Nicole “Nikki” Warren is being recognized for her clinical skills and quick action that saved the lives of patients on two separate occasions.

The first, a motor vehicle crash where the patient was at first believed to be deceased, required rapid attention after a longer-than-expected extraction from the wreckage. En route to the hospital, the patient received blood products and post-intubation care as Nikki used all her clinical knowledge to keep the patient alive during the flight. Because of her extraordinary abilities, that individual survived and was eventually discharged.

In the second incident, a patient with a crossbow arrow in the leg required three units of blood, one unit of plasma, and multiple doses of epinephrine. Despite these ministrations, the patient went into cardiac arrest and compressions were started. Due to the extraordinary level of care exhibited during this patient’s flight, the patient managed to make a full recovery.

In both of these patient interventions, Nikki played an irreplaceable role in the survival of these individuals.

Captain Nikki Taylor is a highly dedicated Paramedic and Field Supervisor with MEMS, where she has served for five years. As part of the MEMS Tiered Response System, Nikki plays a pivotal role in providing top-tier emergency care. She is also a Field Training Officer, regularly assisting with continuing education for the agency’s 400+ employees and instructing EMT and Paramedic courses.

In addition to her educational role, Nikki is cross-trained as a Scheduling Specialist and provides assistance with day-to-day scheduling when needed. As a member of the MEMS Honor Guard, Nikki honors emergency medical service providers across the state at memorials and funerals, and she also participates in recruiting fairs. Nikki’s cross-training as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, along with her involvement in the Disaster Communication and Safety Teams, further showcases her versatility and dedication.

In 2024, Nikki led MEMS’s efforts to become certified under the National Prehospital Readiness Program Project, which involved certifying 62 ambulances for pediatric emergencies and updating education and competencies for MEMS providers. Her leadership in this initiative earned her the 2024 Pediatric Care Coordinator of the Year award from the Arkansas EMT Association.

Nikki has received numerous accolades for her work, including MEMS 2020 EMT of the Year, five Phoenix Awards, and the Medal of Valor for rescuing three people from an active structure fire in 2023. She also gives back to her community as a member of the Crystal Fire Department in Pulaski County, Arkansas.

MEMS proudly recognizes Captain Nikki Taylor as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life for her sustained superior performance and unwavering dedication to her profession.

Chris Thomason, honored as a 2024 Star of Life, has over 20 years of experience as a paramedic with ProMed Ambulance in El Dorado, Arkansas. In addition to his paramedic duties, Chris serves as an EMS Instructor and CQI Coordinator, and he is currently pursuing his license as a Community Paramedic. His passion for promoting excellence in EMS is evident in both his professional career and his dedication to supporting the community.

Chris was nominated for the prestigious Stars of Life award for his heroic actions in saving the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim while on vacation. While at the beach, Chris noticed a man collapse and immediately sprang into action. He initiated CPR and, with the help of other responders, successfully restored the victim’s heartbeat. Thanks to Chris’ swift actions, calm demeanor, and clinical expertise, the 39-year-old victim made a full recovery and was able to reunite with his family.

Chris’ commitment to EMS, combined with his leadership and exceptional clinical skills, continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those he serves.

Morgan Halliburton, an EMT at ProMed Ambulance in Pocahontas, Arkansas, has made a remarkable impact in her short time in EMS, prioritizing patient well-being in every situation. Since launching her career in 2022, Morgan has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to her community and to advancing her skills. Currently enrolled as a paramedic intern at the School of EMS, she is dedicated to becoming the best provider possible.

Morgan is being honored as a 2024 EMS Star of Life for her outstanding patient advocacy and critical thinking. One standout example of her expertise occurred when she responded to a call at a local hotel for a patient who believed he had suffered a spider bite. What seemed like a routine call quickly escalated when Morgan recognized that the patient was in septic shock, with severe swelling and compromised circulation in his hand.

Though the patient initially requested transport to a local, rural hospital, Morgan’s calm and professional communication convinced him to accept an aggressive transfer to a specialized care center. Her quick decision-making and coordination of an air medical transport to the state’s top trauma facility saved the patient’s life. A month later, the patient reached out to thank the crew, sharing that the trauma center physician told him, “Had you arrived an hour later, you likely would not have survived.”

Morgan’s unwavering dedication, patient-centered approach, and ability to remain composed under pressure exemplify the qualities of a true EMS professional. ProMed Ambulance is proud to recognize Morgan Halliburton as a 2024 EMS Star of Life for her passion and commitment to excellence.

Sergeant Jessup Grogan, a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, is in his fifth year with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Serving as a Lead EMT on a Basic Life Support ambulance in the MEMS Tiered Response System, Jessup has become an essential figure in the organization.

In addition to his work in the field, Jessup is a Field Training Officer, often found in the Training Department assisting with EMT courses, geography studies, and continuing education for MEMS’ 400+ employees. He is also cross-trained as a Scheduling Specialist, helping with day-to-day operations as needed. As a member of the MEMS Honor Guard, Jessup regularly honors EMS providers at memorial services and funerals across the state and represents the EMS profession at various events and recruiting fairs.

Outside of work, Jessup enjoys spending time with his wife, Morgan, who is an Emergency Medical Dispatcher at MEMS, proving that field crews and dispatchers can actually get along. The couple recently celebrated their second anniversary. In his free time, Jessup enjoys reading, model building, playing Dungeons and Dragons, fishing, hunting, and staying active in his church, Dwelling Place Ministries in Little Rock.

Jessup’s commitment to EMS is clear, as he often tells the new employees he trains that his purpose at MEMS is to “broaden, improve, and further EMS as a public service.” His positive “can-do” attitude, leadership, and dedication to his peers and community make Jessup Grogan an outstanding recipient of the 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life Award. MEMS is proud to honor his contributions and leadership.

Hope Garrison has dedicated her life to emergency medical services, following the path set by her parents, both of whom were Paramedics. Her journey began early—at just 6 years old, she confidently told her mother she would one day become a Paramedic. As a teenager, Hope rode along with her parents on the ambulance, and upon graduating high school, she immediately pursued her EMT and Paramedic certifications, starting what has become a remarkable and fulfilling career.

Hope joined LifeNet in 2014 as a Paramedic and quickly showcased her passion and commitment to her community and patients. By 2018, she earned the role of Field Training Officer (FTO), where she mentored and guided new medics. In 2019, she advanced to Operations Supervisor in Hot Springs Village, and in 2022, she was promoted to Hot Springs Operations Manager. In this role, she leads her team with the same care and dedication she has always shown her patients and colleagues.

Throughout her career, Hope has taken pride in treating her patients and their families with the compassion and respect she would offer her own family. The first time she was alone in the back of an ambulance, she felt the immense responsibility of her role, further solidifying her deep commitment to serving her community and helping people through the worst moments of their lives.

Being recognized as Arkansas’ 2024 Star of Life came as a surprise to Hope. She humbly attributes her success to simply doing her best every day, hoping to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients, their families, and her colleagues. Knowing that her peers nominated her for this prestigious award is an incredible honor and a testament to the impact she has made in her field.

When she’s not managing operations or responding to emergencies, Hope enjoys spending time with her children, grandson, boyfriend, family, and friends—cherishing every moment with her loved ones.

Brandi Crist, a Nationally Registered Paramedic, is in her 21st year of service with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Throughout her career, Brandi has excelled in multiple roles, beginning as an EMT-Basic, serving as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and now working as a Trauma Call Coordinator at the Arkansas Trauma System’s state-wide coordination center. In addition to her duties as a Call Coordinator, Brandi is cross-trained as a Scheduling Specialist, managing schedules for over 400 employees, as well as the agency’s three Medical Directors and nine hand surgeons who provide telemedicine services to 92 hospitals across the state. Brandi also remains an active field Paramedic, frequently taking on additional shifts and working special events.

Beyond her role at MEMS, Brandi volunteers as a firefighter with the Bigelow Fire Department in Perry County, Arkansas. Known as the “morale mom” at MEMS, Brandi uplifts her coworkers with surprise birthday luncheons, get-well messages, and organizing social gatherings to maintain high spirits during and outside of shifts.

Outside of work, Brandi enjoys traveling and scuba diving with her husband. She is a certified Advanced Open Water Diver and is working towards her Master Diver and Cave Diver certifications. Brandi is married to Dusty, a fellow paramedic at MEMS, and they have four children: Wyatt (an EMT), Waylon, Cloe, and Trey.

MEMS is proud to honor Brandi Crist as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life for her dedication, work ethic, and well-rounded contributions as a paramedic and team member.

Ronnie Zermeno, a seasoned emergency medical services (EMS) professional with two decades of dedicated service, proudly represents Pafford Medical Services as a recipient of the prestigious American Ambulance Association 2024 Star of Life award. He began his EMS career at AMR in Southern California, advancing to a supervisory role before moving to work in the rural settings of Tuolumne County Ambulance. This period enhanced his skills significantly, especially with additional roles in local fire departments.

Seeking proximity to his family and godchildren, Ronnie relocated to Arkansas, where he secured a position at Pafford Medical Services. His initial interest in EMS grew from a law enforcement career, driven by a desire to provide care and comfort to those in crisis.

Now celebrated for his unwavering commitment and humility, Ronnie offers practical advice to those entering EMS and his peers: stay calm, master the basics, prioritize empathy, and embrace continuous learning. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing, along with video games, which he plays with his family and dogs. Ronnie’s approach to EMS—focusing on mindset, teamwork, and patient care—sets him apart as a leader, exemplifying the traits that distinguish the greats in the field.

Jessicah Ruth Sweet, a dedicated EMT from Arkansas, has been recognized with the American Ambulance Association 2024 Star of Life award for her exceptional service. Homeschooled in a small town, Jessicah graduated in 2018 and swiftly pursued her passion for EMS. She completed her EMT training at the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2021, beginning her EMS career at Pafford Medical Services shortly thereafter. In fall 2023, she joined Monticello Ambulance while continuing to work part-time at Pafford.

Jessicah excels in high-pressure situations, where her skills and calm demeanor have a profound impact on those she serves. From comforting elderly patients to managing critical emergencies, her ability to deliver care with love and compassion embodies the spirit of her Christian faith. Jessicah’s commitment extends beyond her professional life; she is a devoted wife and mother, cherishing her family as her greatest accomplishments. Through her work, Jessicah embodies the principles of service and kindness, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious accolade.

Cody Nash, NREMT-P, leads as Operations Manager for Pafford Medical Services of Johnson County, Arkansas. Nash oversees the day-to-day operations and his staff while also serving in his role across Pafford’s service areas as a Clinical Services Training Coordinator. Additionally, Cody utilizes his clinical skills as a Flight Certified Paramedic with Pafford Air Med.

12 years ago, Nash began his EMS career as an EMT and advanced to the Paramedic level within four years. His colleagues and patients have praised him for his calm demeanor, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication to his work. When asked what intrigued him about the EMS industry, he responded that it was the ability to combine clinical decision-making skills with hands-on operational skills to serve communities in their time of need and benefit the greater good.

Nash is known among his peers as an “all-in” team player for Pafford Medical Services, driving change no matter if he was serving as a Field Training Officer or a manager; he truly leads by example. Often, he can be found mentoring young medics and providing clinical insight and encouragement as they are on their journey to becoming a highly-skilled and compassionate EMS provider.

Clinically, the care he provides is second to none, as he exhibits an unwavering commitment toward growth and excellence to his patients, community, and colleagues. As a reflection of his exceptional skills and expertise, other leaders within the Pafford Organization have taken notice of Nash’s talents, among which his patient care, customer service, and affective skills are in a class of their own. He is a true asset to his community, and his dedication to his work has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless people in need.

When off the clock, you will find Cody enjoying time spent with his family, being part of his kids’ extracurricular activities, practicing Jiu Jitsu and archery, and spending time in the kitchen cooking.

Nash would like to thank his teammates in the field. He shared, “As a Paramedic, I am one small part of a large network of first responders and hospital staff who all work together for the greater good of our community, and I would like to dedicate this award to those unsung heroes.”

Chris Workman NREMT-P, RN is in his 23rd year in EMS, and is nearing his fifth year of service at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Chris’s career has spanned various areas of Arkansas, several types of EMS agencies, and numerous roles on and off duty. Chris launched his EMS career by earning his EMT certification after eight years as a welder and has continued to grow professionally since. He attained his Paramedic certification in 2008 and became a Registered Nurse in 2014. In addition to his field duties, Chris is a member of the MEMS Honor Guard and is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor. But that is just the beginning of his contributions to the community.

Chris is known throughout the state for his community involvement, volunteerism, and auctioneering skills. Chris has served countless hours as a Volunteer Firefighter and Reserve Police Officer. Additionally, as Community Outreach Coordinator he designed, built, and won first place for a County Fair float representing his agency and the EMS profession. He coached children’s T-Ball teams and served as a counselor, staff member, and on the planning committee for Camp Sunshine Burn Survivor Camp for 14 years.

Chris is also a longtime member of the Arkansas Emergency Medical Technician Association. He has lent his talents to their annual state-wide EMS conference planning committee and continues to serve as their annual fundraiser’s auctioneer.

Chris is a proud small-business owner, operating Workman’s Auction since 2006. In this role, he has conducted over 500 live, charity, and online auctions. Chris is well known for his trustworthiness and professionalism. and as such his efforts have supported EMS agencies in liquidating equipment. He was also entrusted with the sale of priceless career-long memorabilia collections by a few EMS legends who were approaching the end of their lives.

Chris is deeply humble and compassionate. Over the course of his career, he has successfully performed four field deliveries and one Pedi-Code save. In his time at MEMS, he has already been honored with four Phoenix Awards for cardiac arrest saves. These patient outcomes earn accolades from many. However, it is the times when Chris offers non-traditional, outside-of-the-box care for his patients that set him apart from his peers and earned him a nomination as a 2023 Star. From cooking a meal for a stressed, frail diabetic to singing gospel music with patients during transport, Chris fully dedicates himself to mobile healthcare. Similarly, he invests countless hours supporting his partners and mentoring new EMTs during the early stages of their careers.
When asked about being a Paramedic, Chris notes, “I do not save lives. God saves lives and decides who lives or dies. He blessed me with the tools and knowledge to help him; I get to play on his playground.”

Chris is married to Jayme who is a registered nurse and Emergency Department Director. They are both active members of Destiny Cowboy Church in Austin, Arkansas. Their son is currently enrolled in EMT school with plans to continue the family legacy of public service and EMS.

In their free time, Chris and Jayme enjoy spending time on the lake and at their cabin with friends. Chris is also an avid deer and turkey hunter, a skilled fisherman, and a proud Dallas Cowboys season ticket holder.

Sergeant Garrett Whisenhunt, B.S., NREMT-P is in his fifth year in EMS at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. After two years of working as an EMT, Garrett was selected for the MEMS in-house Paramedic school. Here, he earned highest honors as the class Valedictorian while simultaneously attaining his Associates of Applied Science in Paramedicine. In his second year as a Paramedic, he distinguished himself from his peers through his contributions to the agency as well as his work outside of EMS.

From Paramedic school to the present, Garrett’s dedication to lifelong learning is second to none. He notes that being an effective Paramedic and driving excellent patient outcomes fuel his investment in his own education. He is similarly committed to the development of his 400+ coworkers and thousands of EMS colleagues across the state. His desire to increase knowledge and reduce self-doubt for himself and his EMS colleagues led to his formation of the “Journal Club” at MEMS. This initiative has led to multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and discussions resulting in new and revised protocols as well as an informative learning and training medium.

In addition to his role as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer, Garrett serves as a member of the MEMS Bike team, Safety Council, Recruitment Team,  and as an Adjunct Instructor for the MEMS’ Academy, as well as a Stop the Bleed and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor. Another innovation driven by Garrett is his redesign and redevelopment of the agency’s driving training program, both didactic and practical portions. Overseeing a collaborative effort between other FTOs, Instructors, and Supervisors, this new course resulted in a year-long safety campaign that was designed to recognize and incentivize safe practices.

Furthermore, Garrett is a leader in the agency for his interdepartmental efforts and relationships with the area police and fire departments. He and his partner are known for their close relationship with their fellow public service professionals. They often share credit for positive outcomes on-scene with our partners and co-responders.

Garrett has been married to Sara for seven years and they have an 11-month-old daughter, Jane, who is the joy of their life. They are members of the Hwy 65 Church of Christ where he serves in numerous roles singing, preaching, teaching, and hosting Bible study classes for local college-aged adults. Garrett’s hobbies include mountain biking, smoking meats, making coffee and espressos, and spending time with his two Scottish Terriers. He is a self-described yard nerd who strives to have the greenest lawn on the block.

MEMS is proud to recognize Garrett Whisenhunt as a 2023 Star of Life.

Barbara has served in EMS for more than 25 years, so she is no stranger to this fast-paced world. She has worked for many different EMS organizations over the years ranging from for-profit, to hospital-based, to non-profit, but nothing quite fit like LifeNet.

Growing up, Barbara always knew that she wanted to work in the healthcare field. After starting as an EMT and then progressing to the Paramedic level, 25 years later she is loving her role in Malvern, Arkansas as an Operations Supervisor. Her wide range of experience from busy metropolitan systems to smaller more rural systems aids in her expertise when caring for her community.

Sadly, Barbara’s life has not been without personal tragedy. Her son was killed in a car accident in the service area in which she was working at the time. After taking a few months off, she decided that her son would not have wanted her to quit EMS as he was always very proud of the work she did for her community. Because of that loss, Barbara began looking for a company that provided the family atmosphere and culture that she so longed for. She found it at LifeNet.

Through the loss of her son, Barbara has been able to empathize with and understand more of what families go through when a loved one passes away. Her perspective on her job has grown, and she appreciates even more the precious nature of life. Each day, she fulfills her duties with dignity and grace in honor of her son and her patients.

Barbara takes care of her coworkers like they are her family. She says, “My door is always open. I want every crew member to know if they need me, I’m there.” She is known for baking for her crew members and making them feel valued whether on or off-shift. Her loving and comforting spirit is one of the many qualities that her crew members appreciate about Barbara.

Barbara is a model Star of Life as she is someone who loves what they do and goes beyond what is expected in service to patients and colleagues. LifeNet is proud to have Barbara Davis represent Arkansas and LifeNet as a 2023 Star.

Devin Holland, NREMT-P, serves as the Operations Manager for Pafford Medical Services’ Saline County, Arkansas operation. This is a seven-ambulance operation with a staff of more than seventy EMS professionals. As such, Holland oversees the day-to-day 911 operations and any special operations or event medical assignments.

He began his EMS career fourteen years ago as an EMT, achieved his Paramedic license in 2013, and has been working through the ranks from Paramedic to Operations Manager at Pafford over the past four years. Since his time with Pafford as Operations Manager, Devin has constantly put his team and his community first. His forward-thinking, optimistic attitude and his compassion for the job he does and the citizens he cares for is second to none. Devin has been instrumental and successful in inspiring those he leads to assemble and deploy sometimes at a moment’s notice to people in need.

Pafford’s top leadership, as well as the Arkansas Director of Operations, believe Devin has earned the American Ambulance Association Star of Life distinction because of his positive influence and his natural leadership qualities.

Devin says, “I honestly could not believe I had won the Star of Life award for Pafford. It is wonderful to know that we make such a positive impact for the patients we care for and the communities we serve. I feel so much appreciation knowing the things I have done with Pafford have not gone unnoticed.”

Devin is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending time attending sporting events or his kids’ school events. He lives with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Liam and Madi.

Alvin Short began his EMS career in 1998, and has worked as a Paramedic for Pafford Medical Services’ Hinton/El Reno, OK service area for the past three years. He also serves as a Field Training Officer and Chaplain for his Pafford base.

Alvin is a compassionate and caring individual who, whether on-duty or off-duty, is constantly checking in on team members in his area. It is not uncommon for coworkers to receive a text message or a phone call from Alvin, letting them know that he is thinking of them and that he is always available to lend a listening ear to those in need. Alvin will always go the extra mile in his duties, including working extra shifts when he feels a colleague may need a friend or someone to talk to. He takes great pride in helping to ensure the mental and spiritual health of his coworkers.

Of his nomination as a Star of Life, Alvin says, “To learn that I received the award because of reaching out to our brothers and sisters to make sure their mental health is taken care of is the biggest honor I can think of.” He went on to say, “If we don’t take care of our mental health, then we, as well as our families and patients, suffer.”

When not on-duty, Alvin enjoys spending time with his daughters, Peyton and Lyndsi; his sons, Tyler and Donnie; and fiancée, Christi. Alvin also has a grandson, Hector – also known as “Chunky.” Alvin is very proud of his family and loves being called “Papa.” He enjoys attending church, going to sporting events with his family, and fishing.

For almost a decade, Kenneth Jenkins has served as the EMT Field Training Officer and Logistics/Fleet Coordinator for Pafford Medical Services’ Cleveland North, Bolivar County, Mississippi Operation. In these roles, Kenneth educates personnel and oversees the integrity of the EMS supply chain for the operations’ capital equipment and disposable EMS supplies. He also schedules preventive maintenance, ensures the on-duty status of the operation’s fleet, and oversees Pafford’s Central Mississippi operations as the region’s Supply Manager.

A stickler for detail, Kenneth’s “service before self” philosophy and “can do” attitude extends to ensuring the Cleveland, MS EMS workforce understands the safest and most efficient ways to exhibit a professional image. He walks his talk right down to the cleanliness of his ambulance and equipment and his professional appearance. He is known to say “It’s not always about us, but about the patient and what his or her needs are,” and to continually garner confidence and trust in his lifesaving work when interacting with patients and their families during emergency calls.

Kenneth feels that “the most rewarding part of the job is making a difference in someone else’s life,” and encourages “everyone in EMS to do their best, lead by example, and be willing to help others.”

When not at work, Kenneth is a family man who enjoys trying out new recipes on his grill/smoker and sharing the results with friends and family.

Randy Murry began his EMS career with Pafford Medical Services in July of 2012 as a part-time EMT-Basic, and later obtained his Paramedic degree from Coahoma Community College. After working as a Paramedic, he also gained several pre-hospital instructor certifications and became an in-house instructor for his peers. Randy currently functions as the Operations Manager for Pafford Medical Services in Coahoma County, Mississippi, overseeing the daily EMS system operations, which covers approximately 583 square miles and serves 24,000 citizens.

Outside of his daily duties as the local EMS Manager, Randy also serves as Chief of the Lula Volunteer Fire Department, a part-time Firefighter/Captain and Public Information Officer for the Coahoma County Fire Department, and the Subject Area Instructor for Coahoma Community College. Randy displays extreme dedication to his county and crews. He possesses an “all-in attitude” and continues to strive for excellence daily. During his tenure as Operations Manager, he has increased crew morale and raised the bar on personnel accountability tremendously. He believes that leading by example is the only way to run a successful operation.

In 2019, while working as Operations Manager, Randy responded to a report of an apartment fire with dispatch advising that the caller was still inside the residence. He arrived on the scene before the fire department and additional EMS personnel and noticed smoke coming from the residence’s door. He was able to enter the apartment building, safely locate a severely burned victim in the kitchen, and pulled her outside the residence to a safe area.

When he is not providing pre-hospital care or teaching, Randy enjoys traveling and taking part in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and ATV trail riding. Randy has invested many hours in developing a great EMS team for the community he serves. His work ethic is contagious and his crews respect and appreciate his dedication and leadership ability.

Amanda graduated from nursing school at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith in 2003, and has worked at Pafford Air Med as an ICU Nurse and Travel Nurse for the past three years. She currently holds certifications as a Flight Nurse (CFRN), Transport Nurse (CTRN), and Critical Care Nurse (CCRN).

Amanda is a crucial member of Pafford’s nationally recognized Special Response Team. She was deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she was instrumental in the implementation of a robust Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program that provided medical assistance to the residents of St. Croix.

Throughout the years, Amanda has shown exemplary patient care, while endlessly seeking out educational opportunities to continue honing her craft. She cares for the most critical patients that are transported and has received countless stellar testimonials from both patients and peers.

Benny Ford began his career in EMS in 1976 at the Helena Hospital in Helena, Arkansas. After his mother, who also worked in the hospital, told him the hospital was hiring attendants to provide emergency care to the county’s residents, Benny met with the Director of EMS to learn more. He was immediately captivated by the idea of EMS and began orientation, learning CPR and basic first aid, a few days later. After a few months in the field, he knew EMS was where he belonged.

Benny has served Medic One Ambulance as a Field Training Officer/Educator for more than six years. During this time, he has made a name for himself as the go-to mentor for new employees learning the ropes. He makes everyone feel welcome from the moment they join the team, and is a constant reminder of the importance of the passion and dedication necessary for a career in EMS.

Benny was selected as Medic One’s Star of Life because of his selfless service to a community in need. He has been a Paramedic for more than forty years, and has always demonstrated top-notch clinical skills. He has also been an influential educator across the state, and has taught thousands of providers in PALS and ACLS, as well as in continuing education for recertification for First Responders, EMTs and Paramedics. His dedication to EMS, and his selflessness and hard work has had an invaluable impact on EMS in the state of Arkansas.

Zachary Reddell began his career in EMS during the spring of 1999 as a First Responder and Volunteer Firefighter for the communities of Pottsville and Crow Mountain in Pope County, Arkansas. He had a passion for helping others and was able to successfully obtain his EMT license in 2005. At the start of his career, Zachary effectively owned and operated his own business while also working as a part-time employee for Pope County EMS. He quickly found that providing mobile healthcare was his passion and decided to transition into a full-time EMT position in 2007 and serve the county where he lived.

Zachary is always going above and beyond in his service to the Johnson County community. Pafford EMS has received many compliments and praises regarding Zachary from patients and patients’ families, and also received recognition for Zachary’s work during his FEMA deployment for Hurricane Michael. Zachary is a great member of our Pafford Clarksville family and regularly goes the extra mile on daily duties and helping other crew members.

Zachary has been instrumental in team building exercises, public relations, and many charitable events in the region; though he feels like he has many years of service still left to make his mark in the EMS field.

Zachary Reddell has been happily married to Lindsey for 18 years. They share two children, Logan (17) and Cole (14). The Reddell family is involved in multiple sports and civic groups.