Craig began his EMS career by attending EMT school in 2007. Craig graduated Paramedic school in 2010 and joined Pafford Medical Services in rural Mississippi the summer of that same year. Always a team player, Craig emerged as a team leader among his peers. He serves as the Field Training Officer for Pafford’s Bolivar County, Mississippi operation as well as assists with QA for the Pafford Delta Division’s participation in the Mississippi Trauma System.

As Craig grew in his position, he wanted to do more and became a CPR instructor as well as an ACLS instructor. This did not satisfy Craig’s thirst to provide others with the knowledge of this great profession and in 2016 he became an EMT Instructor at Coahoma Community College. Craig and the other EMT Instructor at the school have enjoyed great success with excellent pass rates.

Craig is a loyal, productive, and dynamic employee as well as a humble community servant. Craig has served on the front lines for Pafford, having been deployed to hurricane responses on the Louisiana Coast as well as flood evacuations in Mississippi.
Fellow employees know they can depend on Craig Sparks to lend a helping hand no matter what they need. Craig’s compassion for his fellow man, whether on the clock or off, is demonstrated in everything he does. Craig always puts service over self to ensure that his patients get the care that they deserve. Pafford Medical Services of Mississippi is proud to nominate Craig Sparks as an American Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life.

For 20 years, Marilyn has been serving the citizens of Oklahoma. For the past 14 years, Marilyn has been working for Pafford EMS of Oklahoma. In those 14 years, Marilyn has proven to be an invaluable asset to both the company and her peers.

Marilyn has always been the kind of EMT that takes her peers into consideration, often volunteering to take emergency calls, inter-facility transfers, or posting assignments, just so other crewmembers can catch a break, get something to eat, or a take a shower.

Marilyn has always strived for excellence in everything she does. Marilyn is passionate about her job and her peers, compassionate with her patients, and is a model person and employee.

Most EMS providers look at their peers in EMS as an extension of their immediate family and Marilyn is no different. Marilyn often takes this family approach to unforeseen levels. Marilyn goes out of her way to ensure the crews who are working on holidays enjoy a warm holiday meal, even coming to the station on her day off.

Whenever Marilyn’s peers face difficult times, either on a professional or personal level, Marilyn is always the first person to come to their aid, offering them any support she can provide. Whether it be a shoulder to cry on, a warm meal, or just simply letting them know that she cares and will be praying for them, Marilyn cares deeply for her peers. Pafford EMS of Oklahoma is proud to nominate Marilyn Williams as a 2017 Star of Life.

Prior to his EMS career, Jeff was a youth pastor. Jeff was very passionate about his job, and had never thought about a career in EMS. It was not until Jeff’s own family had to call upon an EMS services to administer aid to his sick grandmother that he considered joining the profession. Jeff was impressed by the knowledge and compassion the first responders provided, sparking his interest.

Jeff became an EMT Basic, and then quickly entered Paramedic school where he earned his Associates Degree in Paramedicine. Jeff is currently working toward his Bachelors degree in Paramedicine, and one day hopes to continue his career on the ocean as a cruise ship Paramedic.

Jeff is a model employee and continues to grow his knowledge in our ever-changing industry. Jeff’s compassion for his patients is evident on every call. Jeff is always willing to do whatever it takes to provide the best care possible, and treats each patient like he would treat family. Jeff is the definition of dependable and he is the first to assist on a call, even if he is off duty.

Jeff is well respected in the community and among his colleagues. Jeff is the top preceptor for the local paramedic program, and enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills with students.

Any company would be proud to be represented by Jeff Russell. Jeff’s respectfulness, promptness, and professionalism are what make him a Pafford Medical Services Employee of the Year and a true Star of Life.