Life Link III
Melissa Wenzel has extensive experience in the field of emergency communications. Melissa started their career as a 911 Dispatcher at the White Bear Lake Police Department in 2013, where they worked until 2017. During their time there, they gained valuable skills and knowledge in emergency response procedures. In 2017, Melissa joined Life Link III as the Communication Center Training and Education Lead, where they played a crucial role in training and educating staff members. Melissa later took on the position of Communications Supervisor at Life Link III before being promoted to the Director of the Communication Center and Operations Control Center. Melissa's work experience reflects their dedication to the field and their ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility.
Melissa Wenzel pursued their education at Metro State University. Melissa obtained their Master's Degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration from 2019 to 2020. Prior to this, Melissa completed their Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement at the same institution. Additionally, they have obtained certifications such as CMTE from the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) in May 2023 and a Certified Training Officer certification from APCO International.
Life Link III
Life Link III is an air medical transport company that provides life-saving care to patients who are critically ill or injured. Life Link III operates ten helicopter bases that include Alexandria, Blaine, Brainerd, Duluth, Hibbing, Rush City and Willmar in Minnesota, and Marshfield, Rhinelander and Rice Lake in Wisconsin. The company plans to open its eleventh helicopter base in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, in spring 2022. The company’s helicopter and airplane services provide on-scene emergency response and inter-facility transport for patients requiring critical care. Life Link III’s transportation services are accredited by CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transportation Systems), ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety are met. Life Link III is a not-for-profit consortium made up of the following member-owner organizations: Allina Health, CentraCare Health, Children’s Minnesota, Essentia Health, M Health Fairview, Regions Hospital/HealthPartners®, Hennepin Healthcare, Marshfield Clinic Health System, St. Luke’s, and HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital/St. Joseph’s. Learn more at www.lifelinkiii.com.