Ariana Eaton
Deputy Chief

Ariana joined Lyme Ambulance in 2016 as a Driver and in 2017 completed her EMR certification. Her background as a senior care coordinator helped fuel her interest in EMS. She is Deputy Chief of Service and an active Board member. “When I joined Lyme EMS I joined a ‘family’ — a family of amazing, dedicated volunteers.” (Read our interview with Ariana)

Jackie Alix
EMT

An 11-year resident of Lyme, Jackie is a dog breeder and Vice Chairman of CT Delta Waterfowl. She’s also a Corrections Officer at the York Correctional Institute in Niantic. She chose to join Lyme Ambulance because, “helping others comes naturally to me, and this will expand my ability to help those in crisis. She was certified as an EMT in 2020.

Heather B.
EMT

Heather and her husband and three dogs have lived in Lyme since 2018. In addition to being a full-time lawyer, Heather answered the call for volunteers and joined Lyme Ambulance. She was EMR-certified in 2021 and recently received certification as an EMT. “It’s great being part of a team that helps people when they need it most.”

Heidi Bill
EMT

A retired cardiac nurse, Heidi has volunteered as a Lyme Ambulance EMT for 18 years. She values self sufficiency, growing and preserving her own fruits and vegetables, and rumor has it she loves to knit too 🙂 Asked for her thoughts on joining LAA: “There are some wonderful people who give time and energy to help folks in town and they are an inspiration to me. If you like where you live and want to keep it that way, volunteer!”

Tom Darna
EMT (previous Chief of Service)

As an experienced EMT, Tom is keenly aware of the importance of rapid response in a life-threatening medical emergency. That, coupled with his commitment to community service, helps explain why Tom has volunteered his time and talent to the town of Lyme for more than two decades, providing skilled aid and caring support when people need it most. No wonder Tom was twice elected Chief of Service.

Jason Howell
EMR

Certified in 2021, Jason was motivated to train as an EMR after being first on the scene of an accident: He wanted to learn how to do more than just call 911 and provide what comfort a bystander could. A master carpenter, avid hiker, and organic gardener, Jason credits his early training as a lifeguard with teaching him the importance of staying calm and knowing the steps to take in an emergency.

Dan Labriola
EMT

For Dan, public service is a family tradition. His father was a police officer and Deputy Fire Chief. Dan is a certified EMT and joined Lyme EMS in 2001. He’s also a certified security officer and a carpenter. Dan is married with three daughters, and in his free time, he enjoys boats, motorcycles, cars — and helping people.

Ed McCusker
EMR

Ed’s belief in service has guided his life choices, from a career in education, to almost 40 years with the Lyme Fire Company, to joining Lyme EMS in 2009. Longtime Lyme residents, Ed and his wife, Marie, have been active volunteers throughout because, “Volunteering is what makes this town work.”

Tracy McKee
EMR

Tracy joined Lyme EMS in 2020 as a Driver and then completed her EMR certification. Her experience on the Foundation Board of Overlook Medical Center and her own experience with the healthcare system as a mother and patient motivated her to become involved in EMS.

Carie Tonovitz
EMT

After traveling the world, Carie and her husband and their three children (and dogs and cats) settled in Lyme. Building on her background in healthcare and nutrition, Carie transitioned to EMS and was certified as an EMT in 2020.

Erik Eisensmith
Driver Training Manager

Judy Brault
Hospitality

Beverly Crowther
Historian

Jerry Ehlen
Plan Coordinator

Colleen Atkinson
EMT, EMSI, Community Education Instructor

Doug LoPresti
EMT, EMSI, Community Education Instructor