Crafton Hills College Heroes Honored at 2024 California EMS Awards - Crafton Hills College

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Courageous. Committed. Ready. Dependable. These words define California’s 86,000 certified EMS providers—individuals who dedicate their lives to saving others. Each year, a few are honored for exceptional bravery and serv.

At the 2024 California EMS Awards, held June 4, 2025, by the State of California-Emergency Medical Services Authority, six outstanding Crafton Hills College representatives were recognized for their remarkable contributions to the field.

  • 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 – 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥

Chief Mike Smith, a Crafton Hills College alumnus and Foundation Board member, has dedicated over 40 years to advancing EMS, from responding to the 9/11 disaster to advocating for legislative changes. He continues to support EMS education and students at Crafton Hills College.

  • 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐫 – 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫

A recent graduate of Crafton Hills College’s paramedic program, River Casner sustained severe burns while rescuing individuals from a burning vehicle. His bravery underscores the life-saving commitment of Crafton Hills College-trained professionals.

  • 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚 – 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐌𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥

Roberta Valencia, a Colton Police Officer, heroically rescued a severely burned child from a house fire, personally transporting him to emergency care. Her actions highlight the strong connection between law enforcement and EMS.  She is also married to a Crafton Hills College EMS instructor.

  • 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨 – 𝐄𝐌𝐒 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬

A graduate of Crafton Hills College’s paramedic program, Nicole Castillo is a dedicated paramedic and EMS educator who has mentored numerous students. She continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership and resilience in the field, shaping future EMS professionals.

  • 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨-𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥

A longtime educator at Crafton Hills College, Sara Broncho-Morning has been instrumental in training EMS professionals through the college’s Mobile Intensive Care Nurse program. Her 30+ years of experience have significantly impacted EMS education and training in the region.

  • 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐥𝐲𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 – 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥

A current Crafton Hills College student and participant in the Cal Fire Yucaipa work experience program, Brooklynne Cooper performed CPR and used an AED to revive a collapsed gym member while off duty. Her quick thinking and dedication to emergency response reflect the excellence of Crafton Hills College’s EMS programs.

These honorees exemplify Crafton Hills College’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in EMS.

For more information about the event or Crafton Hills College’s EMS programs visit www.craftonhills.edu/ems.