Postuchow earns top honors in state as AEMT of the Year

Jackey Postuchow of Sayner, who serves on Plum Lake Emergency Medical Services (EMS), has been recognized as the 2025 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) of the Year by the Wisconsin EMS Association.

Postuchow was chosen for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service to her community. According to a press release from Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) announcing the award, “Postuchow’s path into EMS, her exceptional call volume, and her transformational efforts in rural healthcare have made her a standout provider whose impact reaches far beyond traditional expectations.”

Postuchow entered EMS after more than 20 years of providing end-of-life care, bringing with her a profound sense of compassion and a deep understanding of patient needs.

Seeing the growing shortage of EMS providers in her rural area, she completed her EMS training and went on to earn her AEMT certification, driven by a personal commitment to ensure her community had access to high-quality emergency care.

“In 2024, that commitment was unmistakable; Jackey responded to 89% of all EMS calls for her department,” WEMSA said. “Her presence, reliability, and clinical skill have made her a vital lifeline for the residents she serves.

“But Jackey’s influence extends far beyond responding to emergencies. As (Plum Lake) town chairman, she led one of the most impactful healthcare initiatives in her community’s history, securing a $4.25 million grant to build a new municipal facility with dedicated space for telemedicine and EMS training.

The project will significantly expand access to care in what Jackey describes as a ‘healthcare barren area,’ directly improving emergency response and long-term health outcomes.”

Her efforts to grow the future EMS workforce are equally impressive. Facing a critical volunteer shortage, Postuchow has turned her attention to recruiting new students to enroll in EMS classes in an effort to boost participation.
“Her leadership ensures that emergency care in her community will remain strong for years to come,” WEMSA added.

Postuchow’s passion for education also reaches young people. She has made herself available to teach first aid to local Girl Scouts, one of whom recently used those skills to help an injured athlete at a school event. Inspired by the experience, that scout is now training as a junior EMS recruit — a direct reflection of Postuchow’s influence on the next generation of caregivers.

In the field, she is known for exceptional critical thinking, strong communication, and remarkable compassion. After responding to a call for a patient who could not leave his home due to mobility challenges, she organized a volunteer crew to build a handicap-accessible ramp, restoring the patient’s independence.

“This level of care exemplifies her approach: meeting medical needs while addressing the human needs that surround them. Jackey Postuchow embodies the very best of what it means to be WEMSA’s Advanced EMT of the Year. Her tireless service, innovative leadership, community advocacy, and compassionate care have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people,” the association said.

Postuchow will join other emergency personnel from across the state to be presented her award during the 40th annual EMS Conference and Expo scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, in Green Bay.

“Each and every day across Wisconsin, over 20,000 EMS responders serve our state and communities with profound professionalism, care and compassion,” said Chanse Kaczmarski, president of the WEMSA Board of Directors. “This year, Wisconsin providers have nominated their compatriots who they feel rise above the everyday excellence of all of our responders and we recognize the service of these exemplary EMS providers with these awards. These award recipients serve as an example that one person or agency can make a difference in their community and in EMS. I thank them for their remarkable service.”

Alan DeYoung, executive director of WEMSA, said Postuchow and the other honorees recognized across the state “remind us what true service looks like.”

“Their commitment to their communities, their patients, and their colleagues exemplifies the spirit of EMS in Wisconsin. We are honored to recognize individuals and organizations who consistently go above and beyond to protect and uplift the people they serve,” he said.