LINN  — Osage Ambulance District board members extended a thank you to employees for their hard work, dedication, and expertise to the people of Osage, Maries, and Gasconade counties. 

“It is with great pleasure the board offers a big job well done,” board members wrote in a letter presented at OAD’s Christmas awards dinner. “It has been a record year for runs and transports and the expansion in the Ozark Central areas. Our crews are the best, with a paramedic and EMT always available and rendering the best care possible. Whether it is 3 a.m. on a cold, snowy January morning or a 100-degree afternoon with 80 percent humidity, you are there to perform your magic.”

Administrator Josh Krull estimates the district will finish with more than 4,000 calls for service in 2022. Final numbers will be presented at the January meeting.

Board members praised his efforts. “Josh, you are truly the founding father of the Osage Ambulance District,” the letter read. “When we were one paycheck away from being bankrupt, you took the reins and brought us to where we are today. Being highly loyal to the district and a working medic and coordinator for the FEMA deployments, you are and always have been a pleasure for us to support.” 

Krull was recognized for 20 years of service. “I started my career at Osage Ambulance District when I was 15 years old as a volunteer first responder still attending high school,” said Krull, who logged hundreds of hours during his junior and senior years in a work-to-school program. “Working in the capacity of a first responder, EMT, Paramedic, Educator, and the past 10 years as the Chief of EMS has given me the unique understanding and perspective needed to lead and develop the ambulance district into the organization it has become today.”

Krull added that OAD had grown substantially over the last 10 years, and he is extremely thankful for his dedicated leadership team to help meet the district’s mission, vision, and values. “Our board and community have supported us through challenging times, and we will continue repaying that loyalty by offering the highest quality rural healthcare to keep our operations running smoothly,” he said.

Board members addressed the leadership team in their letter.

“Paramedic Supervisors Carrie Hickman and Josh Cohen, it is a great pleasure to have you as our shift captains that keep the crews doing their best work and playing a major role in the smooth day-to-day operation of the district. Billing Manager Kiristi Hicks, without you, we would be in dire straights to keep up with the funding of the district. Your job is a difficult one keeping up with the insurance and billing needs. Administrative Assistant Dana Stuecken, you have done a remarkable job keeping up with all of the administrative duties to keep the district running smoothly and efficiently. Education Coordinator Kelly Johnson, you have done an excellent job keeping everything up to date as well as teaching the EMT class.”

Krull added, “We have some of the best and most caring EMTs and paramedics working for the ambulance district, and I am thankful to call them my extended family. We spend more time together than with our own family.”

Honored for 10 years of service were Hicks, EMT Tina McKinney, and Paramedic Brittany Krull; and those with five years at OAD are Stuecken, EMT Richie Hinz, and EMT/RN Olivia Niekamp.

Some were delayed awards due to COVID.