Both sides of my family have always been heavily involved in the medical field helping others, with their licensure ranging from LPN to Physician. I hope to continue my family’s legacy by getting experience as an EMT-B which will help me with my future goals of becoming a PA or nurse. If I were to get into graduate school I plan to join the military on scholarship so I can travel all over the world to open my horizons to the healthcare situations in other countries. My ultimate goal would be to become a PA in Orthopedic surgery aiding surgeons with surgical procedures.

Joey Startup:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Joey Startup and I live in East Hartford.  I come from a firefighter background in the CT Air National Guard.  I’ve served for about 11 years now and will retire at my 20 year mark. I’m proud to have served four tours.  About five years ago I started practicing as an EMT at the professional level working for a commercial service in Meriden for about four years before making the move to ASM.  I am currently attending school in MCC getting my prerequisites finished for a nursing career.  I have a dog named Sasha that is my life and is spoiled to death.  I am very excited to begin my career at ASM and get to know the ASM team.