District
Board Members
Dave Kreutz
President
dkreutz.nfems@gmail.com
Term: May 2027
We're incredibly fortunate to have Dave Kreutz as a board member on our District leadership team. Dave's experience serving on a regional utility board has given us someone who truly understands stakeholder communication and can analyze policies with both precision and empathy.
Dave's engineering background paired with his leadership as president of their farming corporation brings exactly the analytical and executive skills our board needs. Dave sees beyond just numbers to understand real impacts on operations and people—a perspective that enriches our financial discussions.
What makes Dave such a valuable member is his genuine commitment to seeing our community thrive. Dave's expertise in resource management helps us navigate complex challenges while keeping multiple stakeholders in mind. Since joining our board in 2023, Dave has demonstrated the collaborative approach and strategic thinking that aligns with our organization's mission. We're truly grateful for Dave's continued service and the expertise he brings to our team.
Bonnie Eisenberg
Treasurer
beisenberg.nfems@gmail.com
Term: May 2027
EMS is honored to have Bonnie Eisenberg on our board with 24 years of Projects Director experience spanning government, non-profit, and commercial sectors. Bonnie's exceptional board leadership background includes:
Board President - American Association of University Women, Las Cruces Board Vice President - National Women's History Project Board President
- SEIU Local 707 Board Vice President
- National Coalition for Sex Equity in Education Board Vice Chair
- North Fork Senior Connections Board Member/Secretary
- North Fork EMS Board Member
- North Fork Ambulance Association
This extensive governance experience directly aligns with our key Board responsibilities:
Policy Development: Demonstrated through leadership across diverse organizations
Financial Oversight: Proven through multiple board president and vice president roles
Strategic Planning: Informed by comprehensive cross-sector experience
Leadership & Collaboration: Evidenced by consistent executive-level board positions
North Fork EMS greatly benefits from this seasoned governance professional whose service strengthens our organization's mission fulfillment, financial management, and strategic direction.
Peter Pruett
Alt Sec/Treasurer
ppruett.nfems@gmail.com
Term: May 2029
Dr. Peter Pruett's 35-year career as an American Board of Emergency Medicine physician in Colorado provides essential medical expertise for North Fork EMS policy development. Peter's previous role as Medical Director for the North Fork Ambulance Association non-profit ambulance service demonstrates intimate operational knowledge critical for strategic oversight of an EMS organization.
Peter's leadership as a local non-profit president and Air Force Academy graduate provides the financial oversight and executive leadership required. Military service developed disciplined decision-making, while non-profit governance demonstrates collaborative skills for effective partnerships. These experiences equip Peter with the balanced perspective essential for board governance.
Having served on the North Fork EMS board since 2022, Peter brings valuable emergency medical knowledge and community connection, enhanced by his roles as a naturalist and local orchardist. This combination of medical expertise, leadership experience, and community investment makes Peter uniquely qualified to guide the North Fork EMS strategic direction and financial stability while assuring alignment with the emergency medical community.
Blake Kinser
Secretary
bkinser.nfems@gmail.com
Term: May 2029
Bio comming soon...
Ty Clock
tclock.nfems@gmail.com
Term: May 2029
Ty is proud to have been raised in the North Fork Valley and calls Paonia home. He is the third generation to serve with the North Fork Ambulance and he draws on that background and continues to give back to his community.
He has been working as a first responder for over a decade. From starting out as a volunteer driver for the North Fork Ambulance Association, to being a Combat Medic in the United States Army and several EMS occupations in between, he has seen a multitude of different EMS systems and settings.
He currently works full time as a critical care paramedic (FP-C), and as a part-time firefighter/paramedic. Ty also deploys across the nation on wildfire assignments and volunteers his time with the Fire Department in Paonia.
He also holds a bachelor's degree in Emergency Medical Services.
During his time off, Ty enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.
Leadership
District Chief
Kathy Steckel
District Chief ksteckel@nfems.com
970-234-6169
The District Chief serves as the executive leader of North Fork EMS, responsible for the overall direction, administration, and operation of the agency. This leadership role requires strategic vision, financial management expertise, human resource leadership, governance skills, and clinical oversight to ensure high-quality emergency medical services while maintaining fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance.
Kathy Steckel not only meets but also significantly exceeds the qualifications for the District Chief position. Her journey from volunteer EMT to award-winning District Chief exemplifies the dedication and leadership qualities sought in this role. Colleagues consistently praise her forward-thinking approach, proactive leadership style, and unwavering commitment to her community.
What truly distinguishes Kathy is her ability to transform challenges into opportunities. When faced with funding limitations in the membership-based model, she led the successful transition to a Special District. When recognizing gaps in ALS coverage, she implemented innovative staffing solutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she coordinated essential community response efforts.
Kathy's leadership philosophy of "neighbors helping neighbors" has expanded North Fork EMS beyond emergency response into a comprehensive community health service. Her innovative prevention programs in Mobile Integrated Healthcare and Community Paramedicine address the unique healthcare challenges of rural communities and demonstrate her exceptional qualifications as District Chief.
Her recent recognition as EMS Executive of the Year for the State of Colorado further validates her excellence in the position. As one nominator stated, "The words 'It can't be done' are not in her vocabulary" – a testament to the determination and vision that have enabled her to excel as District Chief of North Fork EMS.
Assistant District Chief
Tanya Applegate
Assistant District Chief tapplegate@nfems.com
970-201-3079
As Assistant District Chief, I oversee the operations of both the 911 Division and Community Health Division, bringing over 15 years of emergency medical services experience to this leadership role. My responsibilities include managing district-wide emergency response protocols, coordinating community health initiatives, and continuing to serve as Education Coordinator for our department.
I maintain an active role in the field as an ALS Shift Supervisor, responding to high-priority calls and providing advanced clinical oversight during complex emergency situations. This hands-on approach allows me to stay connected to frontline operations while implementing strategic improvements across our divisions.
Currently pursuing a Master's in Paramedicine Leadership from Creighton University, I hold multiple specialized certifications including Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP), Flight Paramedic-Certified (FP-C), and Certified Community Paramedic (CP-C). I am passionate about advancing emergency medical services through innovative education programs and community-oriented healthcare initiatives.
My professional philosophy centers on continuous improvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring our emergency services meet the evolving needs of our community.
Captains
Hotchkiss Captain
Brandon Pehrson
Brandon Pehrson joined North Fork EMS in 2018 as a Driver and soon became an EMT. Brandon also serves as a volunteer firefighter in Hotchkiss giving him more opportunities to serve our community. Brandon applied for the Captain position because of his desire to train others and to further his own lifelong learning. He has excellent people skills which allow him to both serve his crew and his patients. He is a faithful husband and loving father to three boys. He enjoys ranching, team roping, and welding.
Paonia Captain
Jodi Gannon
My first experience living in the North Fork Valley was in 1976, when my family moved here from Calabasas, CA, as the smog, earthquakes and fires pushed us west. My father was an EMT in Paonia, and I remember the "pages" that were actually the phone (landline) ringing endlessly until someone picked up and shouted "I'm here!". After a stint on the East Coast, I moved back to Paonia in 2002, to raise my son in a more family friendly environment. I worked as an electrician's apprentice, Realtor, and medical massage therapist. I have worked with North Fork EMS since 2018, witnessing the growth of an organization that puts community first, and other like minded crew members who work together tirelessly to provide care for those who need our essential services. I look forward to many more years of service.
Crawford Captain
Drew Felix
Drew joined North Fork EMS in 2016 after retiring from over 29 years of active and reserve military service. He has served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Rifle Company Commander, various staff positions to include logistics and operations and as a Liaison Detachment Commander. He brings a wealth of leadership, training and management experience to the organization and mentorship to the younger crew members. In addition to his duties as the Crawford Station Captain, he is also the Continuing Education Coordinator and one of our Advanced Life Support Shift Supervisors for the District.
Policies
Bylaws
NFAHSD Bylaws
(Contact us for an ADA accessible version of this file.)
Meeting Minutes
North Fork EMS is formed...
On Nov. 6, 2018 voters overwhelmingly approved the establishment of a special district for the North Fork Ambulance. Just over 83 percent of Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford area voters said "yes" to the special district, and a mill levy was established to fund the special district. Five board members were selected -- Gregg Angelovich, Marcus Roeder and Daniel Miller for four-year terms, and Larry Hughes and Bonnie Eisenberg for two-year terms.
After the results were posted, the North Fork Ambulance board of directors expressed its appreciation for the overwhelming support.
"The formation and funding of a special district will provide the core financial support needed to maintain quality ambulance service in three communities, upgrade and replace aging equipment and ambulances and retain and attract on-call staff members and provide them with quality EMS training," said Kathy Steckel, NFA director.
The ambulance service is responsible for responding to all 9-1-1 calls in a 1,500-square-mile area over three counties and does so by maintaining three stations in the region. North Fork Ambulance has been contracted to provide ambulance service for the first six months of 2019 in order to give the newly formed North Fork Ambulance Health Service District time to get many details in order before the actual transition to ambulance service by the District. Currently, July 1st is the goal for this transition. The North Fork Ambulance Health Service District will be using the trade name: North Fork EMS.
Monthly District Board meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11am at the North Fork EMS Headquarters, 110 East Hotchkiss Ave in Hotchkiss. The public is welcome to attend.
For any questions, please call the North Fork Ambulance office at 872-9111.
Mission
North Fork EMS is committed to provide compassionate, excellent, and timely emergency medical services to all people within our service area, and to promote greater health and wellness in our community through non-emergent services and educational programs.
Vision
This organization will strive to meet the ever-changing nature of healthcare, emergency services, and public safety through education, continuous training, and the incorporation of new technologies and services.
Through planning, staffing, and resourcing, we will provide the leadership, EMS management, and educational services necessary to fulfill our commitment to the community. We will do this in a fiscally responsible manner and with the professionalism expected by those we serve.
This vision will allow us to continue as an integral and irreplaceable component of the larger EMS system.
Core Values
- Compassionate, respectful, patient-focused care
- Community oriented injury and illness prevention
- Purposeful investment in the people and tools that improve our efficacy
- An inclusive, welcoming and supportive work environment
- Respect and recognition for the community support and selfless volunteerism that provided our communities with emergency medical services from 1969 to 2019 through North Fork Ambulance Association
Our Service Area
The Service Area currently includes approximately 1,550 square miles, 75 miles of paved two-lane highway and 300 miles of County roads ranging from paved to primitive. The service from Hotchkiss extends west on Highway 92 to Payne Siding, and east on Highway 133 to Paonia. From Paonia, the Service Area continues north up Stephen’s Gulch to the Mesa County Line, and northeast of Paonia on Highway 133 into Gunnison County through Somerset to the top of McClure Pass. The Service Area extends southeast from Hotchkiss on Highway 92 through Crawford and into Montrose County, and runs to Mile Marker 56 at the Gunnison County Line on Black Mesa. The three communities currently served are bound together by a powerful landscape that encompasses mountains, rivers, desert and agricultural land. With elevations that range from 5,000 to 11,000 feet, the area allows for a variety of features. Notable among these features are: The Black Canyon National Park, The West Elk Wilderness, Curecanti National Conservation Area, waterways such as The North Fork of the Gunnison River, the Gunnison River and their major tributaries, the Anthracite, Muddy, Smith Fork and Leroux Creeks. There are also scenic byways that reach past the recreational areas of Crawford and Paonia State Parks.
