Superior Ambulance Celebrates 66th Anniversary

Elmhurst, IL – Superior Ambulance Service, a trusted leader in emergency medical services throughout the Midwest, celebrated its 66th anniversary in June! Superior celebrated all month long on social media highlighting some incredible people and their journeys in EMS, showing how they’ve grown alongside the company. 

 
Jessica – Illinois Medi-Car (IMC) Driver to Critical Care Manager

Jessica in her flight uniform

“My EMS career started in 1997 at the College of DuPage when I was contemplating a nursing curriculum and the EMS instructor asked me if I’d rather be in a hospital all day or outside in an ambulance working with the public. The choice was easy! I started my journey as a Medi-Car driver at Superior while I was waiting for my EMT license to be delivered from the state. Soon after I went to paramedic school, then did my critical care class, and a plethora of certifications. 28 years later I still love taking care of our patients! Superior has given me the freedom to choose where I care for people; from the ambulance, the helicopter, and even the jet. Now I get to care for the best of the best staff in the Critical Care division as their manager!”

ChaseChase – IMC Driver to General Manager of Illinois

“I started at Superior back in 2007 as a Medi-Car driver. I had just left a job working at a hotel and was looking for something different. At the time, I was applying to a few local police departments when my uncle – who knew our CEO – asked if I’d ever thought about EMS. I hadn’t, but I figured I’d give it a shot. While driving Medi-Car during the day, I took Superior’s EMT class program at night three times a week. After getting my license, I worked special events and the Elmhurst shift car before moving into dispatch. That’s where I really started to understand how things worked behind the scenes and got to learn from some of the best in the business. Fast forward a few years, and now I help run Illinois operations alongside an incredible team of leaders and clinical staff. Superior’s been a huge part of my life – it’ll be 18 years this July – and I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.” 

 
 
 

Shad began his career at Superior as an EMT, quickly advancing to Paramedic, then Station Manager. Today, he serves as our Special Events Regional Manager, overseeing more than 1,500 concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings each year. As one of the founding team members of our special events division, Shad helped build it from the ground up, and now leads it with vision and purpose. His commitment to EMS and the community continues to leave a lasting impact.

 
Ali smiling in a Superior helicopterAli – Intern to Executive Director of HR, Recruiting and Digital Marketing

Ali’s journey with Superior began back in 2009 as a Governmental Relations and Marketing Intern. Over the past 16 years, she’s grown tremendously, both professionally and academically. From intern to Business Development for Municipal Staffing, then to Project Manager, Regional Director, and now serving as our Executive Director of HR, Recruiting & Digital Marketing, Ali’s career path is a true testament to dedication and growth. Along the way, she also advanced her education, earning both her MBA and MSBA while working full-time at Superior. We’re proud to have leaders like Ali who embody Superior’s values and inspire others through their hard work and passion. 

 
Alex – ALS Day Car to Critical Care Transport (CCT)Alex with Superior's CEO and his partner at the Shamrock Shuffle
“This July marks 30 years with the company, and it’s crazy how fast time has gone by. I’ve worked many different jobs throughout my tenure, starting as a line employee on an ALS day car and eventually working my way into leadership, overseeing two stations. I also had the opportunity to work on our PICU car, which was based out of Lutheran General Hospital. Over the years, I’ve helped out with special events, including being part of the team that worked with the Chicago Bears. Currently, I’m part of our amazing CCT team. The RNs, EMT-Bs, and CCEMTPs I work alongside are second to none. It’s been an awesome ride, and I’m truly thankful for the little family and strong community I’ve been a part of here at Superior. These 30 years have been great, and I’m looking forward to many more ahead. Thank you to all my colleagues! Together, we really are Superior.” 
 
 
 
Val and her partner holding food in front of an ambulanceVal – EMT to IT Manager
“I began my career in EMS by taking my EMT class at Harper College and signed up for my ride time through Superior Ambulance. After a great experience with my ride time crew, I knew I wanted to be part of the team and applied as soon as I got my license. I was an EMT on both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Critical Care Transport (CCT) units. After a motorcycle injury, I transitioned into HR for a six-month period, thanks to a director who took a chance on me. From there, IT saw potential and brought me into the department, where I’ve steadily grown—learning the systems, supporting our teams, and ultimately working my way up to become the IT Manager.” 
 
 
 
Dustin – EMT to General Manager of MichiganDustin and Maurice, a Michigan paramedic, at the AA Star of Life Celebration

“My career in EMS began in 2005, when I moved from Michigan to Chicago. After completing EMT training, I began my journey with Superior. From there, I advanced through paramedic school and critical care classes, supported by an incredible group of mentors and colleagues all committed to providing exceptional patient care. In 2014, an opportunity arose to return to Michigan, where I continued my career serving the outstanding team in our Michigan division. From EMT to General Manager, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside inspiring professionals who motivate me every day. Over the past 19 years, Superior has provided countless opportunities, from delivering world-class care and advocating for the EMS profession, to experiencing moments few others ever do, and celebrating the dedication of the best caregivers in the field. Superior’s 66 years of service are a testament to the remarkable people who have made this organization what it is today. Cheers to each and every one of you who continues to make a difference. Thank you.”

 
Jan standing behind a podium during the AAA Star of Life celebrationJan – EMT to Paramedic

“I began my career at Superior in 1992, as an EMT working a day car. Within a year, I transitioned to the BLS shift car, and on my days off, I helped out in Dispatch and IMC. I used to work 21 days straight before they made me take a day off (don’t tell the Labor Department)! In 1995, I became the first EMT to open a station, Edward Hospital Station 5, all while continuing to work the shift car and manage the station. From 1996 to 1997, I attended the Edward Hospital Paramedic Program and tested into the NWCH system, where I’ve proudly served for the past 28 years. Over the years, I’ve worked a wide range of events, from Sox games and concerts at the United Center and Wrigley Field, to the Chicago Marathon. I even had the opportunity to work on the sets of The Dark Knight and Extreme Home Makeover. One of the highlights of my career was being chosen in 2009 to go to Washington, D.C. for President Obama’s inauguration. In 2023, I was honored with the Star of Life Award, a moment I’ll never forget. I’ve worn many hats at Superior — Station Manager, Assistant Manager, and EMS Coordinator through NWC. I love my job, and I love this company. Thank you to the Hill family for allowing me to be part of the Superior family.”

In addition to social media celebrations, the company also celebrated by sending treats to every station throughout the Midwest. Cake was enjoyed by all as we celebrated another year of making a positive difference in people’s lives!

Superior Ambulance started in 1959 out of the Hill’s family home in Bellwood, Illinois. Since then, Superior has grown to become the largest private EMS provider in the Midwest, serving communities throughout Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana, the Detroit Metro area, Ohio and Wisconsin. Superior is proud of all our employees who have helped this company grow; we thank you for your hard work and dedication. Looking forward to another 66 years and beyond!

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