Winner of NEMSPA Lifetime Achievement Award

It is a true privilege to honor one of the giants of our industry.

The National EMS Pilot Association’s William T. Winn Lifetime Achievement

Award is not given lightly. It recognizes an individual whose entire career—not

just a single event—has made an enduring and profound contribution to the air

medical community. This award celebrates the bedrock qualities of

professionalism, technical expertise, unwavering safety focus, and inspirational

leadership over the course of decades.

The recipient of this award has set the standard for dedicated service for nearly the entire existence of their program, working with no expectation of recognition, but with a deep, quiet commitment to the mission.

The 2025 winner of the William T. Winn Lifetime Achievement Award is a Rotor

Wing Captain for LifeFlight of Maine. With an astounding 39 years in the cockpit,

23 of which have been dedicated to HAA operations in the challenging and beautiful environment of Maine, please join me in honoring:

Karl Hatlemark

Karl’s experience spans the globe, from flying in Papua New Guinea and Alaska to

supporting oil exploration and firefighting efforts. With approximately 12,000

flight hours logged, he brought an unparalleled global perspective to LifeFlight. He

knows his aircraft—multiple models of the Agusta 109—the mission, and the

complex Maine flying area at a level that is simply unmatched. He is, quite frankly,

the sought-out expert on the A109 for pilots and mechanics across his organization.

Think about this statistic: throughout his 23 years at LifeFlight of Maine, Karl has

personally transported 3,072 patients—that is nearly 8% of the program’s entire

history of patient transports. That number is a powerful testament to his

professional excellence and reliability.

Karl has always operated safely, efficiently, and leads from the front as a top

mentor for every new and veteran pilot looking to learn.

But Karl’s career is defined by more than just high numbers and great mentorship;

it is defined by moments of extreme composure.

Whether he’s handling an unimaginable departing of a rotor tip-cap, coordinating a mass casualty response during the Lewiston active-shooter event, or helping clinical crews with their gear bags, Karl Hatlemark is the gold standard for commitment and selfless service.

His professionalism, skill, and dedication have left an indelible mark on LifeFlight

of Maine and the entire air medical industry. Karl, your legacy is secure, and we

are profoundly grateful for your decades of service.

Congratulations, Karl!