Melissa White began her Emergency Medical Services career in 2019 at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) as an Emergency Medical Technician. Through her dedication and skill, she was promoted to Basic Life Support Lead within MEMS’ tiered response system. Melissa’s peers and supervisors consistently highlight her positive attitude, dependability, and willingness to help in any way possible, earning her the title of a true “difference maker.”

Outside of EMS, Melissa devotes herself to serving others in meaningful ways. For more than a decade, she has volunteered with Camp Sunshine, mentoring children who are burn survivors during its week-long summer program. She is also a 14-year leader in Scouting America, where she has served as Troop Committee Member, Den Leader, Assistant Cubmaster, and Cubmaster. Melissa has earned the Scouter’s Training Award for tenure, training, and performance in her leadership roles. She completed Wood Badge advanced leadership training and has been invited to return as a course facilitator. As a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, she now serves as her troop’s OA adult representative, as well as a Merit Badge Counselor for First Aid and Bird Study. Her love of hiking, camping, and mentoring reflects her passion for both the outdoors and shaping the next generation.

Melissa also volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol and her son’s JROTC unit, extending her commitment to service across her community. She is married to Steve and is the proud mother of two sons, Caden and Pierce.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service proudly recognizes Melissa White as a Star of Life for her dedication, leadership, and the countless ways she uplifts her patients, colleagues, and community.

Jonathan Bell began his Emergency Medical Services (EMS) career in 2017 as a volunteer in his hometown of Des Arc. The following year, he joined Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) as an Emergency Medical Technician and advanced to become a National Registered Paramedic, graduating from the MEMS Paramedic Academy in 2024.

Jonathan is passionate about serving his community and has contributed to multiple MEMS teams and initiatives, including the Amateur Radio Communications Team, the Honor Guard, the Bike Team, and local outreach projects. His colleagues describe him as “a genuinely dedicated EMS professional who walks the walk of a seasoned Paramedic and lives his Christian faith in his day-to-day life and profession.”

Outside of EMS, Jonathan enjoys homesteading, hands-on building projects, entrepreneurship, and participating in HAM radio events. He is also deeply committed to his family. He and his wife, Alaura, are raising three sons—Sean, Lucas, and Samuel, ages nine through nine months—who inspire his dedication to both professional growth and community service.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service is proud to recognize Jonathan Bell as a Star of Life.

Sergeant Rachel “Zoe” Allison, Paramedic, Field Training Officer began her EMS career in 2020 at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) as an Emergency Medical Technician during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic and has since been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and serves as a Field Training Officer and Paramedic. Zoe graduated from the MEMS Paramedic Academy in 2023.

In her role as an FTO, her peers and supervisor stated that Zoe embodies MEMS’ vision and consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her, as evidenced by her work and investment in her orientees. Zoe is described as intelligent, caring, competent, humble, and a true servant leader. She is often heard telling her EMT partners and orientees that they are clinicians, not just partners on ambulances for a given number of hours, instilling a sense of pride and belonging that allows them to have the opportunity to grow professionally.

Zoe is also an adjunct instructor at MEMS, providing excellent didactic and practical education modules for the agency’s 400+ personnel, as well as area firefighters and police officers.

In 2021, Zoe was awarded the MEMS Rookie of the Year award, recognizing her impact as an emerging EMS professional and her commitment to patient care. She currently serves on the MEMS Special Operations Response Team, fulfilling various operational responsibilities.

Zoe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Arkansas and has recently returned to school as a post-baccalaureate student to complete her prerequisite requirements for medical school, with the goal of practicing Emergency Medicine and becoming a board-certified EMS Physician at a level 1 trauma center. As part of her return to the classroom, she is conducting research on EMS education methods at the EMT-B level with the goal of improving initial EMS education techniques. When she is not studying or shadowing in the hospital, she can be found working with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Street Medicine team, which provides care to the unhoused population in Little Rock who face significant barriers to healthcare access.

During her time off, Zoe enjoys cooking and collecting records with her husband, Brandon. She is an avid board gamer and hosts regular game nights with her friends. She and her husband also have two dogs, Moose and Goose, who keep their house messy and their time off full of exercise.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service is proud to recognize Zoe Allison as a Star of Life.

Southern Paramedic Service is proud to recognize Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician Caleb McDougal as a Star of Life. Caleb is being honored for his unwavering willingness to serve not only White River EMS, but also the broader communities of Newport and Jackson County, Arkansas. His admirable dedication shines through in every interaction, as he treats each patient with compassion, humility, and respect.

Caleb has mastered his EMT skills, making him a trusted partner to any Paramedic with whom he serves. His peers, fellow first responders, and hospital personnel alike commend his role as a true patient advocate and his consistent dedication to ensuring the highest standards of care. Caleb is regarded as a role model within the EMS community, setting an example of professionalism and service.

His commitment to the community was especially evident in March 2025 during the Newport/Diaz tornado. While others were called away, Caleb remained at the Newport base station to maintain critical EMS coverage and support. He stood ready to respond at a moment’s notice, ensuring uninterrupted prehospital care during a time of crisis. His calm presence and readiness to serve exemplified the spirit of EMS.

Southern Paramedic Service is proud to honor Caleb McDougal as a Star of Life in recognition of his skill, dedication, and compassion for the patients and communities he serves.

Southern Paramedic Services is proud to recognize Shelby W. Hawkins as a Star of Life for his passion and commitment to serving communities across rural Arkansas. As an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Shelby is driven by a deep sense of community service and a desire to support people in their most vulnerable moments.

Shelby has demonstrated extraordinary dedication during times of crisis, including his service in response to several natural disasters. He assisted during the devastating Wynne tornado and later served as EMS command during the Newport/Diaz tornado, coordinating efforts across multiple agencies to maximize lifesaving care while managing scarce local resources. He has also supported hurricane deployments along the nation’s borders and participated in inland rescue missions.

Colleagues describe Shelby as a steady leader who ensures that teamwork and patient care remain the focus, even under the most challenging circumstances. He is especially passionate about providing EMS education and outreach in underserved communities, recognizing the importance of strengthening resilience in rural areas where resources are limited.

Shelby’s dedication is also reflected in his educational and professional achievements. He graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy at Black River Technical College with merit, holds a General Arkansas Law Enforcement Certification, and completed coursework at Arkansas State University toward a degree in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. In addition, he is an ASA Basic Life Support Instructor and a certified Stop the Bleed Instructor with the American College of Surgeons.

Through his service, leadership, and unwavering compassion, Shelby exemplifies the very best of EMS. Southern Paramedic Services is honored to recognize him as a Star of Life.

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.

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.