Alumnus of the year dedicated to patients, lifelong learning

Shane graduated from Inver Hills in 2013 after completing the Paramedic Program and earning his certificate. A few years later, he returned to Inver Hills to complete his Associate of Arts degree. He is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree and will graduate in December, continuing his commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

“I chose Inver because the paramedic program was a top program in the country and had an incredible group of instructors,” Shane said.

One of his main instructors was Dave Page. While several of the instructors who taught Shane are no longer teaching, he credits the program’s strong reputation to the educators who built it through high expectations and meaningful investment in their students.

The road to success

When reflecting on what contributed most to his success at Inver Hills, Shane first points to the people he trained alongside.

“I would say two things really contributed to my success, the first being the people that I attended school with,” he shared. “The paramedic program requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice to be successful, so you grow close to those who you train with. I can say confidently that I would not be where I am today without the people in my paramedic cohort.”

The second major factor, Shane noted, was the instructors themselves.

“They demanded your absolute best and cared about your success both as a student and clinician,” he said. “They wanted to train the best possible paramedics and did so very well. Although it was frustrating at times, looking back I am grateful for the way they approached our education.”

Shane expressed gratitude for the instructors who made a lasting impact on his career, including Dave Page, Jeff Frederick, Daryl Doering, Kevin Johnson, Tia Radant, Dave Ussatis, Terra Ussatis, Tina Minnini, and Ryan Flynn.

College to career

Following graduation in 2013, Shane accepted a full time paramedic position with Gold Cross Ambulance, also known as Mayo Clinic Ambulance, in Duluth, where he worked for approximately eight months. He then transitioned to a full time role with Hennepin EMS. Shane is currently in his thirteenth year with the organization.

Today, Shane works as a paramedic with Hennepin EMS, responding to 911 calls throughout Hennepin County. He provides critical care and transport for acutely ill and injured patients. In addition to his frontline work, he has served as a Field Training Officer for nearly eight years, helping train and mentor new paramedics and EMTs entering the field.

Shane also serves as the union president for the Hennepin County Association of Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians, representing frontline paramedics, EMTs, and emergency medical dispatch staff at Hennepin EMS.

Teaching and staying connected

Shane has remained connected to Inver Hills since graduating. Following completion of the paramedic program, he returned to assist with paramedic and EMT courses and has continued to engage with the program off and on over the years.

When Shane attended Inver Hills, he was fresh out of high school and worked a variety of jobs throughout his EMS training to help support himself. Reflecting on how his education contributed to his professional success, Shane emphasized accountability and effort.

“You get what you put into it,” he said. “I made a lot of mistakes, but the program taught me how to accept feedback and criticism and apply it. That lesson has stuck with me, and it is something I try to pass on to new paramedics.”

Colleague nominates Shane for Alumni of the Year

Shane’s impact has been evident to those who have known him since his time as a student. Sam Erickson, who nominated Shane for Alumni of the Year, first met him at Inver Hills while they were both completing EMT and paramedic coursework.

“Shane was fresh out of high school, but I was impressed by the dedication and commitment he showed to such a consequential profession,” Erickson said. “After graduation, we found ourselves working together at Hennepin EMS, arguably the busiest ambulance service in the state. Again, Shane rose to the occasion using the practical and clinical skills he had learned at Inver Hills to quickly become an excellent paramedic.”

Erickson noted that his decision to nominate Shane was driven by Shane’s leadership beyond the ambulance.

“I decided to nominate Shane for this alumni award after seeing the work he did as a union leader, including testimony and advocacy at the Minnesota State Capitol,” Erickson said. “Shane is truly a model of what Inver graduates can do to make tremendous impact in their communities following graduation.”

Serving others in difficult moments

Shane’s decision to pursue a career in emergency medical services was deeply personal. After losing his father to a sudden cardiac arrest at home, he felt drawn to a profession where he could be present for others during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“I wanted to be there for people in those moments and have an opportunity to make a positive impact,” he shared.

Community and technical colleges are a good investment

When asked what advice he would give to students considering a two year technical or community college, Shane was clear.

“As someone who earned my paramedic certification, worked in the field, and later returned to complete my education, I can confidently say that two year and technical colleges are a worthwhile investment,” he said. “They provide a highly effective pathway into the workforce while also building a strong foundation for long term educational goals. Be proactive and engaged with your education so you can get the most out of it.”

Now recognized as Alumni of the Year, Shane exemplifies the values of Inver Hills Community College through his service, leadership, and continued commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Comments from Dave Page, former Inver Hills EMS instructor

Shane is an exemplary graduate and now leading the Hennepin Paramedic union.  He is an advocate for those who are underserved and a tireless defender of employee rights.

At the state level, Shane has helped re-shape EMS regulation and fought for improved support of families as well as the establishment of a permanent memorial site for EMS providers killed in the line of duty.

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