Renee was a daring and courageous person from a young age. Her first ambition was to be an astronaut. Renee didn't make it quite that far, but she did get the cherished opportunity to fly. Renee started helping others when she became a lifeguard in high school. She loved children and teaching them to swim. Then Renee went on to become an EMT.<br />
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Doreen Renee Johnson, 26, of Queen Creek, Arizona, was killed when the medical helicopter she was assigned to crashed on December 14, 2004. Renee was aboard the helicopter when it crashed while attempting to land. The pilot and nurse survived; however, Renee could not be saved.<br />
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Ms. Johnson completed her paramedic program in Billings, Montana in May of 2000. She began her employment with American Medical Response (AMR) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After moving to Arizona in 2002, Renee was employed by Southwest Ambulance. In early 2004, Renee was also employed by Air Evac and was so proud to have earned her wings in July.<br />
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This young paramedic had a full life and a full schedule; she handled it all with ease. Her hobby was making cheesecakes from scratch. Renee attended Scottsdale Culinary Institute, and graduated as a cordon blue chef. Her co-workers and friends stated, "Renee was a wonderful, talented woman, an excellent paramedic who loved her work, loved her family, and loved life." Renee carried out her paramedic duties as she did everything: with energy, commitment, compassion and a brilliant, contagious smile that gave confidence to her patients and co-workers.<br />
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Honored 2007 |