Jason Southard is recognized as a champion of life for his heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow first responder. While on shift, a paramedic colleague suffered a stroke, and Jason’s quick thinking and immediate intervention not only saved her life but also preserved her ability to continue her career, be a mother, and lead a normal life post-stroke.

The paramedic describes Jason as an “amazing person who always remains calm under pressure, incredibly humble and kind, and always available to lend a hand.” His life-saving actions not only impacted his colleague’s future but also ensured that many more lives would be saved through her continued work.

Jason’s calmness under pressure and compassionate service make him a deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.

Eli Melamed went above and beyond the call of duty when he risked his own safety to care for a patient trapped in a burning vehicle following a fiery car crash in May 2024. Along with his partner, Alyssa Meier, Eli responded to the scene and together they worked to extricate the patient—who was on fire—from the driver’s side of the vehicle, putting their own safety on the line in the process.

After successfully removing the patient from the vehicle, Eli and Alyssa provided critical care to the patient, who was in and out of cardiac arrest. Their swift actions helped stabilize the patient enough for a transfer of care to a flight team, enabling the patient to be flown to a local trauma center.

Eli’s bravery and commitment in such a life-threatening situation demonstrate his exceptional dedication to his work as a Paramedic and to the safety and well-being of his patients.

Alyssa Meier demonstrated immense courage and dedication when she put her own welfare aside to care for a patient trapped in a burning vehicle following a fiery car crash in May 2024. Alyssa, along with her partner Eli Melamed, arrived on scene and immediately assisted in extricating the patient—who was on fire—from the driver’s side of the vehicle, significantly risking their own safety in the process.

Once the patient was out of the vehicle, Alyssa and Eli provided critical care to the patient, who was in and out of cardiac arrest. Through their swift actions, they were able to stabilize the patient enough for a successful transfer of care to a flight team, enabling the patient to be transported to a local trauma center.

Alyssa’s bravery and commitment to patient care in such a dangerous situation highlight the dedication and heroism that define her work in EMS.

Jason Henry, a Fire Captain Paramedic with Rural Metro Fire in Tempe, Arizona, exemplifies leadership and honor in every aspect of his role, values he strives to instill in the crews he leads. These qualities were on full display in March 2023, when Captain Henry and his crew responded to a life-threatening situation that showcased their teamwork and dedication to saving lives.

While driving on a rural road, Captain Henry witnessed a vehicle swerving erratically toward his fire engine, just before the driver lost control and crashed into a soft soil field. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Captain Henry immediately requested that firefighter and EMT Antoine Berenger assess the patient, who had suffered cardiac arrest and was in dire need of medical attention.

After the assessment, Captain Henry and his crew swiftly removed the patient from the vehicle and placed them on solid ground. There, Antoine and new paramedic Brendan McCormack began administering CPR and other critical interventions. Thanks to their quick actions, the team successfully revived the patient, ultimately saving their life.

What makes this event even more remarkable is that Antoine and his crewmates were not originally scheduled to be in the area. They had stepped in to cover the shift, yet their ability to immediately come together and work seamlessly under pressure is a testament to their professionalism and dedication to patient care. Captain Henry’s leadership was crucial in coordinating this lifesaving effort, showcasing his commitment to his team and the community he serves.

Antoine Berenger is a true hero. In March 2023, he, together with his crewmates, saved a patient, who, while suffering cardiac arrest, drove erratically towards the firefighters’ engine in the oncoming lane of a rural road just before crashing their vehicle into a soft soil field.

Following orders from his leader, Captain Jason Henry, Antoine quickly assessed the patient before he and his crewmates removed the patient from the vehicle and then placed the individual on the hard, dry ground near the field. Antoine and his crewmate, new paramedic, Brendan McCormack, then began administering CPR and other critical interventions, ultimately saving the patient’s life.

Remarkably, Antoine and his crewmates weren’t originally scheduled to be in the area—they had stepped in to cover a shift. Their swift, coordinated response in a moment of crisis exemplifies their teamwork and commitment to patient care.

Since joining Maricopa Ambulance as a Paramedic in March 2023, Alec Belau has quickly distinguished himself through his work ethic, positive attitude, and passion for patient care and teaching. His dedication led to his selection for the Maricopa Ambulance Field Training Officer (FTO) Academy. Upon completing the rigorous program, Alec was promoted to Field Training Officer Paramedic in November 2023.

As an FTO Paramedic, Alec has gone above and beyond in his role, earning American Heart Association Instructor certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). These qualifications allow Alec to conduct regular certification refreshers, ensuring that Maricopa Ambulance’s field personnel are well-prepared and up-to-date with life-saving techniques.

Alec’s expertise in emergency medical services is deeply rooted in a personal and professional commitment to excellence, a dedication that was put to the test during a critical incident on February 18, 2024. While on duty in the early morning hours, Alec was dispatched by the Phoenix Fire Department Regional Dispatch Center to respond to a distress call involving an in-flight medical helicopter. The aircraft, transporting a critically ill patient, was experiencing a mechanical malfunction and required immediate assistance. Alec’s quick thinking, adaptability under pressure, and ability to coordinate were instrumental in resolving the situation. He successfully gained access to a remote field, establishing ground communication with the flight crew and coordinating a safe landing zone for not one but two medical helicopters. Once the distressed aircraft landed, Alec continued providing emergency care alongside the flight crew, stabilizing the patient until a secondary helicopter arrived to complete the transport.

Alec’s calm and decisive actions during this high-stakes scenario ensured a positive outcome for the patient and flight crew. His deep understanding of air medical operations and hands-on expertise proved that he was not only in the right place at the right time but also the ideal person to handle such a complex and urgent situation.

Through his hard work, dedication, and ongoing commitment to improving his skills, Alec exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding paramedic. His contribution to Maricopa Ambulance and the surrounding community reflects his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care in even the most challenging circumstances. Alec’s achievements, quick thinking under pressure, and continuous efforts to enhance his skills make him a standout candidate for recognition in the Stars of Life program.

On an evening in late November 2022, Bill Weber and his partner made a discovery that would eventually result in Bill rescuing multiple people from a fire.

It happened when the two EMS professionals were returning from a long-distance transfer. That is when they noticed a strong orange glow around the community of Desert Hills. When the two went to investigate, they realized they were the first ones on-scene of a multiple-vehicle fire that was adjacent to a mobile home park, which was also beginning to catch on fire.

As Bill, a former firefighter, exited the ambulance, several people stated there were occupants in the mobile home who were trapped. Knowing he had little time to act, Bill entered and found multiple occupants still inside. He directed everyone to exit the structure, but two elderly residents were unable to move quickly enough to escape in time. Bill then took the first patient in a firefighter’s carry and moved them out to the street. He then reentered and did the same with the second patient.

Bill’s swift actions ensured all four occupants were out of the structure and unharmed. He then assumed medical command and coordinated with the incoming ambulances to provide care.

During a mountain rescue call, Jay Shintaku responded to an emergency where a person had been thrown from a horse and suffered a severe, uncontrolled head bleed after hitting a rock.

Upon arriving at the scene via the sheriff’s department’s helicopter, Jay quickly began administering treatment and realized the severity of the patient’s condition. He convinced the pilot to fly directly to the trauma center due to the urgent nature of the situation. The patient was at risk of bleeding out and had multiple fractured vertebrae, making any delay in transport or transfer of helicopters potentially fatal.

 Thanks to Jay’s swift and persuasive action, the patient received timely medical attention and survived the ordeal, with the hope of one day riding horses again.

Zach Dayton provided immediate medical intervention for a woman and her newborn baby who was born in a car at a parking lot. His resuscitation efforts and quick thinking ultimately saved the baby’s life.

On an afternoon in late April 2022, when Zach was walking his gurney out to the ambulance bay in Mesa, Zach noticed a frantic woman pounding on the glass doors of the ambulance entrance to Banner Gateway Emergency Department.

When he approached the woman, she led him to another woman in a nearby parking lot who was giving birth in a car. Zach immediately cared for the young mother and performed CPR on the newborn before rushing to the staff at the hospital, informing them of the mother and baby’s condition.

As a result, the mother and baby received the medical care they needed and were released a short time later, both in healthy condition, thanks primarily to Zach’s quick action.

Though Firefighter Richard Majors has only been with the Goodyear Fire Department for one year, and is still undergoing initial Paramedic training, his zeal and commitment were evident on May 25, 2023.

Faced with the daunting challenge of a pediatric drowning incident, Majors exhibited immense dedication, working cohesively with his team to stabilize and ultimately save the life of the young boy. Embracing customer service in both fire suppression and emergency medical care, his actions that day are a testament to his commitment and potential as a firefighter and EMT. 

Recognizing his pivotal role in the life-saving intervention, Richard Majors is undeniably deserving of a nomination for the Star of Life Award.

Firefighter Paramedic Kyle Derr has served the Goodyear Fire Department as a firefighter for five years and a Paramedic for two.

On May 25, 2023, he demonstrated admirable professionalism and calm in the face of a challenging situation.

Confronted with the distressing scene of a pediatric drowning, Kyle’s training and instincts kicked in. Working alongside his crew, he played a crucial role in achieving the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) for the young boy. By ensuring that the team followed the established protocols, Kyle contributed significantly to the child’s chance of survival and ultimate recovery. 

His commitment to EMS excellence, combined with his quick action on that fateful day, solidify his nomination for the Star of Life Award.

Serving for 15 years with the Goodyear Fire Department, Engineer Andrew Goodwin has consistently showcased his unwavering commitment to the safety of Goodyear’s citizens. His depth of experience in EMS was pivotal on the harrowing afternoon of May 25, 2023.

When a pediatric drowning call came through, Engineer Goodwin’s swift response was instrumental in the successful resuscitation of the five-year-old boy. His ability to work seamlessly with his teammates, providing vital support, and ensuring that the crew stayed on scene to stabilize the patient prior to transport, proved crucial. The child’s full recovery is a testament to Engineer Goodwin’s dedication, skill, and adherence to proven protocols.

His valiant efforts on that day make him an exemplary candidate for the Star of Life Award.

With over 25 years of dedicated service under his belt, Captain Patrick Doyle has been a steadfast pillar in the Goodyear Fire Department. His dedication has not only been in fire suppression but also in providing vital emergency medical care to the residents of Goodyear, Arizona.

On May 25, 2023, a chilling call at 1711 hours summoned Captain Doyle and his team to respond to a pediatric drowning at a community pool. Upon arrival, Captain Doyle faced the heart-wrenching sight of an unresponsive five-year-old boy, being attended to by a City of Avondale police officer. Undeterred, Captain Doyle and the crew of Engine 183 swung into action. Under his leadership, they quickly cleared the child’s airway, began CPR/MICR, and stabilized him, ultimately achieving a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Their exemplary on-scene response, prioritizing stabilization before transportation, proved invaluable, and the child was subsequently discharged from Phoenix Children’s Hospital without any deficits. 

This life-saving intervention is a testament to Captain Doyle’s unwavering commitment and expertise, making him a deserving nominee for the Star of Life Award.

Jacob Dindinger is being honored and remembered for his faithful service in EMS. His young life was cut short following a senseless and deadly shooting spree that shocked the Tucson area last summer. Jacob left us as a fallen hero, who died in the line of duty on July 30, 2021. 

For those who knew him personally, Jacob was a dedicated EMS professional who was continually seeking ways to grow in his career. He was driven, but not arrogant. He knew that failure was a part of life and that it was a setback, but it did not have to be the outcome if you chose to pick yourself up and move forward. These are the words that Jacob lived by as he worked hard to succeed in his professional development.

Jacob left a mark on all of us and made an impact on his community with each interaction he had. We are all better people for having been touched by him and his family.

Beth Yancey has a unique ability to see the silver lining behind every dark cloud. Beth spent three years as a Mesa Fire Department Connector program volunteer, but a heart condition kept her from entering the fire service on a full-time basis. Beth poured her passion into EMS instead. Just a few years into her career, a serious car wreck sidelined Beth. She worked in an EMS Human Resources position for four years before gaining enough strength to return to the ambulance.

“How can we make a patient’s worst day better?” was a question that Beth, a former EMT instructor, repeatedly posed to her students and continues to ask herself every day. It was from this foundation of care that Beth developed a special friendship with a young leukemia patient. Beth and her partner were at a hospital last year when they noticed the patient pointing at their ambulance. Beth invited the five year old and her mother in for a closer look, and soon Zaelynn—who had previously had trouble walking—was making trips from her room every time Beth was at the hospital. Now in remission, Zaelynn was quick to offer support when Beth’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she has since beat.

Facing down fire is nothing new for Aaron Fajardo, a Firefighter/EMT with more than a decade of experience. But facing down gunfire is, quite fortunately, a rarer occasion.

Last July, Aaron was part of a three-man engine crew dispatched to a collision involving two vehicles. Within minutes of the engine’s arrival on scene, one of the motorists involved in the crash began firing a gun in the direction of Firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency responders. Aaron instinctively shielded the patient he was caring for with his own body. He secured cover for himself and removed the patient from the direct line of fire. More than two dozen law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and apprehended the gunman.

Aaron’s compassion toward others and his enthusiasm for the job are palpable. He is motivated to learn, grow, and earn more responsibility. Though Aaron only joined the Rural Metro Fire Department four years ago, he has not hesitated to take the steps needed to advance his career and secure a bright future.

A dedicated firefighter/EMT, Craig Boydell is an indispensable member of Pima County Fire Operation’s Critical Incident Stress Management team. Craig willingly responds at a moment’s notice to help his peers, along with providers from neighboring fire protection and EMS agencies, after significant, traumatic events. He has provided much-needed support at numerous local, state, and regional incidents, including the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Craig has a strong focus on both physical fitness and mental fitness. He is a certified fitness instructor and fire academy physical training instructor. Craig is also an active member of his department’s Health & Wellness and Safety Committees.

Craig is a natural leader and is dedicated to helping the next generation succeed, including the high school students to whom he provides introductory training on careers in the fire service. Craig has served Pima County for the past 16 years.

Christopher Alleman has led Arizona Ambulance Transport through changes and challenges since 2011. Christopher is highly respected both within our organization and in the larger EMS community. Christopher spent more than 30 years in EMS in the Seattle area, and has broad experience ranging from founding and owning his own service to serving as lead operations supervisor for AMR Seattle. In his spare time, Christopher serves as Fire Chief of the Tombstone Volunteer Fire Department, protecting “the town too tough to die.”

Christopher’s steady hand on the tiller has navigated Arizona Ambulance through turbulent times over the past eight years. Christopher spearheaded the development of our robust training operation, and he sets the professional, compassionate tone of the mobile healthcare we provide our patients. Christopher has built a culture within the organization that has driven increased recruitment and retention of our staff. Christopher Alleman epitomizes the character and experience of a true EMS leader, and Arizona Ambulance Transport is proud to call him our Star of Life.