Leadership — Frontline Medical EMS
DJ Cline is a seasoned executive leader with over 30 years of experience in public safety, critical care transport, and large-scale disaster operations, coupled with more than 25 years of proven success in business development, federal contracting, and operational management. As a principal force behind the growth and sustained success of Frontline, DJ has led the strategic development, negotiation, and execution of complex government and private-sector contracts.
An ICS-qualified Medical Unit Leader, DJ brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and executive-level business acumen. His background spans service as a Flight Paramedic, Air Base Manager, Air Medical Crew Chief, Firefighter/Battalion Chief, EMT, Police Officer, Business Manager, Logistical Resource Specialist, and Contract Specialist.
DJ's disaster response portfolio includes leadership roles in major incidents such as Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, Harvey, and Maria, as well as extensive involvement in wildland fire support, COVID-19 vaccination operations, hospital administration, immigration support missions, and large-scale infrastructure projects such as border wall construction.
Dr. Kepple provides the Medical Direction for Frontline Medical. His experience and knowledge is the backbone of the service we provide. He has provided medical care in remote countries, as well as his own practice.
Dr. Kepple is a wealth of knowledge when we are dealing with "skin" issues, such as poison oak and heat rashes. With his experience as CEO of a California Hospital, Dr. Kepple is able to provide added insight to our business model.
Dr. Kepple is also the Medical Director for NorCal EMS and was named Medical Director of the Year for California. He is an accomplished musician with multiple CDs available.
Diane Dawson
BA EMTB
FRONTLINE / FRONT-TEX
Chief Financial Officer / Human Resources
Diane Dawson is a certified EMTB with a degree in English. Diane provides logistical and dispatch support, as well as financial accounting. Diane has tremendous insight when negotiating new contracts.
Diane also manages our Human Resource Department. Diane's experience as a Real Estate Developer provides Frontline with a base of organization. When Frontline is assigned to distant incident locations, Diane provides a foundation of communication for all Frontline Personnel. Her continued support is our rock of continuity.
Ricky Johnson
BA AEMT MA
FRONTLINE / FRONT-TEX
Director of Operations
Ricky brings decades of distinguished public service experience to our team. He began his professional journey in 1990 as a paramedic, serving on an ambulance for ten years. Building on that foundation, Rick entered the police academy and joined the Visalia Police Department, where he would spend the next 25 years in honorable service.
During his tenure, Rick worked patrol assignments before earning a position on the department's elite SWAT team. For nearly a decade, Rick served as the SWAT team's paramedic. Rick retired from the Visalia Police Department in 2018, concluding a remarkable 25-year career. In 2021, he joined the Frontline Medical Team.
Ken Earle
BA MICP Deputy Chief
FRONTLINE / FRONT-TEX
Logistics Section Chief
Ken brings over three decades of distinguished experience in public safety, with a career defined by progressive leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to mission success. His background spans critical roles including Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, Paramedic, and EMT.
Throughout his career, Ken has demonstrated exceptional capability within the Incident Command System (ICS), with particular strength in logistics. From large-scale wildfire incidents and disaster response operations to extended-duration base camp support, Ken has consistently ensured that personnel, equipment, facilities, communications, and supply chains are effectively aligned to meet mission objectives.
Kathy Branson
RN BSN CEN
FRONTLINE MEDICAL
Director of Clinical Education
Dynamic and highly accomplished Registered Nurse and Clinical Educator with over 34 years of experience spanning critical care, emergency medicine, and flight nursing operations. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to excellence in high-acuity patient care, with extensive hands-on experience in ICU, Emergency Department, and air medical transport environments.
As a clinical leader and educator, she has played a pivotal role in developing and mentoring healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines. Known for her calm presence, technical expertise, and unwavering compassion, she consistently elevates the standard of care in every environment she serves.
Bert Cline
BS Finance
FRONT-TEX
Senior Tech Program Manager
A results-driven Senior Scrum Master and Program Manager specializing in helping teams and individuals achieve peak performance and deliver exceptional results. Skilled in implementing Agile practices, improving processes, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement.
Throughout his career, Bert has worked across various industries including technology, finance, and law enforcement, enabling him to bring a diverse perspective to agile practices and leadership. Professional ScrumMaster (PSM) and SAFe Certified Scrum Master with extensive experience in scaling agile practices across organizations.
Carmela Johnson
RN
FRONTLINE MEDICAL
Director of Nursing
Carmela Johnson is a highly respected and dedicated nurse with 28 years of experience in the healthcare field. Throughout her distinguished career, she has provided exceptional patient care in a variety of settings, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Labor and Delivery, and Surgical nursing. Her extensive knowledge, clinical expertise, and compassionate approach to patient care have made her an invaluable asset to both her patients and colleagues.
Over the years, Carmela has developed a reputation as a strong leader and mentor within the nursing profession. Her diverse background has allowed her to care for patients during some of the most critical and life-changing moments of their lives, from supporting families during childbirth to providing lifesaving care in high-acuity settings. She is deeply committed to promoting excellence in nursing practice, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and quality.
Currently serving as a Lead Nurse in the main OR, Carmela plays a vital role in guiding and supporting her nursing team. She is passionate about mentoring new nurses, encouraging professional growth, and creating a collaborative and positive work environment. Her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care continue to make a lasting impact on her patients, coworkers, and the healthcare community she proudly serves.
Carmela and her husband Rick have been married for 34 years. They have 2 children, Bryson and Taylor. Bryson and his wife Tristan have 1 daughter, Collins. Taylor and her boyfriend Jack are completing their Masters in Education degrees. Carmela enjoys sports and spending time with family at home or her favorite place, the beach!
Our History
Founded in 1999 by D.J. Cline, CEO, Frontline Medical was built on a commitment to professional patient care, operational excellence, and mission-focused support. For more than twenty-five years, Mr. Cline has led the company's business development strategy and contractual performance, establishing Frontline Medical as a trusted partner to federal, state, and private-sector clients nationwide.
Through disciplined management practices and a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence, Frontline Medical quickly emerged as an industry leader in wildland fire medical support. The company helped establish a higher standard of care within wildland fire camps—introducing structured medical oversight, documentation protocols, and field-based treatment models that were previously unavailable in austere fire environments.
Frontline Medical developed a proprietary injury and illness tracking system designed to analyze incident trends, enhance responder safety, and support cost containment strategies. This data-driven approach enables proactive mitigation of medical risks, reduction in lost workforce hours, and improved operational efficiency across incident environments.
The company has been nationally recognized for providing medical leadership and operational direction during some of the most catastrophic disasters in recent history—often operating in areas where local infrastructure was severely compromised or nonexistent. Frontline Medical has provided management and medical support during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, Harvey, and Maria; numerous large-scale wildland fire incidents; COVID-19 response operations; and large immigration shelter support missions.
Frontline Medical personnel bring subject-matter expertise in the assessment and treatment of:
- Toxic and poisonous plant exposures
- Food-borne illnesses
- Heat-related illnesses and dehydration
- Burn injuries and trauma care
- Orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries
- Critical Trauma
The company also provides disaster medical management consultation to government agencies, healthcare systems, and emergency departments.
Over time, Frontline Medical has expanded its scope of care to include critical care flight nurses and flight-qualified paramedics with extensive trauma and critical care experience. This elevated capability allows seamless integration between field stabilization, advanced life support, and higher levels of medical transport when required.
Frontline Medical has a proven record of reducing medical-related expenses on wildland fire incidents, disaster deployments, and private-sector support camps. Through early assessment, appropriate triage, and field-based treatment protocols, the company minimizes unnecessary transports, decreases lost man-hours, and enhances workforce readiness.
With our partnership with Crisis Management Group, Frontline Medical remains committed to delivering professional patient care, operational reliability, and measurable results on every incident it supports.
Founded in 1999 by D.J. Cline, CEO, built on professional patient care and mission-focused support
Helped establish a higher standard of care within wildland fire camps — introducing structured medical oversight, documentation protocols, and field-based treatment models
Developed a proprietary injury and illness tracking system to analyze incident trends, enhance responder safety, and support cost containment
Nationally recognized for providing medical leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, Harvey, and Maria
Expanded scope to include critical care flight nurses and flight-qualified paramedics with extensive trauma experience
Proven record of reducing medical-related expenses on wildland fire incidents, disaster deployments, and private-sector support camps