Jim receiving the Stars of Life Award from AAA President, Mike Hall
Photo Credit – Sechler Photography
There were three standing ovations at the 2015 American Ambulance Association (AAA) Stars of Life Celebration Awards banquet, in Washington D.C. One ovation was for the recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award. One ovation was for a “Star of Life” that was deployed on active military duty. And the final standing ovation was for James K. “Jim” Rattunde, NREMT, who was one of 87 emergency services personnel recognized for outstanding service and dedication of the nations’ top ambulance service professionals.
“Honoring Our Own National Treasures” was the theme of the event this year, with the Star of Life award being presented to paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and emergency medical dispatchers in the emergency medical services field who demonstrated a strong commitment to their patients, clinical quality, and service excellence.
The AAA’s Stars of Life Celebration included a full itinerary of education and advocacy opportunities, meeting with some of the most influential members of the EMS industry, and spending an entire day on Capitol Hill meeting with representatives from the State of Wisconsin to discuss critical legislative issues impacting the EMS industry.
Jim Rattunde, who is well known and respected by many EMS personnel in the State of Wisconsin, was given the 3rd standing ovation at the AAA Stars of Life event as a small token of appreciation for his 41 years of loyal service in public safety—which began in 1973.
Jim started as a police officer and a deputy sheriff. In 1975, he joined the local volunteer fire department, and became a firefighter/EMT. Over the years, Jim rose in rank, and was appointed EMS Chief in 2008.
Jim was considered progressive for his time—implementing an on-line EMS management system, which helped the crews to cover shifts, and respond to a record amount of 9-1-1 emergency calls, and inter-facility transfers.
Over time Jim saw the need and benefits of partnering with a full-time Paramedic ambulance service. In 2010, he contacted Baraboo District Ambulance Service to figure out a way to assist with staffing coverage—as well as provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) to his community. Jim worked tirelessly through all the discussions, politics, and negotiations. Due to his dedication, Paramedic level service was provided to his community.
Baraboo EMS hired Jim to work as a staff EMT in the Fall of 2012. Jim works alongside his co-workers at Baraboo EMS with great enthusiasm and respect. He has a very high work ethic, and leads by example. When on shift, Jim is the first person to go out and perform rig checks, and looks for areas to serve outside his normal duties. Jim is also known to make breakfast for the entire crew.
In 2013, Jim was the recipient of the first annual Baraboo EMS “Chief’s Award” in recognition of all the hard work that Jim has accomplished—all the while maintaining a positive attitude. Jim enjoys patient care, and truly places the person first, when treating them.
In addition to his passion for EMS, Jim has participated in other community activities, including serving as:
• Village of Necedah President
• Board Member for the Mile Bluff Medical Center
• Volunteer Landscaper for the Old Mill Park
• Volunteer Groundskeeper for St. Francis of Assisi
• School Board Member, Necedah Area Schools
Jim’s dedication to the above listed endeavors are second only to his family (Wife—Ramona, and children—Ryan & Angela Rattunde, and Daniel & Rebecca Golson, as well as his 5 grandchildren).
Baraboo District Ambulance Service is proud to recognize 2015 AAA “Star of Life” James “Jim” K. Rattunde.
James K. “Jim” Rattunde