| ABOUT US | Board of Directors
President - Bernard (Bernie) Stafford  Bernie began his EMS career in 1973 on a small town volunteer service as a driver/attendant then In 1974 earned his EMT-B and LVN License. He attended TCOM in the early 80's for Paramedic training taught by Bryan Bledsoe. Over the years Bernie worked for several emergency services and is a former EMS Coordinator and Asst. Director for EMS Programs at the University of Texas at Arlington. Currently employed with Parker College, Bernie is Health and Safety Officer and teaches in many areas of the curriculum. He is a member of TX4 DMAT, having been deployed to hurricanes and to Ground Zero. Bernie is among the original founders of the Foundation.
Vice-President - Alejandro Garcia  Al became a firefighter in 1976 while enlisted in the Airforce. He certified as a Texas EMT-B in 1977 and achieved paramedic in 1980. In 1983 Al was certified as a TDH Advanced Coordinator. He gained his Licensed Paramedic in 2000. Al Started his career in private life with the Wichita Fire Department where he still works today. He is also the program director of the EMS Professions Dept. at Vernon College. Al is a GETAC Education Subcommittee member, has served and continues to serve on numerous EMS related boards and committees.
Treasurer - David Luther  David received a B.S. in 1965 from the University of Houston majoring in Police Administration, then a Juris Doctor in 1968 from South Texas College of Law. Formerly employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Angelina County Sheriff’s Dept., Houston Police Dept., and the Galveston Police Dept., David has been an expert witness in fingerprint identifications, hypnosis & false memory syndrome cases. David serves as Commissioner for Travis County Emergency Services District #3 (since 1995) and is a volunteer firefighter with Oak Hill Fire Department. He earned his first Texas EMS certification in 1996 and became a Texas Licensed Paramedic in 2001. David is a diver, former helicopter and fixed wing pilot, hypnotist, magician and balloon artist.
Mike Hatfield - Secretary Mike chose EMS as a career, and received his training in 1989 in Fayetteville NC, where he began with the local volunteer rescue squad. After completing Paramedic training, he worked with Fayetteville EMS. He later became an EMS instructor, and designed, coordinated and taught numerous courses at Ft. Bragg, NC, teaching both civilians and military personnel. Since returning home to Texas, he has worked in urban, rural and frontier settings, and is currently working with Refugio County EMS. Mike also sits as the Chair for the Performance Improvement Committee for RAC Service Area U.
Donald (Don) Elbert  Don is a Texas Licensed Paramedic, EMS/C, Education Coordinator for East Texas Medical Center EMS, Regional BTLS Coordinator (region 7) and State BTLS Board Member; American Heart Assn. ECC Committee Member. Don started his EMS career in 1974, received Paramedic training in 1975-76, then became involved in EMS education in 1978 and a state coordinator in 1982. He has served as Education Coordinator for East Texas Medical Center-EMS since 1982 and is the Education Coordinator for EMStock. Don has served (and continues to serve) on numerous local and state committees.
Dr. Bryan Bledsoe  Dr. Bledsoe is a prolific EMS author, lecturer and popular conference speaker. A former EMT, paramedic, paramedic instructor, and EMS Medical Director, he is an emergency physician with over 30 years experience in EMS and emergency medicine. Dr. Bledsoe is the author of numerous EMS textbooks, magazine and journal articles. His research interests include evidence-based medicine for EMS and outcome studies of many EMS practices. He is among the original founders of the Foundation and The Gene Weatherall Memorial Texas EMS Reunion and Chili Cook-off [EMStock]. Dr. Bledsoe is a struggling chili chef who shamelessly continues to enter the competitions.
Donn Barnes  Donn is a Texas Licensed and Nationally Registered Paramedic and 30-year veteran of safety and health, both for private industry and public service. An employee of Transocean Offshore & International, Donn has served as Safety and Training Coordinator for rig operations in Brazil, Trinidad and Coté de Ivore (Ivory Coast). He has served and continues to serve on numerous EMS, public health and safety related committees, both in public and private industrial arenas. Donn is a GETAC Data Informatics and Research taskforce member and he is among the original founders of the Foundation and of The Gene Weatherall Memorial Texas EMS Reunion and Chili Cook-off [EMStock]. Donn is an accomplished outdoor chef and award-winning chili cook.
FORMER BOARD MEMBERS
Mike Reed
Served 2000 - 2003
Keith Tate
Served 2001 - 2003  Keith is a Texas Licensed Paramedic who started his career in 1988 at the Flint-Gresham V.F.D., Flint, Texas. He graduated with an AAS in EMS from Tyler Junior College and has worked in numerous EMS related fields including, dispatch, field EMS, industrial / occupational health & safety, inmate healthcare, hospital emergency department, teaching and Instructing. Keith is currently a Firefighter with the City of Tyler, Texas. He is among the original founders of the Foundation and of The Gene Weatherall Memorial Texas EMS Reunion and Chili Cook-off [EMStock]. Keith remain active in EMStock as our International Chili Society liaison and Chair of the Chili Cook-off committee.
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