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.