'Hometown Hero' Honors For Warminster Woman

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A Warminster Township woman can now add "Hometown Hero" to her list of accomplishments.

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has recognized Barbara Stebulis "whose leadership and service have shaped the very foundation of emergency care in Bucks County."

Each week, Fitzpatrick shares stories of people across his district who rise above the ordinary and inspire us with their courage, compassion, and quiet strength.

Stebulis serves as the paramedic chief and executive director of Upper Bucks Regional EMS, Inc.

She began her career as a teacher at Hatboro-Horsham High School.

But it was through EMS that she found her life’s calling — and for over 40 years, she has answered that call with unwavering devotion.

As a paramedic, educator, mentor, and trailblazer, she has not only saved lives—she has built a legacy.
She helped establish the Upper Bucks Chiefs Association and, alongside the late John Costello, helped unite the EMS communities of Upper and Lower Bucks, bringing strength through collaboration, Fitzpatrick said

Under her leadership, UBREMS remains a vital lifeline for nine Bucks County municipalities, responding to emergencies where others can’t — on hiking trails, in remote woodlands, and along the water.

Fitzpatrick said Stebulis doesn’t just lead from behind a desk — she leads with her hands, heart, and instinct to serve.

"While visiting a park in Northampton Township with her son Michael, a paramedic, they witnessed a man collapse on a nearby basketball court. Without hesitation, they rushed to his side, performed CPR, and delivered a lifesaving shock with an AED. It was quick, seamless, and second nature —because saving lives is who they are.
That instinct to serve is deeply personal for Barbara. After the heartbreaking loss of her son Brett — a sixth-generation firefighter with dreams of becoming a police officer — Stebulis and her husband Lenny turned their grief into purpose.

"In his memory, they became tireless advocates for the Gift of Life Foundation, raising countless funds and awareness for organ and tissue donation," the congressman said. "Out of unimaginable loss, they built something powerful: a mission rooted in compassion and a legacy of healing that continues to touch lives."

When asked what keeps her going after four decades of service, she answered with quiet grace, “To hopefully leave things here a little better than we found them.”