Osage Ambulance District Education Coordinator Named 2025 Instructor of the Year by MEMSA
LINN, MO — Osage Ambulance District proudly announces that Education Coordinator Kelly Johnson has been awarded the 2025 Jack Lyon Instructor of the Year Award by the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA). This prestigious recognition highlights her leadership, innovation, and tireless commitment to advancing EMS education in Central Missouri.
Since joining Osage Ambulance District, Kelly has played a pivotal role in turning a long-standing vision into reality—expanding access to high-quality EMS education in rural communities. Under her guidance, the district launched a satellite partnership with MU EMS Education in Columbia, making paramedic-level training accessible locally for the first time. She later led the creation of the region’s first in-seat Advanced EMT program, now in its second year and already making a measurable impact on provider availability and prehospital care throughout Osage, Maries, and Gasconade counties.
Beyond program development, Kelly coordinates all certification and continuing education for the district’s 55 EMS providers and oversees CPR certification for students at the local technical college. She works directly with instructors and academic departments to ensure training aligns with evolving standards and best practices.
“Kelly’s work is not only elevating the capabilities of our EMS teams but is also directly improving patient care throughout the region,” said Chief Daniel Smith. “We’re incredibly proud to see her efforts recognized on a statewide level.”
Each year, MEMSA accepts nominations for its annual awards, which honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to high-quality patient care and improved patient outcomes across the emergency care continuum—including prehospital services, emergency departments, transportation, and Mobile Integrated Healthcare. Awards are presented during MEMSA’s annual membership meeting at the Missouri EMS Conference & Expo.
Nominations are open to the public and may be submitted year-round; however, they must be received by May 31 of the award year to be eligible. Please note that recipients cannot win the same award category more than once every three years.
Osage Ambulance District congratulates Kelly Johnson on this well-deserved honor and her continued dedication to the future of EMS in Missouri.
