Cheryl Smith serves as Operations Administrator and Paramedic with Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. (EASI), where she has dedicated more than three decades to caring for patients, leading teams, and mentoring generations of EMS professionals.

Cheryl’s journey with EASI began on October 1, 1993, when she joined the organization as what she affectionately describes as a “green EMT,” eager to learn and help others. She earned her Paramedic certification in 1995 and became one of EASI’s first Supervisors the following year. Her leadership responsibilities continued to grow when she was named Assistant Operations Manager in 2003. She later advanced to Operations Director before transitioning to her current role as Operations Administrator in 2025.

Throughout her career, Cheryl has earned recognition for her dedication to EMS and the people she serves. She was honored as an Arkansas Star of Life in 2007, received EASI’s President’s Award in 2011, and was named Paramedic of the Year in 2016. Together, these honors reflect a career characterized by service, leadership, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to others.

Cheryl’s greatest impact, however, may be found in the people she has influenced along the way. Over more than three decades, she has worked alongside and helped shape generations of EMS professionals. To many within EASI, Cheryl is far more than an administrator or colleague. She is a trusted mentor, friend, and source of guidance and encouragement. Affectionately known by many as “Ma” or “Nanny B,” she holds a special place within the EASI family.

When asked what she loves most about her work, Cheryl summarizes a remarkable career in just five words: “Helping the one in need.” That simple philosophy has guided her from the ambulance to organizational leadership and continues to define the way she serves others.

Cheryl’s legacy can be seen not only in the patients she has cared for, but also in the countless EMS professionals she has encouraged, mentored, and helped develop. Through more than three decades of service, she has remained committed to the fundamental purpose that first brought her to EMS: helping people when they need it most. Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. is proud to recognize Paramedic and Operations Administrator Cheryl Smith as a Star of Life.

Chris Sidwell serves as a Paramedic and Relief Supervisor with Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. (EASI), bringing nearly two decades of EMS experience to the patients, colleagues, and communities he serves.

Chris began his emergency medical services career in 2007 as an EMT with EASI. His career later took him to Southwest EMS in 2009 and MEMS in 2011, where he continued developing his skills and gaining valuable experience in prehospital emergency care.

In 2013, Chris advanced his career by becoming a licensed Paramedic. He returned to EASI in 2015, bringing with him additional clinical experience and an even stronger foundation for serving patients and supporting his fellow EMS professionals.

Since returning to EASI, Chris has distinguished himself through his dependability, professionalism, and commitment to the organization. His years of experience and willingness to take on additional responsibility led him to become a Relief Supervisor in 2025. In this role, Chris supports EASI crews and operations while helping maintain the high standard of patient care the organization provides throughout the communities it serves.

Chris’s career reflects the value of continued growth and steadfast service. From beginning as an EMT to becoming a Paramedic and stepping into a supervisory role, he has continued to answer the call, support his colleagues, and contribute to the strength of his EMS team.

Through nearly two decades of service, Chris has demonstrated the leadership, reliability, and dedication that are essential to emergency medical services. Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. is proud to recognize Paramedic and Relief Supervisor Chris Sidwell as a Star of Life.

Cindy has dedicated nearly two decades to emergency medical services, building a career defined by clinical excellence, dependable leadership, and a commitment to serving patients and fellow EMS professionals.

Cindy began her EMS career in 2006 after earning her EMT certification. Her first opportunity as an EMT came that same year at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, where she provided emergency medical coverage for horse racing events and the casino. Later in 2006, she joined Pafford Ambulance, expanding her experience through traditional EMS response as well as distinctive assignments providing medical coverage for movie sets and automobile racing events.

Determined to advance her skills and provide a higher level of patient care, Cindy continued her education and earned her Paramedic certification through Pafford in 2008.

In 2010, Cindy joined Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. (EASI) and quickly became a valued member of the organization. Her clinical experience, dependability, and leadership abilities led to her promotion to Supervisor in 2013, a position in which she continues to serve. In that role, Cindy leads by example, supporting the crews around her while maintaining the same commitment to patients that has characterized her career.

Her contributions have earned recognition from EASI, including being named Paramedic of the Year and receiving the President’s Award. These honors reflect both her clinical abilities and her longstanding commitment to the organization and the people she serves alongside.

From racetracks and movie sets to emergency calls in the communities EASI serves, Cindy’s career has taken her into a remarkable variety of environments. Through each experience, however, the foundation of her service has remained the same: caring for patients, supporting her colleagues, and providing steady leadership when others are counting on her.

Through nearly two decades of service, Cindy has earned the respect of her colleagues and demonstrated the dedication at the heart of the EMS profession. Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. is proud to recognize Paramedic and Supervisor Cindy Chiles as a Star of Life.

Roland Blanchard is a Paramedic with Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. (EASI) who has dedicated nearly two decades to caring for patients and serving communities through emergency medical services.

Roland began his EMS career around 2007 after earning his EMT certification and joining Acadian Ambulance Service. Motivated to expand his skills and provide a higher level of care, he continued his education and earned his Paramedic certification through Acadian around 2010.

Roland later continued his career with AMR in Mississippi, where he gained additional experience as a Paramedic before joining EASI in 2015. For more than a decade, he has been a valued member of the EASI team, faithfully serving the patients and communities that depend on him.

Throughout his career, Roland has demonstrated a lasting commitment to patient care, public service, and the EMS profession. His nearly two decades of experience reflect an understanding that EMS is about far more than responding to emergencies. It is about being present for people during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives and providing skilled, compassionate care when it matters most.

Away from EMS, Roland enjoys cooking, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Above all, he values time with his family and friends.

Through years of dependable service and dedication to his patients and profession, Roland represents the enduring commitment at the heart of emergency medical services. Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. is proud to recognize Paramedic Roland Blanchard as a Star of Life.

Heather “Sunshine” Ledbetter serves as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Pafford Medical Services, where she is known for her positive attitude, compassion, and willingness to step in wherever she is needed. Whether caring for a patient, mentoring a colleague, or talking with children at a community event, Sunshine has a natural ability to connect with people and make them feel supported.

As a Field Training Officer, Sunshine helps prepare and mentor fellow EMS professionals while continuing to develop her own skills as an educator. She has earned instructor certifications in several courses and uses that training to educate members of Pafford Medical Services’ Southwest Arkansas Division. She readily shares her knowledge and approaches teaching with the same patience and encouragement she brings to patient care.

For Sunshine, caring for a patient means caring for the person behind the medical need. She has checked on patients after their care was complete simply to see how they were doing. When a local high school needed medical support so a medically fragile student could participate in an out-of-town band trip, Sunshine volunteered. She spent several days away from home so the student could experience the trip alongside classmates while providing reassurance to the student’s family and school.

Sunshine is also a familiar face throughout her community. She regularly participates in career days, holiday events, parades, and other community programs, especially enjoying opportunities to introduce children to EMS. Through these interactions, she helps the public better understand the work of EMS professionals while strengthening the relationship between Pafford Medical Services and the communities it serves.

Her colleagues know Sunshine as someone who puts the team first. She is quick to recognize the contributions of others and rarely seeks individual credit, preferring to celebrate what the group has accomplished together. Even on difficult days, she brings a friendly smile, an encouraging word, and a little extra “Sunshine” to those around her.

Through her patient care, mentorship, education, and community service, Sunshine demonstrates how compassion and positivity can strengthen both an EMS team and the community it serves. Pafford Medical Services is proud to recognize Heather Ledbetter as a Star of Life.

Sergeant Kevin Sabella, AA, NRP, is a Paramedic with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO), FTO Instructor, and Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Instructor. Now in his eighth year in EMS, Kevin has distinguished himself as a skilled clinician, educator, and leader committed to strengthening both his agency and the next generation of EMS professionals.

Recognizing his leadership abilities, MEMS management selected Kevin to help rebuild the agency’s Field Training program. After completing a nationally recognized Field Training Officer Program course, he returned to MEMS and began designing a program for the agency’s more than 400 employees. Though still relatively new, the initiative has already contributed to improvements in field training and employee retention.

Kevin has also found new ways to make education accessible to his colleagues. He developed a monthly video series to help MEMS Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians better understand agency protocols, further demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and clinical excellence.

Among his colleagues, Kevin is known for being positive, dependable, and accountable. He leads by example and expects the same commitment from himself that he asks of others. That dedication is perhaps most evident at the end of a long shift. On several occasions, after turning in his ambulance and equipment, Kevin and his partners have recognized increasing 911 call volume and volunteered to return to service with another ambulance and equipment set. Their willingness to go back on the road has helped ensure timely responses for patients while also supporting fellow crews during periods of high demand.

When asked why he believed he was nominated as a Star of Life, Kevin explained, “I do everything I can to better the next generation of EMS. I try to always be reliable, positive, and dedicated to doing the best I can, and I actively seek to improve myself.” His words reflect the approach he brings to patient care, education, and leadership every day.

Outside of EMS, Kevin enjoys football, baseball, and rugby, as well as wood carving and other woodworking projects. Coming from a large Sicilian family, he also grows his own tomatoes and makes his own pasta sauce. Kevin and his wife, Nichole, recently welcomed their first child, a daughter.

Through clinical excellence, education, innovation, and a willingness to step forward whenever his patients or colleagues need him, Kevin exemplifies the spirit of a Star of Life. Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services is proud to recognize Sergeant Kevin Sabella as a Star of Life.

Amy Robertson is a Paramedic with LifeNet whose career reflects a remarkable commitment to service, compassion, and lifelong learning. With 18 years of experience in emergency services and eight years of prior military service, Amy has dedicated much of her life to helping others.

Before beginning her career in EMS, Amy served eight years in the U.S. Air Force as a C-130 loadmaster. Her military experience established a strong foundation in teamwork, responsibility, and service that she carried into her civilian career. Over nearly two decades in EMS, Amy has served her community in several roles, including communications center dispatcher and EMT. Driven by a desire to continue growing as a clinician, she recently reached a significant professional milestone by earning her Paramedic license.

Education and mentorship are also important parts of Amy’s service. She holds a teaching certification and uses her experience to help develop the next generation of first responders. Beyond her clinical and educational responsibilities, Amy is a familiar presence at community events, volunteering her time for the annual Christmas parade and other outreach programs.

Amy’s colleagues know her for something that cannot be measured by certifications or years of experience: an extraordinary capacity for compassion. She has a gift for bringing comfort and clarity to difficult situations and genuinely carries the well-being of both her patients and her colleagues in her heart. Whether she is offering a thoughtful word of wisdom, supporting someone through a challenging moment, or bringing a smile to the station with her well-known love of dinosaurs, Amy demonstrates that joy and empathy have an important place alongside clinical skill and strength in EMS.

Of all the titles Amy has earned—Paramedic, educator, Air Force veteran, and Star of Life—one of her proudest is mother. She balances a career devoted to serving others with a deep commitment to her family.

Through military service, nearly two decades in emergency services, and her continued dedication to patients, colleagues, and community, Amy exemplifies the spirit of a Star of Life. LifeNet is proud to recognize Amy Robertson as a Star of Life.

John David Greathouse II is a Flight Paramedic and Registered Nurse with LifeNet EMS, serving with LifeNet AIR-2 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In just five years, John has built an impressive career defined by continuous learning, clinical excellence, and a commitment to serving others—all with LifeNet.

John began as a full-time EMT and steadily advanced through the organization, becoming a Paramedic, Field Training Officer Paramedic, PRN Flight Paramedic, Interim Director of the Clinical Department, and, ultimately, a full-time Flight Paramedic. Inspired by his mother, a nurse for more than 30 years, John also pursued nursing school, further expanding his knowledge and ability to care for critically ill and injured patients.

John’s commitment to public service runs in the family. His father dedicated his career to law enforcement, while his mother’s compassion and commitment to patient care helped inspire John’s own path. He graduated from National Park College, where he trained under Josh Boyett, a previous Star of Life honoree. That experience strengthened John’s appreciation for excellent EMS education and the tremendous responsibility entrusted to clinicians during their patients’ most critical moments.

Throughout his career, John has benefited from mentors, partners, educators, and colleagues who have generously shared their experience with him. He credits Terry Childers and Josh Meggers with helping develop him as a ground provider and Jason Castleberry and Adam Oliver with guiding his transition into air medical care. John is equally grateful for the many EMT partners and colleagues who have supported and encouraged him throughout his career.

Today, John pays that mentorship forward. Passionate about clinical education and provider development, he teaches LifeNet’s Arkansas Division Paramedic-2 ventilator and advanced medical training program, instructs American Heart Association courses, and participates in community outreach. During his time as Interim Director of the Clinical Department, he also worked alongside LifeNet leadership to strengthen the department’s focus on education and clinical development.

For John, practicing critical care paramedicine with LifeNet’s air medical program is among his greatest professional achievements. He remains committed to lifelong learning and continually strives to provide exceptional care to every patient entrusted to him.

Outside of EMS, John’s greatest motivation is his family. His wife and best friend, Kristin Greathouse, who is also a Paramedic, inspires him personally and professionally. Their daughter, Emmalyn, is, as John proudly puts it, “the true star of the family.” In his free time, John enjoys being with his family, working on his property, tackling DIY projects, and vacationing with those he loves most.

John is grateful for the opportunity to represent LifeNet, his family, his mentors, and the EMS profession. LifeNet EMS is proud to recognize John David Greathouse II as a Star of Life.

Sergeant Adam Jackson, NRP, is a Paramedic with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and contributes to numerous community outreach efforts for the agency.

Now in his fifth year at MEMS, Adam is a graduate of both the MEMS “Rookie School” and Paramedic Academy. Since beginning his career with the organization, he has earned the respect of peers and supervisors through his clinical skills, positive attitude, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Adam’s consistently pleasant demeanor makes him a reassuring presence for patients and a supportive mentor for orientees in the Field Training Program. His supervisor has noted Adam’s tremendous growth as a leader, praising the class and confidence with which he has embraced greater responsibility. Equally important is his willingness to step forward wherever he is needed and approach challenges with a can-do attitude.

That spirit of dependability is central to Adam’s approach to EMS. He strives to be the colleague others can count on, whether helping manage a difficult call, sharing knowledge with a developing provider, offering encouragement, or simply supporting a teammate through a challenging day. His reputation among his coworkers demonstrates the impact of that approach.

Before his EMS career, Adam proudly served six years in the United States Air Force as an Air Transportation Journeyman. His commitment to service continues beyond MEMS through volunteer work with the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and his church, where he serves as a member of the audio/visual team.

Outside of work and volunteering, Adam enjoys spending time with his family, going to the movies, and visiting the gun range. He is married and the proud father of two children.

Through his compassion, leadership, positive attitude, and dedication to both his patients and fellow EMS professionals, Adam demonstrates the value of being someone others can depend on when circumstances are at their most difficult. MEMS is proud to recognize Sergeant Adam Jackson as a 2026 Star of Life.

Sergeant Jacob Harris, NRP, is a Paramedic with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO), FTO Instructor, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Instructor, and member of the agency’s Driving Committee.

Now in his fourth year at MEMS, Jacob has earned the respect of peers and supervisors for his clinical excellence, compassion, leadership, and commitment to developing others. Colleagues describe him as a highly skilled Paramedic who approaches every patient with care and compassion while taking the time to help his partners and orientees understand the clinical reasoning behind the care they provide.

That commitment to others has made Jacob a trusted source of mentorship and guidance within MEMS. Fellow field providers regularly turn to him for support with both professional and personal challenges, knowing he will listen, offer thoughtful guidance, and help them grow.

Jacob’s leadership is especially evident when circumstances are at their most difficult. Supervisors who have worked alongside him on complex scenes involving multiple critically ill or injured patients praise his ability to remain composed, guide partners and other first responders, and keep the team focused on providing the best possible care. His professionalism and compassion have also resulted in numerous accolades from patients, families, and hospital staff.

Before beginning his EMS career, Jacob served six and a half years in the United States Air Force in Maintenance Product Management. His commitment to service continues outside MEMS. He volunteers with a local high school Emergency Medical Technician program, teaching skills and assisting students with their end-of-course licensure examinations, and also volunteers with his church.

A dedicated lifelong learner, Jacob is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Emergency and Disaster Management through American Military University.

Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Jacob enjoys life with his fiancée, Kathryn, and their dog, Titan. The couple plans to marry in December.

Whether caring for a critically ill patient, mentoring a new provider, teaching future EMTs, or supporting a colleague, Jacob leads with skill, composure, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. MEMS is proud to recognize Sergeant Jacob Harris as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Sergeant Nathaniel Ficklen, NREMT-A, is an Emergency Medical Technician-Advanced with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. He serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and is a member of the MEMS Crisis Assistance Team, Disaster Communications Team, and Driving Committee.

Now in his tenth year in emergency medical services, Nathaniel has earned the respect of his colleagues through his exceptional work ethic, teamwork, and commitment to representing MEMS and the EMS profession with distinction. As an FTO, he has a particular ability to connect with new employees, guide them through challenges, and help them develop into confident providers. His leadership and teaching abilities have earned recognition from supervisors throughout the organization.

Nathaniel’s approachable personality also allows him to build strong relationships with healthcare facilities and their leadership, strengthening trust and collaboration between MEMS and its community partners. That same ability to connect with others is especially evident in his patient care.

Several of Nathaniel’s peers have noted the special connection he develops with older patients. He approaches each of them with the same patience, kindness, and respect he would show his own grandparents. Even in challenging situations, Nathaniel has a remarkable ability to establish trust, ease anxiety, and help patients feel comfortable enough to participate in the assessments and treatments they need.

Nathaniel’s commitment to service extends far beyond his responsibilities at MEMS. He volunteers countless hours as Chief of two volunteer fire departments and teaches Stop the Bleed and Basic Life Support courses. He is also a member of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Assistance Program, serving on a statewide peer response team that supports the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of first responders.

When he finds time away from his many professional and volunteer responsibilities, Nathaniel enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling.

Whether mentoring a new EMS professional, reassuring a patient, supporting a fellow first responder, or volunteering in his community, Nathaniel leads through service. His professionalism, teamwork, compassion, and commitment to others exemplify the very best of emergency medical services. MEMS is proud to recognize Sergeant Nathaniel Ficklen as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

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.