Terry Gray is being applauded for his extraordinary quick thinking and heroic actions during a freeway emergency.

While responding to a serious accident involving a pedestrian on a busy highway, Terry immediately assessed the severity of the scene and notified authorities. In the midst of this critical moment, he spotted another vehicle rapidly approaching. Without hesitation, he sprang into action—shielding others from danger and physically pushing a pedestrian out of harm’s way.

The oncoming vehicle collided with the AMR Supervisor unit, narrowly missing Terry. His swift, selfless response not only protected those around him but also likely saved multiple lives, including his own.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Emergency Medical Technician and Crew Chief Terry Gray as a Star of Life!

It’s every new parent’s worst nightmare: your newborn suddenly stops breathing and you are powerless to help. Last fall, that terrifying moment became reality for one mother—but in the midst of panic and fear, Dylan Graves became a beacon of hope.

Dylan is being honored for his heroic actions in saving the life of a 12-day-old infant who had stopped breathing. With calm precision and unwavering focus, he worked alongside his partner and local firefighters to resuscitate the baby, stabilize the situation, and ensure the child was safely transported to the hospital.

Thanks to their swift and coordinated response, the infant made a full recovery and was soon discharged home. To the grateful mother, Dylan isn’t just a first responder—he is a lifesaver. She continues to share her gratitude, praising Dylan and the entire crew who answered her desperate call for help. Their courage and compassion transformed a moment of unimaginable fear into one of miraculous relief.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Lead Paramedic and Field Training Officer Dylan Graves as a Star of Life!

United States Marine Corps veteran Aaron Goodloe is being honored for his deep and selfless commitment to patient care, even under the most extreme conditions. During a severe winter storm that blanketed Kansas in snow and ice, Aaron continued serving his community when many roads had become impassable.

When two ambulances—each carrying patients, including an infant—became stranded in the storm, Aaron bravely navigated treacherous, icy conditions to reach them. He safely transferred the patients into his own vehicle and ensured they arrived at the hospital for the critical care they required.

Aaron’s courage, determination, and dedication turned two perilous situations into lifesaving events. His military service instilled in him the values of resilience and commitment, which he continues to demonstrate every day in his role as a Paramedic.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Aaron Goodloe as a Star of Life!

Jimi Estrada-Velazquez is being praised for his swift action and lifesaving intervention that saved the life of a toddler who nearly drowned.

Last summer, Jimi and his partner responded to a frantic 9-1-1 call from parents who had found their child face down in a swimming pool. Within two minutes of dispatch, Jimi arrived on scene and brought calm, expertise, and urgency to a chaotic situation. Working alongside his partner and law enforcement officers, he immediately began rescue breathing, delivering lifesaving oxygen to the child.

Thanks to seamless coordination with fellow first responders, the child was stabilized and quickly loaded into the ambulance. Firefighters joined en route, and together the team defied the odds—reviving the young patient and ensuring a safe arrival at the hospital.

Because of Jimi’s rapid response and unwavering focus, the toddler made a full recovery. His actions reflect his personal commitment to teamwork, training, and courage under pressure—qualities that define the very best of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Jimi Estrada-Velazquez as a Star of Life!

PJ Lowe is being recognized for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and far-reaching impact across Central Mississippi and the EMS community.

An Advanced EMT, Field Training Officer, Honor Guard member, bike medic, and volunteer firefighter with two departments, PJ exemplifies service in every sense of the word. In addition to her demanding roles, she leads AMR Central Mississippi’s Mental Health Peer Support Group, reflecting her deep commitment to the well-being of her peers.

Her involvement in numerous EMS organizations and initiatives is a testament to her passion for the profession. PJ lives and breathes “all things EMS,” a calling that has profoundly shaped both her professional and personal life.

As a trusted mentor and educator, PJ also serves as adjunct faculty at Holmes and Hinds Community Colleges. Her hands-on teaching style, empathetic leadership, and steadfast focus on safety and excellence make her a sought-after preceptor. Students and new medics consistently request to train under her guidance, drawn to her authenticity, experience, and skill.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Advanced EMT and Field Training Officer PJ Lowe as a Star of Life!

Alexander Megquier is being celebrated for his swift, lifesaving response to a medical emergency involving a dialysis patient. The patient had accidentally opened their fistula and lost a severe amount of blood, leaving them semi-conscious and on the verge of cardiac arrest.

Arriving first on scene, Alexander found the patient covered in blood and immediately put his clinical training into action. With calm precision, he rapidly administered blood products, stabilizing the individual so they could be transported safely to the hospital for advanced care. The patient had lost more than 800 milliliters of blood from the ruptured fistula, yet thanks to Alexander’s quick intervention, they survived—and today credit his response with saving their life.

Alexander’s skill, dedication, and commitment to patient care reflect the very best of the EMS profession. American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Alexander Megquier as a Star of Life!

Douglas Milks is being honored as a Star of Life for demonstrating one of the most important skills in emergency medical services—compassion. During a severe winter storm in the Town of Evans, south of Buffalo, Douglas responded to a call despite a driving ban and whiteout conditions. Navigating impassable roads, he reached a critically ill patient in need.

Although the patient later passed away, Douglas’ kindness and empathy left a profound impact. The patient’s spouse shared that Douglas provided not only comfort and dignity to their loved one in their final hours, but also a deep sense of peace to her as she said goodbye. His ability to offer both excellent medical care and heartfelt human connection exemplifies the very best of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Douglas Milks as a Star of Life.

Rick Pringle is being honored for his extraordinary, lifesaving response to a horrific and complex tractor-trailer accident that left a patient trapped beneath part of a 340,000-pound cargo load. The incident occurred when an 18-wheeler carrying the massive shipment overturned on a Texas state highway, pinning a passenger from another vehicle beneath the fallen freight.

As the acting supervisor on scene, Rick coordinated the response with Paramedic Samantha Sabol, EMT Talitha Tanous, Temple Fire Department, and Temple Police during an intense, hours-long extrication effort. The operation demanded precise coordination, advanced clinical judgment, and determination to free and stabilize the patient so they could be transported safely for advanced care.

Rick’s steady leadership and unwavering focus, combined with the skill and dedication of everyone involved, ensured the best possible outcome in an incredibly challenging situation. His calm presence under pressure exemplifies the very best of EMS.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Rick Pringle as a Star of Life!

Julie Purick is being recognized for taking the term “commitment to patient care” to a whole new level. One winter morning, Julie responded to a fiery multi-vehicle collision where one of the victims had been engulfed in flames. Without hesitation, she worked alongside Rochester police officers to extinguish the fire and immediately began lifesaving treatment—placing the needs of her patient above her own safety.

Julie’s fearless actions ensured the victim could be stabilized and transported to the hospital. But heroism often comes at a cost. In the process of saving a life, Julie sustained severe respiratory injuries. She was hospitalized, intubated, and placed on a ventilator. Remarkably, just one week later, she recovered, the ventilator was removed, and she returned to duty—stronger and more determined than ever.

Julie’s courage, resilience, and devotion to her patients are not just commendable—they are unforgettable.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Julie Purick as a Star of Life!

LeAnn Riley is being honored for 35 years of unwavering dedication to problem-solving and her gift for empathetic, strategic communication in the face of crisis. As a calm and steady voice on the other end of 911 calls, she has guided countless individuals—many too frightened to speak clearly—through emergencies with precision, compassion, and care.

Her remarkable ability to ask the right questions and quickly assess the appropriate level of response is not a skill acquired overnight. It reflects decades of experience, professional mastery, and a deep understanding of the emergency medical services industry.

To her colleagues and supervisors, LeAnn is the very definition of an unsung hero. Her exceptional skill, accuracy, and commitment make her an indispensable part of her agency’s success and a trusted lifeline for her community.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize LeAnn Riley as a Star of Life!

Ryan Rizen is being honored for his extraordinary bravery and lifesaving actions following a devastating motorcycle crash. Just off duty and heading home, Ryan witnessed a horrific collision in which a motorcyclist was thrown hundreds of feet from the wreckage after striking a truck.

The victim was critically injured and in cardiac arrest. With only trauma shears and borrowed gloves, Ryan rushed to the patient’s side and immediately began emergency care. Joined by a local trauma surgeon, police officer, and fire crews, he initiated CPR and assisted in securing the airway. Against all odds, they achieved return of spontaneous circulation just moments before transport.

Thanks to Ryan’s swift response and seamless teamwork with first responders, the patient—who sustained extensive facial and head trauma—survived. Now in rehabilitation, the patient is expected to make a full recovery.

Ryan’s courage, quick thinking, and selfless commitment to saving a life exemplify the highest standards of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Ryan Rizen as a Star of Life!

Samantha Sabol is being commended for her exceptional lifesaving actions during a serious and complex tractor-trailer accident that left a patient trapped beneath part of a 340,000-pound cargo load. The incident occurred when an 18-wheeler carrying the heavy shipment overturned on a Texas state highway, pinning a passenger from another vehicle under the fallen freight.

Working under the direction of Acting Supervisor Paramedic Rick Pringle, and alongside EMT Talitha Tanous, the Temple Fire Department, and Temple Police, Samantha played a critical role in the hours-long extrication effort. The operation demanded unwavering focus, advanced clinical expertise, and emotional resilience—skills Samantha delivered with extraordinary precision and care.

Thanks to her intervention and determination, the patient was successfully freed, stabilized, and safely transported for advanced medical treatment. Samantha’s courage, skill, and unshakable commitment to saving lives exemplify the very best of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Samantha Sabol as a Star of Life!

Aaron Durette is being recognized as a Star of Life for his extraordinary actions following a devastating car-versus-pedestrian accident. Upon arrival, Aaron discovered a pedestrian pinned beneath a vehicle, unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Working closely with the local fire department and fellow first responders, crews rapidly freed the patient.

Immediately after extrication, Aaron began advanced life-saving interventions. He relieved life-threatening pressure on both sides of the patient’s chest and secured the patient’s airway, enabling them to breathe independently. Moments later, the patient’s heart began to beat again.

Aaron’s quick thinking, decisive action, and outstanding clinical expertise gave this patient a second chance at life. His composure under pressure and dedication to his community embody the very best of emergency medical services.

American Medical Response is proud to honor Aaron Durette as a Star of Life.

Morgan Stanley is being honored for exemplifying extraordinary compassion and commitment to her community—far beyond the traditional scope of emergency medical services. When a devastating apartment fire displaced dozens of families, Morgan immediately stepped in to help. She organized and led a large-scale donation drive that rallied support across the region.

Through her leadership and determination, essential items—including clothing, toys, and household goods—were collected and delivered, ultimately filling more than five ambulances with supplies for those in need. This act of generosity brought comfort and hope to countless individuals during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Morgan’s selflessness in the face of crisis is just one example of how she embodies the very best of the EMS profession. Her compassion, initiative, and unwavering dedication to others inspire her colleagues and community alike.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Morgan Stanley as a Star of Life!

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Emergency Medical Technician Talitha Crowe as a Star of Life.

Talitha is being honored for her exceptional performance during the response to a harrowing tractor-trailer crash on a Texas highway. The incident involved an 18-wheeler carrying a 340,000-pound load that overturned, with a portion of the cargo crushing another vehicle and critically injuring its occupant.

Guided by on-site acting supervisor Paramedic Rick Pringle and working alongside Paramedic Samantha Sabol, Temple Fire Department, and Temple Police personnel, Talitha played a pivotal role in a complex, multi-hour rescue operation. The mission demanded sharp clinical judgment, steadfast concentration, and emotional strength—qualities Talitha demonstrated with precision and compassion.

Because of her advanced medical proficiency and quick thinking, the trapped patient was successfully extricated, stabilized, and safely transported for further care. Talitha’s calm under pressure and dedication to preserving life reflect the very best of the EMS profession.

Her bravery, skill, and compassion embody the values of American Medical Response, and it is with great pride that AMR celebrates Talitha Crowe as a Star of Life.

Chris Crawford is being recognized as a Star of Life for his exceptional clinical expertise and his ability to connect with patients on a human level.

In one extraordinary case, Chris’s keen diagnostic skills identified a rare, life-threatening aortic dissection in a patient whose vital signs initially appeared normal. Aortic dissections are notoriously difficult to detect, but Chris’s vigilance and clinical judgment prompted immediate changes to the care plan, ultimately saving the patient’s life.

Chris’s dedication extends beyond technical proficiency. On another call, he demonstrated his remarkable compassion when caring for a young patient with autism. By patiently engaging with the child in a calm, reassuring manner, Chris eased their anxiety, creating a safe environment where their medical needs could be addressed effectively.

Through moments like these, Chris has earned the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of the community he serves. American Medical Response is proud to honor Chris Crawford as a Star of Life.

Fear doesn’t stop Dustin Wilson—it fuels his resolve. On one extraordinary call, Dustin responded to an emergency involving an unresponsive individual found hanging from a bridge, entangled in a rope. The patient appeared to have been attempting to rappel down to recover belongings that had fallen into the water below.

With no fire personnel or rescue equipment yet on scene, Dustin took charge. Secured only by his partner and local officers, he climbed over the guardrail to reach the patient. His decisive actions allowed the team to pull the individual back to safety, where CPR was initiated. Thanks to Dustin’s leadership and quick response, the patient regained a pulse before being transported for further care.

Dustin’s courage under pressure and unwavering commitment to saving lives embody the very best of EMS.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Dustin Wilson as a Star of Life!

Brannen Zilka is being honored for his quick actions that saved the life of a spectator at a local sporting event—all while off duty. Last fall, while attending a football game with his family, Brannen saw a person collapse in sudden cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, he immediately began CPR and quickly retrieved an AED to deliver a lifesaving shock. Thanks to his rapid response and clinical expertise, the patient survived and was able to leave the hospital with no disabilities.

In addition to his frontline skill, Brannen is admired by his colleagues for his servant-leadership and commitment to his team. He dedicates personal time to serve with the Special Operations Unit, contributes to the System Status Committee, and teaches American Heart Association courses. He is also a trusted mentor in new hire academies, helping to prepare the next generation of EMS professionals.

Brannen’s service extends far beyond his daily duties. Over the years, he has deployed many times, not only as a crew member but also as an Ambulance Strike Team leader, stepping forward whenever his community or state calls.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Brannen Zilka as a Star of Life!

Andrew Varela is being honored as a Star of Life for his exceptional dedication to the EMS industry and his exemplary performance in two critical emergency responses in 2023. In one instance, Andrew responded to a young boy who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while riding his scooter. Andrew and his partner took over CPR, administered advanced life support, including defibrillation, and helped restore the boy’s pulse before his full recovery and discharge from the hospital. In another incident, Andrew and his trainee successfully revived a female patient in cardiac arrest at an urgent care clinic by performing CPR and using an EKG monitor to restore her pulse.

As a respected Field Training Officer, Andrew not only demonstrates clinical excellence but also leads and mentors new EMTs and paramedics, making him a well-deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.

Jason Southard is recognized as a champion of life for his heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow first responder. While on shift, a paramedic colleague suffered a stroke, and Jason’s quick thinking and immediate intervention not only saved her life but also preserved her ability to continue her career, be a mother, and lead a normal life post-stroke.

The paramedic describes Jason as an “amazing person who always remains calm under pressure, incredibly humble and kind, and always available to lend a hand.” His life-saving actions not only impacted his colleague’s future but also ensured that many more lives would be saved through her continued work.

Jason’s calmness under pressure and compassionate service make him a deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.