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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

After nearly two decades at Alumax Mill Products as both union president and a finishing operator, a family accident inspired Shon Matthews to change career paths. In 2003, Matthews was out of town when he learned his son had been injured in a serious ATV accident and taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Listening to his wife and brother-in-law discuss the incident, Matthews realized communities need more people to get involved to save lives.

Shortly after, Matthews joined the Booker Bridge Volunteer Fire Department in Miller County, Arkansas as a first responder. Shortly thereafter, Matthews also became part of the first responder team at the mill where he worked full-time. Through training at the mill, Matthews met a LifeNet EMS Paramedic who told him that he was a natural fit for EMS. Matthews attended EMT school, then began working for LifeNet EMS part-time in 2007 as an EMT while continuing his education to become a Paramedic.

In March of 2009, Matthews joined LifeNet full-time, and a few years later, he was promoted to a Field Training Officer (FTO) role. He quickly proved himself an asset in that position, and in May of 2013, when one of the company’s Operations Managers was deployed overseas, Matthews was selected to temporarily fill that role for nine months.

When it was time for Matthews to return to his role as a field provider, the LifeNet Air medical helicopter in Texarkana needed coverage for a flight medic who was going out on short-term disability. Matthews was asked to fill-in as a flight medic during that time period. After his term as a flight medic ended, he was asked to help his family start a business. Matthews briefly stepped away from a full-time career in EMS. For the next six months, he worked only call-in-relief for LifeNet as a Paramedic for both the ground and air operations. Matthews eventually realized that his heart was not in the family business, and he made the decision to return to mobile healthcare full-time.

In June of 2016, Matthews was offered a full-time role as a flight medic on LifeNet Air, his dream job. Less than a year later, a full-time position opened for an Operations Manager role. Since August 2016, Matthews has served as full-time Operations Manager for LifeNet EMS in Texarkana, while also continuing to work as needed on the LifeNet Air medical helicopter. It is this dedication and commitment to doing whatever is needed to care for our patients and to serve the community that inspired his colleagues to nominate Matthews for the Star of Life award.

One coworker noted, “Perhaps the thing I have been most impressed by when watching Shon in action is how he is received in the community. As part of my initial training, I made rounds with Shon at three area hospitals. Shon was not only greeted warmly by the staff, but he was also known as a friend at every place we went. I have yet to repeat the experience I had with Shon with any other crew member. Shon has a natural ability to have conversations, build relationships, and represent us in the community in a way that people relate to.”

When Matthews is not working full-time in one of his many roles, he endeavors to educate the community on safety and to build the next generation of EMS professionals. In addition to teaching local first responders for LifeNet Air, Matthews also teaches BCLS, ACLS, ITLS, PEPP, and pediatric first aid. Additionally, he is an instructor in the EMT and Paramedic program at Texarkana College.

When he is not busy fulfilling his EMS duties, you will find Matthews spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Nicole and Derek. Matthews is an active member of Fairland Holiness Church where he serves as a Sunday School teacher.

Dean Rush holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Arkansas. Rush came to mobile healthcare with an impressive track record from his previous career in sales and marketing. When Rush returned to school as a seasoned professional to earn his Paramedic certificate at the the University of Iowa, he started a new chapter in his career that would positively impact multiple communities across the nation.

Rush began his EMS career when he became a volunteer EMT with Humboldt Ambulance Service in 1998, shortly after his family relocated to Humboldt, Iowa. The decision to move was necessitated by his job as a marketing specialist for the textile industry.

Shortly after moving to Humboldt, the local ambulance company asked Rush if he had ever thought about becoming involved in the medical field. They gave Rush a pager and told him to drive to the hospital if it went off. Just 15 minutes after receiving it, the pager went off. There was a snowmobile wreck directly across the street from the hospital involving two 16-year-old kids. That call would inspire Rush to work towards his Paramedic certificate.

In 2001, Rush was named the National Marketing Representative of the year at his full-time job. On the morning of September 11th, his family was getting ready to fly to San Diego to accept the award when they learned all flights had been canceled due to the terrorist tragedy. That events of that day deeply impacted Rush and guided him further towards mobile healthcare.

A few months later, Rush was offered a position working full-time as a Paramedic at Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Rush left his corporate career behind to work full-time in an industry where he could truly make a difference in the lives of others.

In 2012, Rush became a flight medic for LifeNet of the Heartlands, a division of AirMethods. Rush also taught as an adjunct professor at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa. That same year he received the Hero of the Heartland Award.

When his three children were out of the house, Rush and his wife, Brenda, decided to leave the snow of Iowa behind and head south. Rush became a street Paramedic for the City of New Orleans.

A few years later, the duo—who had met while they were both students at the University of Arkansas—decided to relocate to Arkansas in order to be closer to their children, all of whom had decided to attend their parents’ alma mater. After the move, Rush joined LifeNet EMS in 2016.

A certified Critical Care Paramedic, Rush currently serves as a Field Training Officer and a fill-in Operations Manager for LifeNet’s Hot Springs Division. Additionally, Rush is an instructor in the Paramedic program at National Park College.

His colleagues say, “What best describes Rush is his consistently positive attitude. He is full of knowledge and is eager to share any information when you ask him a question. His work ethic and professionalism are both exceptional and impressive. Rush goes above and beyond the call of duty to help his patients and his co-workers. His patient care is very proficient, and his bedside manner is phenomenal. Rush is deeply committed to imparting knowledge upon the next generation of EMS providers. Rush is an open book, and always takes time to answer questions from colleagues.”

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.

Terry Childers is the 2018 Star of Life representing LifeNet’s Hot Springs, Arkansas division. Terry originally decided to become a paramedic because he thought it would be an exciting and fast-paced career. After twenty-seven years in the business, he affirms that he was right! Terry has served patients, their families, and his coworkers in many roles over the years, and says he has learned from some of the best providers in Arkansas. Terry has managed both ground and flight programs, served as educator, and functioned as mentor to innumerable EMS professionals over the years.

Terry admits that the main reason for his long tenure in EMS is the personal gratification he feels when caring for patients. While he acknowledges the critical impact he and his peers have played in life-saving moments, Terry relishes the ability to make someone’s day better by providing a moment of comfort, or just by listening to their stories. He confesses that patients probably do not realize that caring for them contributes as much to his well-being as he hopes does the role he plays in their lives.

Terry’s peers nominated him to represent them as Star of Life and their accolades left him humbled and honored. One co-worker’s words shared the sentiment of many, stating “He is an amazing medic and takes care of people like no one else!” Another peer said, “He is humble, kind, and never hesitates to help someone else.”

When not at work, Terry finds time for balance in life by relaxing on the Lake. Recently he has been renovating a 103-year-old house and, during breaks, enjoys sitting on his front porch with Leroy, his bulldog, who is a celebrity of sorts among his EMS community.

Nicholas Brown is a full time Paramedic and Field Training Officer at LifeNet Inc. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy and served as a parachute rigger attached to an FA/18 squadron. Following his Navy service, Nick returned home and worked for his father, a general contractor, for several years.

Nick then became interested in the medical field and began working part time in physical therapy. Soon after, he elected to continue his education and obtained his EMT, then eventually his Paramedic, license. He worked in the Emergency Department at a local hospital for several years before beginning his full-time career with LifeNet.

Nick’s managers were pleased that his peers nominated him as our Star of Life. They appreciate Nick as an excellent problem-solver and noted that he digs deep to search for the root causes of issues. He finds pragmatic solutions that are successful and can be readily adopted by others. Nick consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing great service to both patients and other community members.

Nick is married to Cassi, a registered nurse who shares his love for healthcare. Nick enjoys spending time with Cassi and their children, and they especially love outdoor recreation activities.

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.