Honoring EMS in South Carolina 

Exemplary Service and Dedication in EMS 

Allen Steele’s career in emergency medical services and the military represents a lifelong dedication to service, resilience, and mentorship. Growing up in a family with a strong tradition of military service, primarily in the U.S. Navy, Steele developed a deep commitment to his country at an early age. Although he could not enlist immediately after high school, Steele’s desire to serve led him to join the Lake Robinson Rescue Squad, where he discovered a passion for EMS.

Steele’s commitment to serve at a higher level ultimately led him to enlist in the U.S. Army in 2004 as a Combat Medic. His role in the military allowed him to combine his EMS expertise with his dedication to country, bringing him to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he honed his skills and developed a calm, effective approach to high-stakes care. In Afghanistan, Steele worked alongside the Afghan Border Patrol and the Afghan Red Cross to establish an Afghan Medic program, inspiring him to pursue teaching and innovation in healthcare. Observing local medics’ resourcefulness in delivering care with limited supplies underscored the importance of adaptability, a lesson that continues to guide his work in EMS today.

After completing his military service in 2015, Steele transitioned to civilian EMS, joining Medshore Ambulance Service. In EMS, Steele found a new community of colleagues with a strong sense of camaraderie and shared mission. While the unique brotherhood of military service is irreplaceable, EMS has provided Steele with a close second, where he and his colleagues remain unified by their commitment to high-quality patient care.

Today, Steele continues to serve as an EMT and Field Training Officer with Guardian Ambulance in Florence, South Carolina. His diverse experiences in both military and civilian EMS provide him with the insight and expertise to mentor and train new EMTs, passing on his knowledge to future generations. Through Guardian Ambulance’s partnership with VA hospitals across the state, Steele also has the privilege of working directly with veterans, using his military background to create a connection and sense of trust with those he serves.

In recognition of his exemplary contributions to EMS, Guardian Ambulance, part of the Priority Ambulance family, is proud to announce that Steele has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2024 American Ambulance Association (AAA) Stars of Life Award. The Stars of Life Award honors EMS professionals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to service, and Steele’s journey, spanning over two decades, embodies that standard of excellence. From his beginnings as a volunteer with Lake Robinson Rescue in 1996, Steele’s career has been defined by compassion, adaptability, and a relentless dedication to his profession.

Allen Steele’s path from military service to civilian EMS and the esteemed Stars of Life Award exemplifies a legacy of service that will continue to inspire his colleagues and those he serves. His journey reflects the highest ideals of the EMS profession—dedication to community, resilience in the face of challenges, and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

A Lifetime of Dedication and Service

From a high school senior embarking on his EMT journey to a seasoned EMS professional with nearly 50 years of experience, Mark Self's dedication to service is as inspiring as it is remarkable. His story began in June 1975, when he graduated and entered the U.S. Navy, soon beginning his path as a Hospital Corpsman at the Naval Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. There, Mark honed his skills in the Intensive Care Unit, providing care for patients of all ages and conditions, from neonates to neurosurgery cases.

His transition to the Emergency Department marked a pivotal point in his career. Driven by a desire to expand his knowledge and skills, Mark enrolled in paramedic school while balancing his demanding Navy schedule. The classes were rigorous, with 8-hour sessions each Monday through Saturday, followed by 4-hour clinical rotations. Without formal paramedic textbooks, Mark relied on hand-written notes, diligently studying in his spare time. Some weeks, he was awake for over 56 hours at a stretch, balancing work and training with a determination few could match.

In March 1978, Mark earned his paramedic certification, a milestone that set him on a lifelong path of service to South Carolina communities. Over the years, he worked in diverse settings, from rural and volunteer services to large urban EMS and fire-based combination services. While he remains a “street medic to the core,” Mark also embraced leadership roles as an EMS Director, training officer, and educator, leaving a lasting impact on countless EMTs and paramedics.

His commitment to EMS extends beyond the field. Mark is an active member of the South Carolina EMS Association, serves as Vice Chair of the SC EMS Foundation, and participates on multiple committees, including the Training Committee and the Medical Control and Advisory Committee. These roles allow him to shape the future of EMS, sharing his invaluable experience and advocating for the highest standards of care in South Carolina.

Reflecting on his journey, Mark jokes about his two attempts at retirement that "never seemed to stick." It’s clear that EMS is more than a career for him; it’s a calling. Mark’s son honored this legacy by commissioning a custom plaque that beautifully represents his father’s dual dedication to both EMS and the military—a testament to the depth of Mark's service.

As Mark approaches his 50th year in EMS this February, we celebrate not only his achievements but the unwavering commitment that has defined his career. His journey reminds us of the resilience, compassion, and dedication that embody the very best of EMS.

Bridging Military Service and Community Care 

Corey’s journey in service began at just 17 when he joined the South Carolina Army National Guard as a Combat Medic. After training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, he returned home to work full-time at Kershaw Health EMS and Capital City Ambulance, fully embracing his career in emergency medical services.

Just six months into his EMS career, Corey was called to deploy to Afghanistan, where he served in various roles supporting combat units. During this time, he trained with local contractor paramedics, earning certifications in ACLS and PALS. This experience ignited his passion for teaching, and upon returning home, he became a Field Training Officer for new EMTs at Kershaw County EMS, steadily advancing his skills through Army-related critical care and trauma training. His dedication led him to achieve his National Registry Advanced EMT certification.

In 2016, Corey’s expertise led him to assist in creating the South Carolina Army National Guard Medical Training Team. As Chief Instructor and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, he helped redesign continuing education for Combat Medics across the Army, ultimately instructing over 1,000 medics and contributing to key advancements in training methods. Among his proudest contributions were hosting the first-ever Perfused Cadaver Lab for National Guard medics and establishing Clinical Practice Guidelines for battlefield Fresh Whole Blood Transfusions—an initiative with life-saving potential.

Now, as he transitions from active duty, Corey serves as the Medical NCOIC (Senior Medic) for the 133rd Military Police Company in Timmonsville, South Carolina, and remains a dedicated member of Central Berkeley Fire & EMS. Corey’s story is a powerful example of resilience, dedication, and the far-reaching impact of one individual’s service. His journey reflects the courage and sacrifice of so many, reminding us of the selflessness that lies at the heart of both EMS and military service.

Early Beginnings: A Call to Serve

Alonzo Smith's journey in EMS began over four decades ago, spurred by a desire to care for his two young sons. What started as a practical decision soon blossomed into a deep-seated passion for positively impacting people's lives and communities. Transitioning from a counselor to an EMT, Alonzo found fulfillment in providing emergency medical treatment to those in need.

Navigating Diverse Roles and Responsibilities

Throughout his illustrious career, Alonzo has worn many hats within EMS, each role contributing to his wealth of experience and expertise. From administering emergency medical treatment as an EMT to providing advanced life support as a Paramedic Crew Chief, Alonzo's journey has been marked by dedication and proficiency. His tenure as a State EMS Director stands as a testament to his leadership and vision in shaping statewide emergency medical systems and programs.

Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration

Alonzo's journey has not been without its challenges. Yet, he has met each obstacle with resilience and a systematic approach to problem-solving. By fostering open communication and collaboration among EMS stakeholders and the medical community, Alonzo has navigated complex issues with clarity and resolve. His commitment to inclusive decision-making has ensured that all voices are heard and considered in driving positive outcomes.

Balancing Emotional Demands Through Self-Care

In a field as demanding as EMS, managing the emotional and psychological toll is paramount. Alonzo emphasizes the importance of self-care, advocating for breaks, physical activity, and rest as essential components of maintaining well-being. By prioritizing his mental and emotional health, Alonzo approaches each day with renewed energy and readiness to tackle challenges head-on.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As Alonzo reflects on his extensive career in EMS, his advice to aspiring professionals is simple yet profound: embrace dedication, skill, and passion. He encourages them to stay abreast of evolving procedures and technologies, adapt to change, and actively seek solutions. Above all, he urges them to seize opportunities, become leaders in EMS, and embark on a journey of growth and fulfillment.

A Legacy of Dedication and Impact

Today, we honor Alonzo W Smith for his remarkable 44-year journey in EMS. His unwavering commitment, leadership, and compassion have left an indelible mark on the EMS community. As we celebrate his achievements, let us be inspired by his example and strive to uphold the highest standards of excellence in our own endeavors.

Early Beginnings: A Call to Serve

In 1972, Doug Warren began his journey in emergency medical service (EMS) as a volunteer with the Student Association Volunteer Ambulance Corps of Oswego (SAVAC). Little did he know, this would mark the start of a longstanding commitment. Over the years, Doug has held various positions including dispatcher, EMT, paramedic, and director for many agencies, as well as serving as president of SCEMSA before Henry Lewis. Although Doug no longer serves in the field, he continues to serve as chairman for the Lowcountry Regional EMS Council. With each passing year, his commitment to excellence and advancement in care only grows stronger, ensuring a brighter future for the field of Emergency Medical Services.

The Evolution of Motivation

Why EMS? It’s simple—a calling to serve. Over the years, Doug's motivation evolved into a quest for excellence. Whether as a provider or director, his goal remained constant: to deliver the highest standard of care. This drive led to achievements like CAAS accreditation and transformed agencies for the better. His journey wasn’t just about personal milestones but about empowering others to serve their communities with distinction.

Facing Challenges Head-On

EMS isn’t for the faint-hearted. From earning trust in the early days of paramedicine to navigating funding and reimbursement hurdles, challenges were aplenty. Yet, the most significant test came during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden surge in calls, coupled with staffing shortages, pushed him to his limits. It was a wake-up call for leadership to evolve, value, and engage team members like never before.

Managing the Emotional Toll

Doug emphasizes that EMS isn’t just about physical resilience but emotional fortitude. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing became his lifeline, helping him process the trauma of harrowing calls. But some memories linger, reminding him of the fragility of life. Doug found solace in diverse interests outside of work, from community theater to faith-based communities. They provided a much-needed balance to the intensity of EMS.

Advice for the Next Generation

To aspiring EMS personnel, Doug's advice is to dive in wholeheartedly. Be relentless in your pursuit of excellence and never stop learning. But remember, life isn’t just about work. Nurture relationships, prioritize self-care, and find joy beyond the ambulance. As for EMS leaders, create pathways for clinical growth by developing a clinical career path and always acknowledging the vital role of emergency medical service providers.

Doug attributes much of his success to his family's unwavering support. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system at home, believing it to be crucial for personal well-being and professional achievements.