Carlton County names Jennifer Johnson EMS Person of the Year

Region 17’s Regional Steward Director Jennifer Johnson has been named Carlton County EMS Person of the Year. The 2025 Carlton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council outstanding achievement awards were presented earlier this month.  

Johnson represents the Kettle River Fire Department on the EMS Council and has served as treasurer for seven years. She works with the first responder departments and four ambulance services that serve Carlton County. 

Johnson said she initially thought about entering the medical field when she received her undergraduate degree but “although life had other plans, I never lost the desire to care for others and serve the community. When my daughter got older, I thought, ‘Why not now?’” 

Johnson responds to medical calls involving safety, stabilizing the scene and starting basic treatment. She said it is inspiring “to hear from family or others in the community about residents being so grateful to the people who showed up to help.”  

When asked about challenges on the job, she joked, “those middle of the night calls when no one wants to get up, especially when it’s cold outside.” 

She urges MAPE members to “volunteer in any way that fits your skill sets, interest and time commitment. We’re all part of a bigger community and it’s amazing how average people can come together with good intentions.”