Braxton was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From an early age, he knew he wanted to become a first responder, inspired by his father, who serves as both a firefighter and EMT. Hearing his father’s stories growing up sparked his interest in the medical side of emergency services and ultimately led him to pursue a career in EMS.
He began his career in 2022 with Acadian Ambulance as an EMR and soon earned his EMT certification. In 2023, he joined East Baton Rouge EMS, where he is now approaching two years of service. He is currently enrolled in paramedic school and actively working toward his certification.
Outside of EMS, he is passionate about powerlifting and strongman training, regularly competing within the local strength community in Baton Rouge. Powerlifting has become a vital physical and mental outlet for him after long shifts. He also enjoys attending concerts and supporting Louisiana’s local metal scene.
For the past eight years, Athena Hopkins has grown within the Pafford family, beginning as an EMT and advancing to Paramedic and On-Duty Supervisor in Rogers County. Based in Claremore, Athena is known for her exceptional bedside manner and her ability to bring calm and reassurance to patients and families during their most difficult moments. She is also a trusted mentor to new providers, taking time to review calls, offer feedback, and encourage their growth with both positivity and constructive guidance.
Athena’s leadership and compassion extend well beyond the ambulance. She is deeply engaged in her community, from organizing Christmas angel adoptions and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army to speaking at career fairs, coordinating multi-agency drills, and volunteering at local events. Her colleagues know her as someone always willing to step up, lend a hand, and set an example of service. She is also a creative force behind team morale, known for making holidays brighter by decorating stations and lifting spirits.
Outside of work, Athena continues her commitment to others by teaching Sunday school, driving the church bus, and giving her time wherever it is needed. Her coworkers describe her as selfless, steady, and a true ambassador for EMS.
For her professionalism, mentorship, and dedication to her community, Pafford Medical Services is proud to honor Paramedic Athena Hopkins as a 2025 Star of Life.
Although serving part-time as a paramedic with Shoals Ambulance, Connor Holt’s influence reaches far beyond his scheduled shifts. Recognizing the importance of strong clinical development, Connor voluntarily took on the role of training assistant, dedicating countless hours to mentoring, educating, and supporting his peers.
Driven by a vision to elevate the standards of EMS across Alabama, Connor instructs for the City of Bessemer Fire Department, GoRescue EMS Academy, and Shoals Ambulance, while also volunteering with Eden Technical Career Center. His commitment to personal growth aligns with his passion for education, as he continually pursues advanced certifications to expand his expertise and share that knowledge with others.
Connor’s dedication has raised the level of clinical competence throughout the state, creating a ripple effect of improved skills, training, and patient care that extends far beyond his home service. He exemplifies the spirit of EMS through his initiative, professionalism, and commitment to making the world around him safer and stronger.
Charles “Chuck” Henley, Jr. has devoted the past seven years to serving his community as an Emergency Medical Technician, and for the last two years has served as On-Duty Supervisor for Pafford Medical Services in Quitman County.
Chuck chose EMS out of a passion for helping others, and he has built a reputation as a professional, steady leader who gives back to both his patients and his colleagues. He is especially proud of the day he and his team saved the life of a child, an experience that reaffirmed his calling to serve.
Known for his integrity and focus, Chuck reminds future EMTs to “stay focused, study, and shoot for the Stars.” He believes that while good providers meet expectations, great providers go beyond them—standing out, making a difference, and inspiring others along the way. He credits Randy Murry and the Pafford family for recognizing the potential in him that he did not initially see in himself.
Outside of work, Chuck treasures time with his children, who are his greatest source of joy and motivation. He describes being chosen as a Star of Life as both exciting and humbling, saying he was surprised to be selected because, in his words, he simply strives each day to do his job with the utmost dedication.
For his passion, perseverance, and leadership, Pafford Medical Services is proud to honor EMT Charles “Chuck” Henley, Jr. as a 2025 Star of Life.
As an administrative assistant at Frontier Ambulance, Carol Harper has become a driving force in the role of community relations and outreach in building stronger connections between EMS, Fremont County, Wyoming, and the Wind River Reservation community. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by trauma victims, Carol partnered with Tribal Victim Services, Local Victim Services, and Frontier EMTs to create a safe space where individuals can seek help and access resources to begin rebuilding their lives.
Carol has also been an advocate for addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) as the Project & Outreach Coordinator for MMIP Wind River. She was instrumental in bringing the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign on Human Trafficking to Frontier’s Riverton and Lander stations, ensuring EMS crews, law enforcement, and search and rescue agencies received critical training on how to identify warning signs and respond appropriately, knowledge especially vital given the higher risks faced by Native American populations.
Additionally, Carol collaborates closely with the American Red Cross of Wyoming as the Relationship Management DCS Community Partnership Lead to enhance disaster preparedness in Fremont County, working with FEMA and city government in developing an effective Emergency Management Plan. She also works with local veteran organizations to coordinate the Veterans Day Parade and assists and supports local veteran events and activities. She is the mother of two U.S. Marines, and her son is an OIF veteran.
Carol regularly attends training courses to expand her skills and share best practices with her community, including Suicide Prevention and Mental Health First Aid. A passionate supporter of EMS, Carol believes strongly in advancing the role of EMS as an essential service in Wyoming. Through her efforts to foster partnerships, expand awareness, access critical resources, and champion preparedness, Carol is helping ensure the best possible outcomes for the patients and communities Frontier Ambulance serves.
Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service is proud to recognize John Harding as a 2025 Star of Life. John has dedicated more than 35 years to serving patients and advancing the EMS profession.
Throughout his distinguished career, John has taken on many roles, each marked by his commitment to clinical excellence, mentorship, and community engagement. He currently serves as an Assistant Supervisor at Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service’s Mankato location, where he also contributes his expertise to the Trauma Performance Improvement/Safety Committee and the Mankato Trauma Committee. His leadership ensures that patients and providers alike benefit from a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
John has also played a vital role in Materials Management and, perhaps most notably, in recruitment. He has become a familiar face at EMS conferences and Paramedic programs across the Midwest, where his enthusiasm for the profession inspires students and future providers. Many cite John as a defining influence in their decision to join Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, reflecting his ability to make a lasting impact on those he meets.
John’s supervisor, Pat Holm, notes: “John has consistently demonstrated excellence in his profession. His contributions span a wide range of responsibilities, including hospital-to-hospital transfers, emergency 911 responses, mentoring the next generation of Paramedics, and recruiting new talent.”
For John, EMS has always been more than a career—it is a calling. He reflects, “I have always found this career to be extremely rewarding. I have had the privilege to work with so many incredible people in the EMS community. I have so much respect and admiration for the people we work with, including Fire, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Emergency Department personnel, and so many others who help provide EMS to our communities.”
Beyond his professional achievements, John is a devoted husband and father of two adult children. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service is honored to celebrate John Harding as a 2025 American Ambulance Association Star of Life, recognizing his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his patients, colleagues, and community.
Dustin Williams serves as an Emergency Medical Technician, Assistant Manager of Critical Care Transport (CCT), and Manager of Ground Organ Transport (GOT) at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance in Illinois. Since joining Superior in 2022 after completing the EMT program at the Technology Center of DuPage, Dustin has distinguished himself through leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
He began his career in the field as an EMT and Field Training Officer, mentoring new hires and ensuring they were well prepared to serve patients and the community. His leadership potential quickly became evident, and in 2023 he was promoted to Assistant Manager of CCT. In this role, he oversees a team of more than 120 critical care paramedics, nurses, EMTs, and Emergency Medical Responders across multiple stations. At the same time, Dustin serves as Manager of GOT, leading a team of 15 drivers who support surgical teams across Chicagoland.
As Superior’s youngest manager, Dustin has embraced responsibility with enthusiasm and professionalism. He ensures the operational readiness of medical equipment and fleet resources, supports compliance and accountability, and prioritizes safety across all operations. He personally meets with new drivers to review responsibilities and expectations, and he plays a key role in safety education, including Certified Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO) training and Superior’s annual “Safety Road-e-o” driving assessments.
Dustin was nominated as a Star of Life for his outstanding leadership, positive attitude, and transformative contributions to both patient care and safe ambulance operations. His colleagues praise his willingness to help, his ability to mentor across all levels of staff, and his dedication to building a culture of safety and excellence at Superior.
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance is proud to recognize Dustin Williams as a 2025 Star of Life.
Rachelle Hallett serves as a Critical Care Paramedic at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance of Wisconsin, where she is recognized for her passion for patient care and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals.
Rachelle began her EMS journey in 2017 while still in high school, completing her Emergency Medical Responder training at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College so she could volunteer with her local EMS agency in Pulaski, Wisconsin. Captivated by the profession, she shifted from nursing school aspirations to pursue a career in EMS. She went on to earn her Emergency Medical Technician certification, began working professionally as an EMT at 18, and completed her Paramedic license in 2019. In 2021, she obtained her Critical Care Transport Paramedic endorsement through the University of Wisconsin Health Emergency Education Center in Madison.
That same year, Rachelle joined Superior, where her dedication to providing exceptional care quickly became evident. In 2022, she was promoted to Field Training Officer, a natural progression given her drive to instill professionalism and high-quality care in newly hired EMTs and Paramedics. Her colleagues describe her as a welcoming resource and trustworthy mentor who embodies Superior’s high standards of excellence.
Outside of her career, Rachelle enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with family. In July 2025, she and her husband, Seth, eloped during a memorable hiking trip in Glacier National Park. Looking ahead, Rachelle aspires to serve as a Critical Care Registered Nurse in Superior’s flight program while also pursuing a career in pediatric oncology.
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance is proud to recognize Rachelle Hallett as a 2025 Star of Life for her dedication, leadership, and unwavering passion for EMS.
Doug Struble currently serves as District Chief of EMS with Chatham Emergency Services in Savannah Georgia, bringing two decades of experience and leadership to the profession. He began his public safety career as a volunteer firefighter, quickly discovering a calling in emergency medical services. In 2006, Doug earned his EMT-Intermediate certification, followed by completion of his Paramedic licensure in 2008. Since then, he has steadily advanced through the ranks, building a reputation as a skilled clinician and trusted leader.
Doug’s dedication to excellence in patient care has been recognized with top honors. In 2009, he was named Paramedic of the Year, and he also received the prestigious Dr. J. Jeffery Marshall Excellence in Emergency Cardiac Care Award for achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after 83 minutes of resuscitation on a cardiac arrest patient. Thanks to Doug’s persistence and skill, the patient not only survived but went on to leave the hospital and live a fulfilling life.
In addition to his clinical expertise, Doug has demonstrated exceptional leadership in planning for large-scale events and natural disaster response. He developed the operational plan for Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Festival and Parade, the third largest in the United States, as well as for the city’s annual Rock and Roll Marathon. Doug also serves in the Emergency Operations Center during hurricanes, where he plays a critical role in planning and assisting residents with medical needs during evacuations. His ability to anticipate challenges and coordinate complex operations has made him an invaluable asset to both his agency and the communities he serves.
Outside of work, Doug is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Nancy, share a blended family of five children—Faith, David, Brett, Brooklyn, and Willow. They have three dogs, and Doug is well known for playing a pretty good, bass guitar. Doug’s devotion to both his family and his community reflects the same compassion and commitment that define his EMS career.
His colleagues and community are proud to recognize Doug Struble of Chatham Emergency Services as a 2025 Star of Life.
Alex Gossett joined the Puckett EMS family in October 2014 as an EMT filled with compassion and a faithful servant’s heart. From the start, Alex quickly distinguished himself through his strong work ethic, clinical skill, and dedicated commitment to patients. He earned his Paramedic license in 2016 and is currently pursuing a nursing degree, further expanding his ability to serve others.
Alex has received numerous commendations for his outstanding customer service and is well-known among colleagues and patients alike for his infectious smile and positive presence. A respected paramedic and trusted preceptor, Alex is recognized for his exceptional decision-making in critical moments and his ability to guide newer paramedics as they develop in the field.
Earlier this year, Alex’s expertise and leadership were on full display during two separate cardiac arrest events involving the same patient, occurring several weeks apart. On both occasions, he assumed command of patient care, skillfully directing resuscitation efforts that ultimately restored spontaneous respirations and pulse. Thanks to Alex’s relentless determination and clinical excellence, he successfully revived the same individual twice, with the patient going on to make a full recovery after both events—a powerful testament to the life-saving impact Alex brings to his community.
Outside of EMS, Alex is a devoted husband to his wife of 13 years and a proud father to their six-year-old son. He enjoys spending time outdoors, cycling off-road, and sharing his love of music by teaching guitar lessons. A man of strong faith, Alex plays guitar for his church band, further demonstrating his commitment to service and community.
Kara Ann Fox has faithfully served the Ute Pass Regional Health Service District for more than eight years, excelling as both a Paramedic and an exceptional administrative leader. When the District experienced the unexpected retirement of its Chief Administrative Officer—quickly followed by three other senior leadership vacancies—Kara courageously stepped into the CAO role during one of the most critical moments in the organization’s history.
In the face of this sudden leadership vacuum, Kara became a stabilizing force and a visionary driver of progress. She not only assumed the responsibilities of multiple senior positions but did so with confidence, humility, and grace. Her ability to balance big-picture strategy with careful organization has allowed her to implement long-needed systems and processes that have propelled the District forward even amid significant change.
Kara has worked tirelessly to strengthen the foundation of the District’s operations. She has modernized accounting practices, updated regulatory processes, and overseen complex grants. She has also partnered closely with the Board of Directors to improve human resources, compliance programs, and personnel systems—efforts that directly ensure frontline EMS providers have the funding, equipment, and resources they need to save lives every day.
Her leadership has been central to the continued success of UPRHSD’s innovative initiatives, including the Whole Blood Program, Community Paramedic Program, Peer Support services, and mobile crisis response. These programs, many of which set the standard in the region, exist and thrive in large part due to Kara’s foresight, dedication, and ability to rally people toward a shared vision.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kara is recognized for her deep compassion for staff and her unwavering advocacy for their safety and well-being. She is the backbone of UPRHSD’s operations and a shining example of the often-unseen heroes who sustain EMS.
UPRHSD is proud to honor Kara Ann Fox as a 2025 Star of Life.
Tom Felter Jr. serves as a Paramedic and Station Manager at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance of Indiana, where he oversees a team of more than 50 EMTs and Paramedics while continuing to serve patients in the field when needed. With 42 years of experience in emergency services, Tom brings unmatched knowledge, leadership, and compassion to his work.
His career began with service as a volunteer firefighter, industrial firefighter, 911 dispatcher, and police officer before he found his true calling in Emergency Medical Services. Tom worked as an EMT for 13 years before becoming a Paramedic, a role he has held for 25 years, responding to countless 911 emergencies at the Advanced Life Support level.
In 2015, Tom created The Emily Talk, a groundbreaking program designed to help first responders safely and respectfully interact with individuals with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and other disabilities. Named in honor of his daughter Emily, who was born with Down syndrome, the program has since been shared with audiences nationwide. Over time, it has expanded beyond EMS to include hospital staff, teachers, and students, fostering greater understanding and inclusion.
Tom is also deeply committed to his community. He plays a leadership role in 500 Turkeys, a charitable initiative that provides complete Thanksgiving dinners to families in need.
Married to his wife Tina for 39 years, Tom is the proud father of two daughters, Sarah and Emily, and grandfather to four grandchildren. His decades of service, advocacy, and devotion to his family and community make him a true Star of Life.
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance is honored to recognize Tom Felter Jr. as a 2025 Star of Life.
Patricia “Trish” Dickerson has dedicated her life to service, first through a 24-year career in the United States Navy—22 of those years as a Hospital Corpsman—and now as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Pafford Medical Services. Since beginning her EMS career in 2010 and joining Pafford in 2021, Trish has become a steady, respected leader in the Oklahoma City community.
Trish is known for her compassion, professionalism, and mentorship of new EMTs and Paramedics. Guided by advice she received as a young Sailor—to be fair, firm, consistent, approachable, and to always seek first to understand—she continues to embody these principles in patient care and leadership.
One of her most meaningful experiences came when she and her partner responded to a high school basketball game where a 13-year-old player collapsed on the court. Amid chaos, fear, and even threats from the boy’s distraught father, Trish and her team remained calm under pressure. Their swift actions saved the young man’s life; he later received a pacemaker and graduated from high school.
Outside of work, Trish cherishes time with her spouse, two sons, and her mother, whose patience and love sustain her. She is especially grateful for their support on long days that end with the comfort of a hug, a nap, or a hot cup of coffee.
For her outstanding service, mentorship, and devotion to both patients and peers, Pafford Medical Services is proud to honor Paramedic Trish Dickerson as a 2025 Star of Life.
Since beginning her EMS career with Pafford Medical Services in 2018, Cortney Bloxham has advanced from EMT to Paramedic, taking on new challenges and responsibilities every step of the way. She now serves as a Field Training Officer and has also been tasked with teaching an Emergency Medical Responder course for local fire departments. Her students consistently praise her teaching style, noting that she explains concepts clearly and takes extra time to ensure every learner succeeds.
Cortney is known for her positivity, resilience, and dedication to both her patients and her colleagues. She is the kind of provider who always looks for the bright side, even in difficult situations, and her leadership and compassion make a lasting impact on those around her. Her colleagues describe her as someone whose “dedication to her community and our company is above and beyond.” Cortney is passionate about using her skills to strengthen her hometown and is committed to mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals.
Deeply rooted in her community, Cortney enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, and their sons, Tanner and Bryer, as well as caring for her goats, dog, and cat. She also finds joy in continuing education, sitting on her porch, and attending church, which help her stay grounded and recharged for her work.
For her professionalism, mentorship, and commitment to her hometown, Pafford Medical Services is proud to honor Paramedic Cortney Bloxham as a 2025 Star of Life.
Tim Clark’s emergency medical services career began in 1981 with the Poultney Rescue Squad, inspired by the loss of a close friend in high school and his father’s first heart attack a year later. These life-changing events sparked a lifelong commitment to helping others in their most critical moments. Tim quickly advanced, earning his EMT-B in 1983, EMT-I in 1984, EMT-D in 1985, and Paramedic certification in 1994 from Hudson Valley Community College.
Over more than four decades, Tim has served in nearly every type of EMS system—volunteer, private, hospital-based, fire-based, and now with the nonprofit Rescue Inc. in Brattleboro, Vermont. He joined the Keene Fire Department in 1998, where he served 20 years as a firefighter/Paramedic, while also caring for patients for more than two decades at Diluzio Ambulance until its closure in 2023. That same year, he brought his deep experience and steady leadership to Rescue Inc., where he continues to serve with professionalism and compassion.
Tim’s excellence has been recognized with the Vermont State Trainer of the Year Award in 1990 and the Injury Prevention Award in 1998. Known for his calm and reassuring presence, he often reflects that, “having kids of my own helped me be comfortable and confident in treating children.”
Beyond his uniform, Tim is a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer, a proud father of four, and a loving grandfather to five. Looking ahead, he dreams of traveling the United States in a camper, visiting family and exploring the open road.
Rescue Inc. is proud to recognize Tim Clark as a 2025 Star of Life for his lifetime of service, compassion, and leadership in emergency medical services.
For more than five decades, Larry Christian has devoted his life to EMS and public service. With 52 years of continuous dedication, Larry embodies the true spirit of service, compassion, and commitment to community that defines the EMS profession.
Larry began his public service career in 1973 as a volunteer with the New Whiteland Volunteer Fire Department. In 1979, he earned his EMT certification through Johnson Memorial Hospital and soon after joined Meyers Ambulance in Johnson County, Indiana. His passion for serving others also led him to spend time as a reserve police officer in the mid-1980s, further broadening his contributions to public safety.
In 1998, Larry began working for Rural Metro when it acquired Meyers Ambulance. There, he expanded his EMS impact to one of Indiana’s most iconic venues, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. From 1998 through 2014, Larry provided EMS services at the track, helping ensure the safety of thousands of fans and participants at one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Within hours of Rural Metro announcing the closure of its Indianapolis operations in 2014, Randy Seals personally called Larry to invite him to join Seals Ambulance. Since then, Larry has served as an operations supervisor and, most recently, as a frontline EMT providing 9-1-1 services to the City of Franklin, where he continues to deliver compassionate care to every patient he encounters.
Larry’s call to service extends beyond EMS. For nearly three decades, he has also worked part-time with a local funeral home, offering comfort and support to families in their moments of greatest need. Whether responding to emergencies, leading his colleagues, or consoling those experiencing loss, Larry’s empathy and professionalism never waver.
With more than 30 years in EMS, Mark Staley began serving his community as a responder before officially earning his EMT certification in 1996. He has since advanced to Paramedic and now serves as Operations Manager for Pafford Medical Services in Chicot and Drew Counties.
Mark was inspired by his mother, a registered nurse, and his father, a law enforcement officer, who showed him that service to others was rewarding. Introduced to EMS by family friends and drawn further by the television show Emergency!, he quickly found his calling.
Early in his career, Mark focused on learning as much as possible to better serve patients. Today, he finds his greatest joy in teaching others—sharing the “tricks of the trade” and witnessing the moment a new provider truly grasps a complex concept. Known as a mentor and role model, he never misses an opportunity to turn experience into a lesson, reminding his crews that “the greatest level of trust you can obtain is a mother handing you their sick or injured child—earn it.”
Mark’s leadership extends well beyond scheduling and logistics. He is the type of manager who will show up on his day off to let a team member attend a family event, check in with a crew after a difficult shift, or scrub a truck alongside his staff. His humility is striking—he credits mentors, Ken Kelley and Benny Ford, his wife, Jamie, and his dedicated crews for making him the leader he is today.
Outside of EMS, Mark enjoys traveling with his wife, bow hunting whitetail deer, and finding peace and perspective in the stillness of a tree stand.
For his decades of service, mentorship, and devotion to the people of Southeast Arkansas, Pafford Medical Services is proud to honor Paramedic Mark Staley as a 2025 Star of Life.
Andre Joel Bower has distinguished himself as a leader on LifeCare Medical Transport’s Critical Care Transport (CCT) team, combining clinical excellence with a deep commitment to mentorship and patient care. Serving as both a Critical Care Paramedic and Drug Control Officer, Joel was instrumental in establishing and piloting LifeCare’s narcotics program, earning multiple commendations for his innovative approach and dedication to safety and quality. Joel also oversaw and was a primary contributor to the establishment of LifeCare’s first set of clinical guidelines and competency-based annual education initiatives.
Bower’s advanced clinical knowledge has been an important component in training and developing new CCT providers, helping expand LifeCare’s program, and creating new career opportunities within EMS. His patience and guidance foster professional growth among his colleagues while ensuring that patients across Virginia have access to the highest level of care during transport. Through his leadership, Joel continues to raise the bar for excellence in critical care, serving as an inspiration to the EMS community.
Scott Bodien has dedicated his career to using mapping technology to make communities safer and stronger. His expertise in geographic information systems (GIS)
first brought him to Charlotte in 2003, where he spent eight years with the Catawba Lands Conservancy, using GIS to protect lands in the urban footprint. He began his public safety GIS work in 2011 as an analyst with the Charlotte Fire Department, where he gained valuable experience with the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system used by multiple agencies. In 2014, he joined Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC) as a GIS Analyst and quickly became an indispensable part of the organization.
Since then, Scott has led transformative improvements to MEDIC’s mapping and dispatch systems. He revamped MEDIC’s centerline to align with the county’s roadway network, enhancing directionals and accuracy. He successfully integrated all adjacent county centerlines into a routable network, hand-drawing more than 850 miles of private driveways to ensure responders could locate even the most remote addresses. In 2016, he pioneered the integration of address points into MEDIC’s CAD system, significantly improving response times and accuracy. He has also developed automated tools to analyze transport routes and billing data, ensuring accuracy and accountability in thousands of weekly transports.
Scott’s expertise is recognized not only within MEDIC but also across regional public safety agencies, where he is viewed as a leading authority on GIS quality and design. His colleagues honored him with MEDIC’s Unsung Hero Award for his behind-the-scenes innovations that directly enhance emergency response and patient care. Beyond his professional role, Scott is a proud 30-year cancer survivor, serves as a Cub Scout den leader for his son’s pack and volunteers as a leader in the regional GIS users group. Known for his humility, service, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Scott embodies the very spirit of behind-the-scenes EMS.
Mecklenburg EMS Agency is proud to honor Scott Bodien as a 2025 Star of Life.
Anthony Arrigo’s journey in EMS began as a volunteer driver for a local ambulance service, where he quickly discovered his passion for emergency medical care. After earning his EMT certification, Anthony dedicated himself to mastering every step of the profession, advancing through his training with intention and commitment until becoming a paramedic, a role in which he has saved countless lives.
Beyond his clinical skill, Anthony found a calling in teaching and mentoring. As a preceptor, he has guided and inspired countless EMT and Paramedic students, helping them develop into confident, compassionate professionals. His influence extends far beyond patient care; he has cultivated a legacy of mentorship and leadership within the EMS community.
Anthony’s passion for leadership grew as he transitioned into a supervisory role, where he excelled at motivating and supporting his team while instilling pride in patient care and professionalism. Now, as the newly named Operations Manager, Anthony continues to drive positive changes, strengthening employee relations, boosting morale, and fostering a culture of family and support within the organization.
Although he no longer serves full-time on the front lines, Anthony remains deeply committed to advancing his lifelong passion for EMS. His dedication to patients, colleagues, and the profession exemplifies the very best of EMS leadership.
