Rick has been involved with EMS since 1978, serving with volunteer, paid, and military services. He is currently a National Registered Paramedic and a certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher. Rick is the Command Functional Manager for the office of the Command Surgeon, Air Force Reserve Command, stationed at Robins AFB in Warner Robins, Georgia. He provides oversight on operational and training issues for over 5000 enlisted medical personnel in nine Air Force Specialties.

Rick earned his Bachelors of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University and Associates Degree in Allied Health Sciences from the Community College of the Air Force.

Rick has been involved with EMS education at all levels since 1981. He has been active in NAEMT serving as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary/Treasurer for the Military Division and Vice Chair of the Instructor/Coordinator Division. He has served as Secretary for the Charles County, Maryland, Mobile Intensive Care Unit. Rick was recognized as the 1998 recipient of the William Klingensmith EMS Administrator of the year for his work as the Air Force EMS Program Manager.