Nearly Two Decades of Dedication: Colleen Long

Colleen Long’s journey to her new role as Supervisor of Operations and Logistics at Campbell County Health is one of passion, persistence, and deep personal commitment. Starting in 2005, her path in EMS is a story of unexpected turns, hard work, and a love for the people she serves. 

It all began in May of 2005, when Colleen, living in Wright, Wyoming, had recently relocated to the small town, and the idea of a career in EMS was not even on her radar. One day, while at the local grocery store, Colleen noticed a flyer on the corkboard that read, "Want to be an EMT?" It was a simple question, but it sparked a curiosity that would set the course for her future. The seed was planted, and from there, everything else began to fall into place. 

Colleen enrolled in an EMT class, and by May 2005, she had completed her training and began her career with CCH. The next year, she enrolled in the Paramedic Program at Weber State University, graduating in December 2007 alongside her friend and fellow colleague, Chris Beltz. This was a key milestone in her career, as she transitioned from a volunteer EMT in Wright to a full-time paramedic at CCH. 

As an EMS professional, the most rewarding aspect of Colleen's job is the unique connection she forms with her patients. Working within a hospital-based EMS system, she had the opportunity to provide continuity of care—treating patients at their most critical moments and often following them through procedures in the Cath Lab or the OR. This comprehensive approach to patient care, where she could see the full cycle of treatment, gave Colleen a profound sense of purpose and pride. 

Over the years, Colleen’s passion for EMS grew as she took on various roles, eventually becoming the A Shift Lead Medic in Gillette. She has always felt supported by CCH, which provided opportunities for growth and professional development, including paying for her paramedic school and encouraging her to pursue further education. 

In August 2024, Colleen took on an interim role as Supervisor of Operations and Logistics. By October of this year, she had officially stepped into the position, marking the next chapter in her 19-year career with CCH. In this new capacity, Colleen oversees a broad range of responsibilities, including managing the fleet and logistics for the entire EMS team.  

CCH serves a vast area, covering over 10,000 square miles (about the area of New Jersey), and Colleen’s role is critical in ensuring that all the pieces of the puzzle fit together smoothly. This includes everything from managing operations to making sure equipment and resources are available and maintained, ensuring the team is prepared for any situation. 

What is striking about Colleen’s career journey is her genuine love for her job and for Campbell County Health. Despite the three-hour commute each way from her home in South Dakota, Colleen could have worked anywhere but chose CCH because of the people and the culture. She deeply values the relationships she has built with her colleagues and the broader community and is passionate about fostering teamwork and collaboration.  

Colleen’s role in the EMS department is built around their three core pillars—Responsibility, Accountability, and Ownership. She believes that by empowering her team to take ownership of their roles, they will work together more effectively and be prepared to handle any challenge. 

As a leader, Colleen is known for her attention to detail and her ability to lead by example. She is not one to shy away from challenges and loves solving problems. Colleen’s experience at every level of EMS—starting as an EMT, progressing through paramedic school, and stepping into leadership roles—gives her a unique understanding of what her team needs to be successful. Whether it’s implementing new systems to improve efficiency or ensuring that equipment is always in top condition, Colleen’s focus is on setting her team up for success. 

Her work doesn’t stop at logistics; she is also dedicated to continuing the strong relationships CCH has built with local fire departments and maintenance teams. Colleen’s ability to navigate these relationships and maintain open communication ensures that the EMS department is always prepared for whatever comes their way. 

Colleen's path has not been an easy one, but it has been deeply fulfilling. With nearly two decades of experience, she credits her success to the mentors who guided her early in her career and the lessons she learned from her years in Wright, where the calls were fewer, but often far more critical. 

Today, Colleen is proud to be a part of an organization that values growth, education, and innovation. “CCH is an incredible place to work,” she says, and after nearly two decades in the field, she continues to believe in its mission and culture. As she looks to the future, Colleen is excited for the challenges and opportunities ahead. She’s eager to continue nurturing her team, supporting the EMS department, and helping CCH reach new heights in patient care. 

Colleen Long’s story is a testament to the power of unexpected opportunities, hard work, and a deep love for the work she does. From a flyer on a grocery store corkboard to overseeing the operations of one of the busiest EMS departments in the state, Colleen’s journey is a reminder that every step, no matter how small, can lead to something extraordinary.