Tag: AR

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.”

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.

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.

Patrick has always had a passion for helping others, and began his EMS career in 2010 as an NREMT and received his NREMT-Paramedic in 2014. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Frontier Shores Volunteer District.

In 2016, Patrick became a Field Training Officer. He is passionate about education and training and always takes the time to explain and educate others. He enjoys helping new employees and coworkers, whether they are beginning their career in EMS or transitioning to a new licensure level. Patrick is well known for the compassion he shows his patients and his ability to work in a stressful situation. He remains calm under pressure, and shows true leadership abilities by quietly going above and beyond and never asking for acknowledgement or recognition. He is a great example of focus and dedication, which every EMS professional should aspire to emulate. 

Patrick is the proud father of one son, Bentley, whom he enjoys spending time outdoors with when off-duty. 

As a result of Patrick’s outstanding professionalism and exemplary performance, Pafford Medical Services is honored to endorse Patrick Mahjoub as a Star of Life.

Pafford Medical Services has selected Chris Butch as its Mississippi Star of Life for his excellent caregiving abilities and his stellar mentorship to his peers. Chris became an EMT in 2007 and a Paramedic in 2008. He joined the Pafford team in 2017 and continues to be a dedicated caregiver to patients during their time of need. Chris now serves as a preceptor for multiple colleges’s EMT/Paramedic programs, as well as a Field Training Officer and ongoing educator. 

Chris is continuously praised by his patients for the outstanding care and treatment they receive, the calm demeanor he exudes, and the sense of friendship he leaves them with. He is also highly praised for his knowledge and professionalism by other members of public service that he works closely with, including first responders, law enforcement personnel, fire departments, and hospital staff. Chris never stops coaching and encouraging those who look to him for continued learning and guidance.

Chris is well known for his smile; one that lights up the room the moment he enters. On his days off, Chris enjoys being at home with his wife, Morgan, and his two beautiful daughters, Haley and Emily. He also likes to be outdoors, whether doing yard work or barbecuing on his grill; but his favorite past time is spending the day by the pool with his family.

Pafford Medical Services is blessed that Chris has chosen the Pafford family and is honored to name him as a Star of Life from our Mississippi operation. Thank you, Chris, for your continued dedication to the company, your peers, and most importantly, our patients.

Lori Richardson has been a valuable member of our EMS team since 2006, when she joined us immediately after completing EMT school. She became interested in serving the community after getting married to Pafford paramedic David Richardson, who is also her ambulance partner.

Lori is dedicated to serving patients in the Marianna community to the best of her ability, and she often follows up with people after the call. That might mean cooking and delivering meals to patients who are homebound, or dropping off medications for people who can’t get to the pharmacy themselves.

She and David have delivered gifts to children after particularly rough calls and attended parties for patients they’ve grown close to.

Lori is especially proud of her ability to reassure pediatric and psychiatric patients and to have a positive impact on their lives.

As an FTO, Lori helps prospective EMTs understand the challenges and rewards of the job. She also helps other crew members to ensure the units are properly cared for and supplies are stocked. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed—she has been honored with the Road Warrior and #Pafford Strong Team Member awards.

Off-duty, Lori is continuing her education, working toward a veterinary technician degree. She and David volunteer at local animal rescue organizations and visit nursing and foster homes with their dogs to provide comfort to residents.

It’s quite rare to find an EMS team, let alone a married couple, who work together and both show a dedication and commitment to EMS that spills over from the work schedule into their everyday lives.

Lori and David Richardson have earned the trust of their whole community because of their sincere care-giving “after the call.” They also enthusiastically advocate for our company and EMS, and that fills the Pafford leadership team with pride.

We are very grateful for this wonderful couple, whose knowledge, skill, and dedication mean their friends, neighbors, and our company are so well served. The  Star of Life designation is deserved by Lori and David, and it reflects the appreciation everyone at Pafford has for their past, current, and future efforts.

David has been a valuable member of our EMS team since 2000, working as an EMT for one year before transitioning to Paramedic. He knew he wanted to serve the community while he was still in high school—he attended EMT school as a senior and worked as a telemetry technician until he was old enough to join our team.

David is dedicated to serving patients in Pafford’s Marianna, Arkansas, service area, with its population of 4,115. He often goes the extra mile in his rural community to ensure residents have “over-the-top” care. He and his EMT wife, Lori, have cooked and delivered meals and picked up medications for homebound patients, delivered gifts to children after particularly rough calls, and attended parties as honored guests for patients with whom they have close relationships.

Because David has lived in the community his entire life, he knows almost all the people he cares for. Taking care of a patient’s dog while he was hospitalized for three weeks or spending hours on the phone helping patients gain access to needed items such as air-conditioners, fans, ramps, and other resources are routine for him. He also carries blessing bags to deliver to homeless people he comes across while on duty.

As a leader, David is passionate about working with his coworkers to ensure everyone is on the same page and able to provide the best care. He even routinely assists EMTs with ambulance maintenance, station upkeep, and protocol review. His efforts have not gone unnoticed—he was honored twice in 2016, receiving the Johnny Gage Award and the Pafford Strong Team Member Award.

It’s quite rare to find an EMS team, let alone a married couple, who work together and both show a dedication and commitment to EMS that spills over from the work schedule into their everyday lives.

David and Lori Richardson have earned the trust of their whole community because of their sincere care-giving “after the call.” They also enthusiastically advocate for our company and EMS, and that fills the Pafford leadership team with pride.

We are very grateful for this wonderful couple, whose knowledge, skill, and dedication mean their friends, neighbors, and our company are so well served. The  Star of Life designation is deserved by David and Lori, and it reflects the appreciation everyone at Pafford has for their past, current, and future efforts.

Pafford Medical Service of Arkansas is proud to nominate Michael G. Tharp as a 2016 American Ambulance Association Star of Life. Michael is an upstanding and well-loved pillar of our community and an exemplary member of the Pafford family.

Michael started his career of service by serving our nation in the Army Special Forces Unit from 1975 to 1978. He has always had the desire to serve and comfort people in any situation.

For years, Michael has been a private business owner in the Phillips County area and has been a great businessman with a thriving business, but his heart was drawn back to helping others. Michael started his EMS career in 2003 and became a full time Pafford employee in April 2005.

Michael serves as a mentor to many of his peers and new EMTs within our EMS system. He has invested quality time and energy in getting to know each of those peers on a personal level and has grown to understand their strengths, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies and styles. Because of this, he knows when to provide more support, when to allow time and space to accomplish tasks independently, and how to approach each of them in a way that is constructive and positive.

Michael’s investment in his peers is infectious and has resulted in the creation of a high-functioning and productive group of employees. In addition to taking action and creating an environment where personnel can share openly, he has helped create an atmosphere in which each employee feels they are appreciated for their efforts. This promotes a comfortable workplace that staff enjoy coming to. It is evident that Michael cares about each of his peers as a whole and expresses this by showing an interest not only in their professional achievements, but in their personal achievements as well.

Overall, Michael is a charismatic mentor whose style enhances our team morale, as well as the personal and professional development of his peers. His consistent support, understanding, and feedback fosters an environment that allows each team member to work both independently and interdependently. It is an honor to watch him grow into an active contributor to our overall vision, mission, and values.