Salt Lake City Green Beret turned air medical pilot honored as one of 33 'Stars of Life'

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Salt Lake City resident Dan Laguna is among 33 emergency medical services professionals nationwide recognized as a 2024 Global Medical Response Star of Life.

Laguna, who began his service in the military before becoming a pilot with REACH Air Medical Services, will be honored at the American Ambulance Association Stars of Life Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., from Nov. 10 to 13.

During his military service, Laguna participated in several major combat operations, including Desert Storm and the 1993 Mogadishu operation, known for the infamous “Black Hawk Down” incident.

His own experiences in need of medical attention during active duty inspired him to enter the EMS field, viewing it as an opportunity to give back for the help he received when he needed it most.