KEMSA Peer support society BALLOT - Nominees

See voting instructions on the bottom of this page.  Voting closes Friday,  Aug. 14 at noon.

Candidates (in order by position and alphabetical by last name)

Vice Chair

Brandon Beck
Lyon County City of Emporia Ambulance 

I would like to submit my nomination for the Vice Chair position of the KEMSA Peer Support Society. I have been an advocate for peer support programs for almost 10 years now and still feel these programs are crucial to the longevity of emergency services personnel’s careers. Up until this year, I have acted in a support role in peer support, encouraging leaders in services and departments to embrace the concept of peer support and improving mental health in their respective departments.

As of June, of this year, I am excited to participate in a new role, a peer supporter! I recently completed the 40-hour Peer Support Course for Command Staff offered by FRST Midwest and am excited to get to work. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve in a leadership role with the KEMSA Peer Support Society.

At-Large

Deanna Slippers

Logan County EMS

I am honored to submit my name for the KEMSA Peer Support Society Member AtLarge position. Serving as an EMT and Peer Support Coordinator for Logan County EMS has shown me firsthand that taking care of our responders is just as important as taking care of our patients. Every day, first responders face situations that can have lasting emotional and psychological impacts. I believe that no responder should have to navigate those challenges alone, and I want to help strengthen a culture where seeking support is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness.

After completing the FRSTMidwest 40-hour Peer Support Training, I have become passionate about building peer support programs, promoting resilience, encouraging meaningful conversations about mental wellness, and connecting responders with the resources they need. I have learned that effective peer support is built on trust, compassion, confidentiality, and a willingness to simply listen. These values guide my work every day and are the foundation I would bring to the KEMSA Peer Support Society.

As a Member At-Large, I hope to represent the perspectives of rural EMS agencies while advocating for peer support initiatives that benefit responders across Kansas. Rural providers often face unique challenges, including limited resources, smaller staffing numbers, and greater distances from specialized support services. I believe these responders deserve the same access to quality peer support, education, and wellness resources as those in larger communities. I would be proud to help ensure that every voice is heard and every agency has opportunities to strengthen the well-being of its personnel.

I also believe collaboration is one of the greatest strengths of the KEMSA Peer Support Society. By bringing together EMS professionals from across the state, we can share ideas, learn from one another, and develop practical resources that improve responder wellness. I am eager to contribute my time, energy, and experience while learning from others who are equally committed to supporting Kansas EMS professionals.

Most importantly, I want to serve because I care deeply about the people who dedicate their lives to serving others. Healthy responders build stronger teams, provide better patient care, and create healthier communities. If elected, I will be an active, dependable, and engaged board member who is committed to advancing the mission of the KEMSA Peer Support Society and helping ensure that peer support continues to grow throughout Kansas. It would be a privilege to serve alongside this dedicated group and help make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of Kansas first responders.

How to vote:

1) Read the biographical information about the candidates and why they want to be on the Peer Support Society Board. You will only get to vote for one person in each position.

2) Take a few seconds to vote using our electronic ballot (available until Aug. 14 at noon)
Note: Members must login to vote since you must be a verified KEMSA Member and a member of the Peer Support Society for your vote to be counted!
If you have never logged in, you can activate your account by clicking on the login button at the very top right corner of this website.  On the login screen, click the "forgot password" link.

Enter the e-mail address we have on file, and it will provide you with directions via e-mail about setting your password. Then come back and login to gain access to your profile information, events, and your membership information. If you have trouble, contact kari@kemsa.org.

Voting closes Aug. 14 at noon.