10/21/2026
This week, we're excited to introduce you to Lieutenant James LeBaron, a dedicated member of the Pottawatomie County EMS family!
With 11 years of experience in EMS and 5 years serving Pottawatomie County, James brings a passion for patient care, education, mentorship, and first responder mental health to our team.
A Career That Started by Accident — Literally!
James's journey into emergency services began in 2014 when he stopped to help at a motor vehicle accident that happened right in front of him. While on scene, a medical officer asked where he was from and whether he had ever considered joining the department.
That simple conversation changed his life!
James joined the fire service in 2014, earned his EMT certification in 2015, and began his EMS career with Leavenworth County EMS. What started as being in the right place at the right time became a career built around helping others.
More Than Lights and Sirens
One thing James wishes the public better understood is that EMS is about much more than ambulances, emergency lights, and sirens. EMS professionals enter people's lives during some of their most difficult moments, often with very little information and only seconds to make important decisions.
As James explains, sometimes EMS providers save lives, sometimes they hold hands, sometimes they comfort families, and sometimes the most important thing they can do is simply be there.
He also reminds us that EMS providers are human. They experience stress, grief, exhaustion, and difficult emotions, yet must remain ready to answer the next call.
A Passion for First Responder Mental Health
Beyond his work at PCEMS, James volunteers with the St. George Fire Department and is a proud member of the 10-33 Foundation. One of his greatest passions is advocating for the mental health and well-being of first responders. James believes that those who spend their careers caring for others deserve the same compassion, understanding, and support. His goal is to help break the stigma surrounding mental health in emergency services and encourage a culture where asking for help is recognized as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Never Stop Learning
Throughout his career, James has learned that no matter how experienced you become, there is always something new to learn. Every patient, every call, and every fellow provider presents an opportunity to grow. He believes being a great EMS professional requires more than clinical knowledge and technical skills. It also requires compassion, humility, and the ability to connect with people when they need it most. James recently obtained his Critical Care Paramedic credential, and serves as an intsturoctr for our training division.
Life Outside the Ambulance
When he's not serving the community, James's favorite place to be is with his spouse, Allison, and their three children, Brantley, Liam, and Olivia. Between long shifts, busy schedules, and raising three kids, life stays pretty busy! But James says coming home to his family is always the best part of his day. They're his biggest supporters and a major reason he works so hard at the career he loves.
A Few Fun Facts About James!
-Runs on coffee and energy drinks!
-Prefers cooking at the station and enjoying a home-cooked meal with the crew.
- Knows that in EMS, there's never a guarantee you'll actually get to finish cooking—or eat your meal while it's still warm!
What Makes PCEMS Special?
For James, one of the greatest parts of working at Pottawatomie County EMS is the people. He values working alongside knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate providers who challenge one another to improve.
He also appreciates having a leadership team that listens, supports employee development, and encourages staff to pursue their goals.
But above all, James values the family atmosphere and camaraderie that make PCEMS special.
It's about celebrating successes together, learning from each other, and supporting one another through the difficult calls.
James's Advice for Future EMS Professionals: "Find good mentors, stay humble, and never stop trying to become a better provider." - He encourages anyone considering EMS to enter the profession with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a genuine desire to help others. Most importantly, he reminds future providers to take care of themselves and their coworkers, prioritize mental health, and never lose the compassion that brought them into the profession.
James, thank you for your five years of dedicated service to Pottawatomie County EMS, your commitment to educating and mentoring others, and your continued advocacy for first responder mental health. Your passion for this profession, your fellow providers, and the people we serve makes a meaningful difference in our organization and throughout our community.
We're proud to have you as part of the PCEMS family!
