Meet NorthStar's Staff
We are slowly but surely adding pictures and brief profiles of our staff members. Kind of a family album. If you don't see your face here, contact Felicia.
Click on the name to see their picture.
MARGARET "PEGGY" BETTS
Peggy was born in Philadephia, Pennsylvania and raised in Medford, New Jersey along with her younger brother Kirk. Peggy came to Oqoussoc on vacation with her parents while growing up and later moved to Maine when her father, Dr. Betts (ER Physician) retired in 1982. Peggy has dedicated 20 years to EMS and currently works full-time for Northstar. Her hobbies include spending time with her bunnies, hiking, kayaking, gardening, shopping and particularly likes the abnormal psychology for serial killers. Peggy describes herself as having an off beat sense of humor.
Gini was born in Farmington and raised in Peru. She grew up with three brothers, Paul, Pete, and John along with four sisters, Becky, Debbie, and Cheryl. Although Gini grew up wanting 13 children of her own, she settled for two. Her oldest son, Brian, is happily married (no grandbabies yet) and her youngest son, Jason, is a freshman in HS. Gini graduated from Livermore Falls HS then went on to earn her BA in Business from the University of Maine at Augusta. She has currently finished up the Paramedicine Program at KVCC in Fairfield. When Gini isn't working in EMS she enjoys spending time with her family, her two schnauzers; "Chao" and "Chief", three cats; "Sable", "Turbo" and "Ben". She also enjoys working in her flower beds, riding her motorcycle, and remodeling.
Corey was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina and raised throughout North Carolina. Corey was given up for adoption at birth and has an adoptive sister in North Carolina and a biological sister here in Maine. His adoptive family and biological family are very close. His biological family brought him back to Maine initially, however, Corey came back to stay last year. He has been married for two years and both he and his wife are performing musicians. Their band, "Phatgrass" plays progressive Blue Grass. Corey enjoys his music and spending time outdoors. Corey was taught a hard lesson as a teenager. He told his Dad he didn't need to go to school. So his Dad made him work in the tobacco fields and later he worked in his Grandmother's cotton fields. Needless to say, Corey went back to school with a vengeance and graduated HS at 16 years old then completed a two year degree (at the top of his class) in Paramedicine by the time he was 18 years old. Corey worked six years in Wake County, North Carolina prior to moving back to Maine last year.
WADE BROWNE
Wade was born in Farmington and raised in New Portland with his brother. He currently resides in Kingfield with his wife Wanda of 16 years. He has two children: Son Jerry who has given Wade two granddaughters and daughter Jessica who has given him one grandson and one granddaughter.
He graduated from Carrabec High School and got into EMS in 1989. He became Full time in 1993. Wade is the Base Supervisor at the NorthStar Sugarloaf Base as well as NorthStar's Billing Coordinator. When he isn't at NorthStar he runs a racetrack for Mini Cup Go-karts, is on the Kingfield Planning Board, is the President of the Pitstop Association of Kingfield and has been an active Member of the Mason's for the last six years. When Wade does have time for himself he enjoys hunting, fishing, boating and riding his Harley.
JOSEPH "JOE" CARPENTER
Joe was born in Morrisville, Vermont and raised in Johnson, Vermont along with his brother, Ben, step-sister; Catherine and two step-brothers; Greg and Ed. He graduated from Lamoille Union HS in Vermont and went directly to Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass. where he recieved a BS in Fire Science. In January 2008 Joe moved to Maine and served one year in the AmeriCoprs Prgram at the NorthStar Phillips Base. He is currently enrolled in the Paramedic Program at KVCC. He is in hopes of finding a full time job in Fire Service and eventually becoming a Fire Investigator. Joe enjoys sports, camping, hunting, snowmobiling and anything outside, particularly in the Summer.
THOMAS "TOM" DOAK
Tom was born in Westerly, RI when his parents lived in Connecticut. He was raised in Rangeley from the age of 1 year old. He graduated from Rangeley High School in 1959. He spent three semesters at Bates College then joined the Air Force for 7 years. When Tom finished up his stint in the Air Force he returned to Rangeley and spent time with his younger brother, 20 years his Junior, while he worked in his Dad's Business for 12 years. Tom started his EMS Career in 1969 and was a founder of the Rangeley Regional Ambulance Service. He later moved to Wilton and owned and operated his own Business; Wilton Plumbing & Heating, was a member of the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Service then started working at Community Emergency Services (CES) in 1989. Tom is married to Elaine and they have five daughters; Sharon, Bonnie, Laura, Kathryn & Diane. He enjoys spending time with family, his cat; "Dude", fishing, sports & golfing. Tom played golf in several tournaments. Most people don't know that Tom did a lot of acting in plays. In his Senior Year in High School he won the Regional One Act Play then came in 3rd in the State - One Act Plays.
HAROLD "CHIP" EAMES
Chip was born and raised on the seacoast of New Hamshire along with one sister. He came to Maine in 2006 from Newington, New Hampshire. He currently resides in Carrabassett Valley with his wife, Donna of 22 years. They have three children. His oldest daughter, Jessica, attends college at UMO; Son, Ben and youngest daughter Emily attend Carrabassett Valley Academy. Chip worked in Sales for 20 years, selling Veterinarian Supplies, he then bought a store (Annie's Market) where he met Chuck Twitchell who talked him into EMS. Chip is currently enrolled in the Paramedic Program and his goal is to become a full time Paramedic for NorthStar. Hobbies include; skiing, hunting, fishing, camping, boating and any other outdoor activities.
Bob was born in Pompton Plaines, New Jersey and raised in Greenville, New York with his younger sister, Debbie. He joined the Air Force directly out of High School and served 6 years in electronics/communications. Bob has traveled all over the world working in the electronics field. He sums up his life as "a jack of all trades" since he has experienced a multitude of various jobs. In 1986 Bob got involved in Fire Services and followed jobs all around the States. Bob married Wendy 14 years ago and then moved to Maine. He then joined the National Guard for 3 years and also took an EMT Class, then moved up to the EMT-Intermedite level where he got hired full time at NorthStar. He has since become a Paramedic and currently works full time at Reddington Fairview and PRN for NorthStar. When Bob isn't working, he likes to take long walks on the beach and play his guitar. He is also a Pilot, an avid Hunter and an expert marksman.
Conley was born in Farmington and raised in the Phillips/Avon area. He was the oldest of four children. He has two sisters - Jean & Betty Lou, as well as a Brother - Robert. Conley graduated from Mt. Abram High School and went into the Military. From 1974-1977 he was in the Air Force as a Weapons Mechanic. He loaded bombs and weapons onto F4 Phantoms in the Phillipines as well as B52s at Strato Fortress at the Loring Air Force Base in Maine. He has been a heavy equipment operator for many years. He has also been in EMS since 1980 reaching the Paramedic level in 1987. Currently, he is a full time employee of NorthStar, a Volunteer Fire Fighter and 1st Responder for the Chesterville Fire Department, a Deputy Sheriff, and lastly he is a reserve Police Officer for Farmington PD with over 19 years of service. Thirty five years ago Conley married his High School Sweetheart, Kentucky. They have two children; a Daughter - Darcy who has two Sons - Timothy & Jonathon, and a Son - Conley III or better known as "Bud" - who has one Son Brandon. When Conley isn't working he enjoys hunting, fishing, woodworking & gardening.
Most people are not aware that Conley has worked for every Public Safety Entity there is since graduating High School!
Rod was born an only child and raised in Vinton, Iowa. He graduated from Washington HS in Vinton and recieved an apprenticeship in cabinet making for four years. After that he went to the University of Iowa and recieved his degree in Paramedicine. Ironically, the only reason Rod got into EMS was because he needed a job and it was something he could do without getting sick! Rod lives in the area with his wife Michaela and their two dogs; "Searcher" (Shepard) and "Talis" (Husky). He also has 1 1/2 Cats; "Grandolf" has only one back leg and "Roo" has two deformed front legs, thus compensating with the two back legs. The cat truly does look like a kangaroo. When Rod isn't working EMS he enjoys cabinet making, car restoration, riding his motorcycle and brewing his own beer and, of course, drinking it.
CORY MORSE
Cory was born and raised in Belfast, Maine along with his two younger brothers, Ryan & Evan. Since kindergarten, Cory and his friends always knew they would one day build a house next door to Cory's parents. As Cory got older his vision never changed and he bought the piece of land that he grew up yearning for and currently resides there with his wife of 9 years and son, Joey - 4 years old.
Cory graduated High school in 1999 and received a degree in Culinary Arts from Southern Maine Technical College. He also attended the Paramedic Academy at KVCC. Cory has been in EMS for 17 years. He is currently employed with NorthStar and is also the Service Chief at Searsport. He is trained in Wilderness Medicine as well as Swift Water Rescues. He is a member of the Waldo County IMAT Team and is a Public Information Officer (PIO). When Cory isn't working he enjoys spending time with his family, doing yard work, hunting, fishing, and boating.
JEREMY O'NEIL
Jeremy was born and raised in Framingham, Massachussetts along with his three sisters and one brother. While attending College in Vermont, his dorm room was over a garage that housed two ambulances. So Jeremy joined the ambulance service thinking it would be a hobby. This particular hobby turned into a full time career after attending Medic School in 1996. Jeremy has been married to Verna for 8 years and has two daughters; Deidre - 6 years old and Adara - 1 year old. He also has one son, Seamus - 4 years old and another son, Joshua Dennis who is scheduled to be born in June. Obviously Jeremy enjoys spending time with his family, as well as farming, using a chainsaw, camping, swimming, brewing beer, making his own maple syrup and being outside.
FLOYD "CHIP" RICHARDSON, JR.
Chip was born in Lewiston and raised in Buckfield. He is the oldest identical twin, but he and his twin Norman "Chuck" are the youngest of the family. Chip has four older sisters; Heidi, Amy, Deirdre, and Kathy. He graduated from Buckfield HS in 1996 and attended one year of College at CMTC in Auburn. Chip seems to wear many hats. He is employed full time at NorthStar as well as full time as the Sales Manager at Northland Holder, Inc. When Chip isn't at one of his full time jobs he Volunteers at Buckfield Rescue, his official title being Deputy Chief. When Chip does take time for himself he enjoys spending time with his dog, Molly, fishing, snowmobiling, sports, watching the news and traveling. Chip stated he has been to Los Angeles, Vegas, Arizona and currently spends time at his Condo in Florida. Chip also says that most people don't realize that he is very shy!
BRETT ROBERTS
Brett was born in Haverhill, Massachussetts and raised in Georgetown, Mass. He graduated from Georgetown High School. He has a BS in Business Management & Economics from UMF/Orono and was part way through his Masters Program when he realized he did not want to sit behind a desk all day. He then decided to take his Paramedic Course through Tri-county and has been working in EMS for 26 years. Brett currently resides in Chesterville and has three daughters; Amanda - 17 years old and starting College in the Fall 2009, Joanna - 12 years old, and Sadie - 10 years old. When he isn't spending time with his family he enjoys hunting, fishing & cooking. He is also a Master Maine Guide and has several "pointing dogs". So anyone interested in bird hunting, Brett's the guy to talk to. Meanwhile Brett says: "Keep Your Nose To The Wind"!
DONALD W. SALM
Don was an only child born and raised in LaGrange, Texas. After graduating High School he proceeded on to Texas Tech where he earned a B.S. in Agronomy (soil/plant science). He then joined the US Air Force. Don was stationed at Reese Air Force Base at Lubbock, Texas where he received his pilot's training. He was then transferred to Active Duty in South East Asia , flying C130's. Once Don completed his Military Tour he was stationed in North Carolina and was a police officer for the Wendell Police Department. After a year he moved back to Texas and worked as a Sales Representative for Agricultural Chemicals. Don then decided being self employed had its perks so he ran his own business for 9 years. In 1983 Don met Penny and they were married in 1986. Shortly thereafter they both became Private Investigators and Don worked on his teaching certificate while working in the Juvenial Detention Center. Don eventually went back to school and earned his Masters in Education Administration. He took a position as the Assistant Principal in West Texas then transferred to an Assistant Principal position here in Downeast Maine. When a job was posted for a Princpal position in Rangeley, Don and Penny headed North where Don worked as the Rangeley High School Principal for 2 years. In 2004 Don and Penny made one more move, to Phillps, Maine where they reside today. They both became Drivers for the NorthStar Phillips Base (aka AMPS at the time), went through the AmeriCorps Program, finished the EMT/EMT-Intermediate Program and Don has just finished the Paramedic Program and is awaiting his State Licensure. When Don is not EMS involved he enjoys being outdoors, cutting firewood, working around the Salm Estate, driving his John Deere Tractor and spending time with his five dogs; Ezar, Gracie, Sidney, Maggie and Emma. He also has two cats; Blondie & Lulu.
HAROLD SCHAETZLE III
Harold was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania and raised in Bluebell, Pennsylvania with his sister; Barbara. Harold came to Maine to visit his family's camp when he was a youngster so when he had an opportunity to purchase a store in 1986 he took it. In the Fall of '97 he married his wife Judy. They have three children; Paige, who lives in Bangor; Abby is a Junior at UMO and Kent is a Freshman at UMO. When Harold is not working he enjoys spending time with his family, pets; Lexi-lou, a golden retriever and three Cats Bella, Zoey and Addison. He also likes to fish, ski, hike, snowmobile and travel. Most people do not realize that Harold has been a Commercial Pilot for 11 years.
MARY "JANE" THORNDIKE
Jane was born at FMH and raised in Phillips, Maine. She continues to live in the family home that she was raised in along with her husband Barry of 20 years and their two sons, Barry II ("Bud") and Parker. Bud is a member of the US Marine Corp, while Parker is finishing up his last year of High School. Jane is a member of the SAD 58 School Board, the Phillips Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Historical Society. Jane started EMS in 1999 as a Driver for AMPS Ambulance. She has worked her way up to the EMT-Intermediate level and is currently the Base Supervisor at the NorthStar Phillips Base. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with her family and four dogs, as well as her husband's 100 or so Roller/Homer Pigeons.
