Selflessness, compassion and dedication: these are just a few characteristics that Jane Cook exhibits. Jane has been a provider with Henning Ambulance Service for over 25 years. Besides serving on the crew as an EMT, Jane also served as co-director for 13 years, which included logging computer reports into the system and orchestrating the monthly shift schedules of a volunteer service. In 2019, Jane then stepped up to become the lead Director of Henning Ambulance for three years. During her time as Director, Jane navigated many challenges that are faced when leading a small rural service. Jane has been a mentor for new crew members over the years, taking time to teach new EMT’s how to document and write reports, as well as how to be the lead provider on a 911 call. The calls that Jane remembers most are patient interactions where she has provided a listening ear and understanding, comfort and compassion for the patient, which although might not seem monumental, can have a greater impact for the patient because of simple displays of humanity. Jane feels its calls like these, where she makes the biggest impact. 

A unique fact about Jane is that EMS is not her primary career even though she provides hundreds of hours each year for our ambulance service. Jane is a successful businesswoman and owned her own hair salon for many years. Jane is a faithful and active member in her church, has a supportive husband, four grown children, and is expecting their 6th grandchild. Jane also enjoys yoga, horseback riding, fishing, being outside, knitting and learning hardanger embroidery.

Henning Ambulance is proud to nominate Jane as a 2025 Star of Life as she demonstrates the qualities this award embodies.