Bob Hardwick, EMT-I 99, has dedicated nearly five decades to advancing emergency medical services in South Dakota. A pioneer in the state’s EMS system, Bob has spent his career building programs, developing providers, and strengthening the profession for those who would follow him.

As the holder of South Dakota ALS license No. 15, Bob was among the earliest individuals licensed as an advanced life support provider in the state. He helped establish one of South Dakota’s first ALS ambulance services and went on to devote his career to building and strengthening EMS programs throughout the state.

Bob’s impact is measured not only by the programs he helped develop, but also by the people he has influenced. Known for his humility and servant leadership, he has consistently placed the needs of his employees, students, and coworkers ahead of his own. Through teaching and mentorship, Bob has shared decades of experience while helping prepare the next generation of EMS professionals to serve their communities.

After retiring in 2025, Bob found that his service to EMS was not yet finished. He returned to AMR in Pierre—the service he helped found—where he now works alongside his son and continues mentoring newer EMS professionals. His return represents a remarkable full-circle moment in a career devoted to building a stronger future for EMS.

Nearly five decades after beginning his journey, Bob continues to demonstrate that leadership is not defined simply by a title, but by a willingness to serve, teach, encourage, and invest in others. His legacy can be found throughout South Dakota EMS and in the generations of professionals who have benefited from his knowledge and example.

AMR is proud to recognize EMT-I 99 Bob Hardwick as a Star of Life for his pioneering contributions, servant leadership, mentorship, and extraordinary lifetime of service to emergency medical services.

Maison Hooten is a Paramedic with AMR in Pecos, New Mexico, whose leadership, clinical skill, and resourcefulness were demonstrated during a challenging wilderness rescue in remote terrain.

With no cell service available, Maison and his partner relied on GPS coordinates to help locate a critically injured patient in need of emergency care. Their response took them over damaged forest roads before conditions required them to continue on foot alongside other rescue personnel.

Once they reached the patient, Maison and his partner assessed the patient, provided treatment, and worked to stabilize the patient for a difficult evacuation. Delivering care in such a remote environment required sound clinical judgment and the ability to adapt to circumstances far different from those of a typical ambulance response.

With treatment underway, Maison and his partner joined the rescue team in securing the patient in a rescue basket. Together, they carried the patient along a narrow, muddy mountain trail until they could reach transport. Every stage of the response required close teamwork, persistence, and a shared commitment to overcoming the significant barriers between the patient and definitive medical care.

Maison’s actions demonstrate the adaptability required of EMS professionals serving communities where geography and limited access can make an already serious emergency even more challenging. His clinical judgment, teamwork, and perseverance helped bring critical emergency care directly to a patient in a location where conventional ambulance access was severely limited.

AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Maison Hooten as a Star of Life for his leadership, resourcefulness, clinical skill, and determination to reach and care for a patient in need.

Bryar Hopkins is a Flight Paramedic with REACH in McClellan, California, whose resilience, compassion, and commitment to serving others extend far beyond his work aboard an air ambulance.

A two-time Stage 4 lymphoma survivor, Bryar has faced extraordinary personal challenges while continuing to dedicate himself to helping others. That commitment was powerfully demonstrated during the memorial service for Reach flight nurse, Susie Smith, when someone experienced a life-threatening medical emergency. Bryar immediately stepped forward and began bystander CPR.

His lifesaving intervention contributed to the patient achieving return of spontaneous circulation. The patient ultimately made a full recovery, transforming an unexpected emergency into a powerful example of the difference immediate action can make.

Bryar brings that same determination to his professional and personal pursuits. While continuing his work as a Flight Paramedic, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, further expanding his clinical knowledge and capabilities. He is also training for the Boston Marathon while raising funds for charity, combining personal achievement with another opportunity to serve others.

Bryar’s journey reflects remarkable perseverance and an enduring commitment to making a positive difference. Whether caring for patients as a Flight Paramedic, stepping forward to provide lifesaving CPR while off duty, advancing his education, or supporting charitable causes, he consistently demonstrates compassion and service to others.

REACH is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Bryar Hopkins as a Star of Life for his resilience, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to his patients, colleagues, and community.

Matthew Lonon is a Flight Paramedic with Med-Trans Corp/Regional One in Spartanburg, South Carolina, whose clinical judgment and lifesaving critical care made a profound difference for a critically injured child.

Matthew responded as part of the flight crew caring for a child who had been struck by a vehicle and sustained a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and severe lacerations. Recognizing the severity of the child’s injuries and the urgent need for definitive care, Matthew and his crew made the critical decision to “load and go.”

Rather than delay transport to perform extensive stabilization on scene, the team rapidly loaded the young patient into the aircraft and departed for the receiving facility. Once airborne, Matthew and his team delivered advanced critical care throughout the flight, providing the interventions the child needed while moving quickly toward definitive treatment.

The response demonstrated the importance of sound clinical judgment in critical care transport. Faced with a severely injured pediatric patient, Matthew and his crew balanced the need for immediate medical intervention with the urgency of reaching a higher level of care. Their ability to make that decision quickly and provide advanced treatment during transport proved pivotal to the child’s survival.

The impact of their care continues to resonate with the patient’s family. Today, they credit Matthew and his crew with helping give their loved one the opportunity to celebrate another birthday—a powerful reminder of the lasting difference EMS professionals can make in a single critical moment.

Matthew’s clinical skill, decisive action, and commitment to his patient exemplify the very best of critical care transport. MTC/Regional One is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Matthew Lonon as a Star of Life.

Jessica Mills is a Flight Nurse with MTC/Regional One in Spartanburg, South Carolina, whose expert pediatric critical care and extraordinary compassion brought comfort to a family during one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

Jessica cared for a seriously injured child who required air medical transport after being struck by a vehicle. Throughout the flight, Jessica provided critical care while recognizing that the patient’s family also needed information, reassurance, and support.

She made a special effort to keep the child’s father informed and involved, explaining critical interventions and helping him understand the procedures that would take place at the Level I trauma center when he could not be at his daughter’s bedside. Jessica also encouraged the child’s mother to drive safely as she traveled to be with her daughter, demonstrating concern for the well-being of the entire family.

Jessica’s compassion did not end when the transport was complete. In the days and weeks that followed, she regularly checked on the child’s progress. During a later flight to Greenville, Jessica made a special stop outside the family’s pediatric intensive care unit room, bringing a basket of gifts and another reminder that they had not been forgotten.

The family later publicly credited Jessica with bringing them comfort, hope, and a sense of peace during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Their words reflect the profound difference an EMS professional can make not only through clinical expertise, but also through empathy, communication, and genuine human connection.

Jessica’s actions exemplify the very best of critical care transport. She cared for a seriously injured child while ensuring that frightened parents remained informed, supported, and connected to their daughter’s care. MTC/Regional One is proud to recognize Flight Nurse Jessica Mills as a Star of Life for her clinical excellence, compassion, and exceptional commitment to patients and their families.

Blanca Morfin Watkins, a Paramedic with American Medical Response (AMR) in California, is being honored for her extraordinary courage and selfless actions after risking her own safety to help another in a life-threatening emergency.

When she encountered a critically injured patient lying just feet from a burning vehicle, Blanca immediately began providing care despite the imminent danger. Moments later, an explosive event occurred, exposing Blanca to the blast and causing minor injuries. Her calm under pressure, quick decision-making and unwavering commitment to helping others in an extraordinarily dangerous situation exemplify the very best of emergency service and personal bravery.

AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Blanca Morfin Watkins as a Star of Life for her extraordinary courage, selfless actions, and unwavering commitment to helping others in their greatest moments of need.

Andre Pinkston is a Paramedic with AMR in Stone Mountain, Georgia, who brings more than 30 years of EMS experience to the patients and communities he serves. For the past 13 years, Andre has served with AMR DeKalb County, where his extensive clinical experience now contributes to an innovative approach to treating patients with severe hemorrhage.

Andre demonstrated the importance of that capability while caring for a critically injured patient following extrication. Recognizing the severity of the patient’s condition, Andre quickly established IV access, initiated lifesaving treatment, and administered a whole-blood transfusion in the field—providing critical care before the patient ever reached the hospital.

The ability to carry and administer whole blood in the prehospital setting remains uncommon among EMS agencies nationwide. Andre is assigned to AMR DeKalb County’s new Hemorrhage and Resuscitation Treatment (HART) Program, which equips EMS clinicians with lifesaving blood products for patients experiencing severe blood loss.

Andre’s response exemplified the purpose of the HART Program: bringing advanced resuscitative care directly to critically injured patients when every minute matters. His decades of experience, combined with access to this important clinical resource, allowed him to deliver a potentially lifesaving intervention where it was needed most—in the field.

Throughout more than three decades as a Paramedic, Andre has dedicated himself to providing emergency care when patients are at their most vulnerable. His work demonstrates the value of experience, clinical readiness, and advances in prehospital medicine that allow EMS professionals to bring increasingly sophisticated care directly to the patient.

AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Andre Pinkston as a Star of Life for his commitment to exceptional patient care and his role in delivering lifesaving whole-blood therapy through AMR DeKalb County’s HART Program.

Connie Porter is a Paramedic with AMR in Lihue, Hawaii, whose dedication to caring for others extends from emergency response into injury prevention and community advocacy throughout Kauai.

Connie demonstrated her clinical commitment when she responded in less than five minutes to a patient who had suffered a traumatic injury. Her quick action and attentive care helped ensure the patient received the critically needed treatment at the receiving facility. The patient ultimately recovered and was able to return home.

For Connie, however, caring for her community does not end when an ambulance call is complete. She also serves as Kauai’s injury-prevention specialist, working to help prevent emergencies before they occur. As a certified car-seat technician, Connie helps promote the safety of children and families across the island.

Her commitment to service extends to some of Kauai’s most vulnerable residents. Connie is a tireless advocate for the island’s elderly and homeless populations, demonstrating the same compassion in her community work that she brings to patients in the field.

Whether responding quickly to a traumatic emergency, helping families protect their children, or advocating for people who may otherwise struggle to have their needs recognized, Connie approaches service with compassion and commitment. Her work reflects an understanding that EMS professionals can make a difference not only during emergencies, but also through prevention, education, and advocacy.

AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Connie Porter as a Star of Life for her dedication to patient care, injury prevention, and the well-being of the Kauai community.

Mark Rock is a Paramedic with AMR in Moorpark, California, whose 30 years in emergency medical services have been distinguished by clinical service, education, mentorship, and contributions to the advancement of patient care.

Drawing on decades of field experience, Mark developed a modernized patient assessment framework designed to strengthen the way EMS professionals approach patient evaluation. His work gained recognition beyond his own organization and community, earning publication in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) and subsequent attention in European EMS journals.

Mark’s work ultimately reached an international audience when he presented the framework at the European EMS Conference in Glasgow. Its influence also came full circle at home, where the local EMS agency adopted the framework as part of Ventura County’s Universal Patient Care Guidelines.

The progression from an idea developed by a working Paramedic to a published, internationally presented, and locally adopted clinical framework reflects Mark’s commitment to improving EMS practice. His contribution has helped influence the protocols that guide patient assessment, extending his impact well beyond the patients he personally treats.

Even after three decades in the field, Mark remains an active educator and mentor. By sharing his experience and encouraging the professional development of other EMS clinicians, he continues to strengthen the profession and help prepare providers to deliver thoughtful, systematic patient care.

Mark’s career demonstrates how one EMS professional can influence patient care both at the bedside and throughout a larger system. Through clinical practice, education, mentorship, and innovation, his contributions have helped shape how providers assess and care for patients. AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Mark Rock as a Star of Life.

Emily Smayra is a Paramedic Supervisor with AMR in Stockton, California, whose courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her patients are evident in the most challenging circumstances.

Emily demonstrated these qualities while responding to a large-scale shooting that impacted multiple people. During this tragic incident, she served as the lead responding Paramedic and Medical Group Supervisor, assuming a critical leadership role amid an exceptionally demanding emergency.

Faced with a complex and rapidly evolving situation, Emily provided clear command and a steady presence while remaining focused on the patients and responders who depended on her leadership. Her ability to bring stability to a worst-case scenario exemplified the composure and professionalism required of EMS leaders during large-scale emergencies.

Emily brings that same courage and commitment to the difficult calls she routinely encounters. Whether providing direct patient care or leading others through a critical incident, she approaches her responsibilities with dedication, sound leadership, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Her actions during the shooting reflect the qualities she demonstrates throughout her career: bravery in the face of extraordinary circumstances, clear and confident leadership, and steadfast dedication to those in need. AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Supervisor Emily Smayra as a Star of Life.

Abby Smith is a Paramedic Lieutenant with Lifeguard Ambulance Service in Purvis, Mississippi, whose clinical leadership, teamwork, and commitment to developing others make her an integral part of Lifeguard South Mississippi.

Abby demonstrated those qualities during the lifesaving care of an infant experiencing severe respiratory distress. Faced with a critically ill young patient, Abby provided decisive leadership as she and her crew worked together to deliver advanced respiratory interventions and stabilize the infant.

Through Abby’s leadership and the crew’s seamless teamwork, the infant’s condition improved during their care. They arrived at the hospital with a crying, responsive baby—a remarkable change from the severe respiratory distress they had encountered. Just weeks later, the infant was discharged from the hospital.

The call exemplified the clinical skill, composure, and teamwork required when caring for EMS’s most vulnerable patients. Abby’s ability to lead effectively during a high-stakes pediatric emergency helped ensure that her crew remained focused on delivering the care the infant needed.

Abby’s impact extends well beyond individual patient encounters. As the supervisor for her rotation, she provides leadership and support to her colleagues while helping maintain a strong standard of patient care. She also dedicates herself to mentoring students and new team members during orientation, sharing her experience and helping prepare other EMS professionals to serve their patients with confidence and compassion.

Whether leading her crew through a critical pediatric emergency, supervising a rotation, or investing in the development of future EMS professionals, Abby demonstrates the clinical excellence, leadership, and dedication at the heart of emergency medical services. Lifeguard Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Paramedic Lieutenant Abby Smith as a Star of Life.

Forrest Tracey is an EMT with AMR in Pecos, New Mexico, whose leadership, resourcefulness, and determination were demonstrated during a challenging wilderness rescue far from accessible roads.

When a patient needed emergency care in difficult terrain, Forrest used GPS coordinates to navigate the ambulance toward the patient’s location. Washed-out roads made vehicle access increasingly difficult, forcing Forrest to leave the ambulance behind and continue on foot across rugged terrain to reach the patient.

Once on scene, Forrest joined the rescue team in securing the patient in a rescue basket. The team then faced the difficult task of carrying the patient along a narrow, muddy trail to reach the waiting ambulance. Despite the challenging conditions and significant barriers to evacuation, Forrest remained focused on working with his fellow responders to safely move the patient from the remote location.

After reaching the ambulance, the patient was transported to the hospital for further care. Forrest’s navigation skills, teamwork, persistence, and willingness to adapt as conditions changed were instrumental in overcoming the obstacles between the patient and needed medical care.

The rescue exemplifies an essential quality of emergency medical services: finding a way to reach people in need, even when the path to them is anything but straightforward. Forrest’s actions demonstrated the resourcefulness and commitment required to serve patients in remote and challenging environments.

AMR is proud to recognize EMT Forrest Tracey as a Star of Life for his leadership, teamwork, and dedication to ensuring that a patient in need could be reached, rescued, and transported to definitive care.

Beth Watt is a Flight Paramedic with REACH in Williams, California, whose three decades of flight service have been defined by clinical experience, education, and an extraordinary commitment to the people who serve alongside her.

That commitment was powerfully demonstrated following the crash of a REACH helicopter. After learning that her teammates had been injured, Beth drove two-and-a-half hours through the night to reach her coworkers, arriving within hours of the accident. In a moment of tremendous uncertainty and distress, Beth focused immediately on supporting those affected by the tragedy.

Her compassion extended beyond her injured colleagues. Beth stepped forward to serve as a liaison for the victim’s family, providing support, comfort, and a steady presence during an extraordinarily difficult time. Her actions reflected the loyalty and humanity that have characterized her career and demonstrated what it means to care for the EMS family when tragedy strikes close to home.

Beth’s influence reaches far beyond her work as a Flight Paramedic. During three decades of flight service, she has also distinguished herself as an EMS educator, training generations of medics throughout Northern California. Through her dedication to education, Beth has shared her knowledge and experience with countless EMS professionals, extending her impact to the patients and communities those providers serve.

Whether educating the next generation of medics, caring for patients, supporting a teammate, or standing beside a family during a crisis, Beth leads with compassion and an instinct to serve others. Her response following the REACH helicopter crash exemplifies the loyalty, selflessness, and sense of responsibility that strengthen the EMS community.

REACH is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Beth Watt as a Star of Life for her three decades of service, her profound influence as an EMS educator, and the extraordinary compassion she demonstrated when her teammates and their families needed her most.

Julie Humes is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to patient care, even under the most extreme conditions.

During one particularly disruptive weather event, a head-on collision occurred, and the air medical team was grounded. Without hesitation, Julie volunteered to respond by ground vehicle. Her swift decision proved instrumental in saving the life of a critically injured patient who was bleeding profusely.

Julie administered blood and other lifesaving interventions, remaining by the patient’s side until they were safely transferred to hospital care. Thanks to her extraordinary skill and steadfast presence, the patient ultimately survived and was discharged after several weeks.

Julie is a hero who consistently puts patients’ needs at the forefront of her decision-making. Her calm under pressure and dedication to her community embody the very best of emergency medicine.

Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Flight Nurse Julie Humes as a Star of Life!

Terry Gray is being applauded for his extraordinary quick thinking and heroic actions during a freeway emergency.

While responding to a serious accident involving a pedestrian on a busy highway, Terry immediately assessed the severity of the scene and notified authorities. In the midst of this critical moment, he spotted another vehicle rapidly approaching. Without hesitation, he sprang into action—shielding others from danger and physically pushing a pedestrian out of harm’s way.

The oncoming vehicle collided with the AMR Supervisor unit, narrowly missing Terry. His swift, selfless response not only protected those around him but also likely saved multiple lives, including his own.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Emergency Medical Technician and Crew Chief Terry Gray as a Star of Life!

It’s every new parent’s worst nightmare: your newborn suddenly stops breathing and you are powerless to help. Last fall, that terrifying moment became reality for one mother—but in the midst of panic and fear, Dylan Graves became a beacon of hope.

Dylan is being honored for his heroic actions in saving the life of a 12-day-old infant who had stopped breathing. With calm precision and unwavering focus, he worked alongside his partner and local firefighters to resuscitate the baby, stabilize the situation, and ensure the child was safely transported to the hospital.

Thanks to their swift and coordinated response, the infant made a full recovery and was soon discharged home. To the grateful mother, Dylan isn’t just a first responder—he is a lifesaver. She continues to share her gratitude, praising Dylan and the entire crew who answered her desperate call for help. Their courage and compassion transformed a moment of unimaginable fear into one of miraculous relief.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Lead Paramedic and Field Training Officer Dylan Graves as a Star of Life!

United States Marine Corps veteran Aaron Goodloe is being honored for his deep and selfless commitment to patient care, even under the most extreme conditions. During a severe winter storm that blanketed Kansas in snow and ice, Aaron continued serving his community when many roads had become impassable.

When two ambulances—each carrying patients, including an infant—became stranded in the storm, Aaron bravely navigated treacherous, icy conditions to reach them. He safely transferred the patients into his own vehicle and ensured they arrived at the hospital for the critical care they required.

Aaron’s courage, determination, and dedication turned two perilous situations into lifesaving events. His military service instilled in him the values of resilience and commitment, which he continues to demonstrate every day in his role as a Paramedic.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Aaron Goodloe as a Star of Life!

Kenny Glimme is being commended for his quick instincts and lifesaving actions that saved the life of a toddler. While at his base during routine aircraft maintenance, Kenny heard screams coming from a nearby field. Compelled to act, he climbed a fence and discovered a mother clutching her lifeless child, who had fallen into a pond.

Without hesitation, Kenny immediately began rescue breathing and CPR while waiting for first responders to arrive. He coordinated care with the arriving EMS team, requested the closest air ambulance, and helped direct resuscitation efforts on the way to the airport. Once the helicopter crew prepared for flight, Kenny assisted the nurse to ensure the toddler received critical care every step of the way.

The child was stabilized and flown to a pediatric center, where they recovered and returned home five weeks later. Thanks to Kenny’s swift response, clinical expertise, and calm leadership under pressure, a young life was saved.

REACH Air Medical Services is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Kenny Glimme as a Star of Life!

Marc Flores is being honored for his exceptional clinical expertise and decisive action that saved the life of an elderly motor vehicle crash victim. While responding to a collision in rural Texas with Flight Nurse Missy Satterfield, Marc encountered a patient who appeared visibly distressed.

To an untrained eye, the symptoms might have seemed like simple shock from the accident. But Marc, drawing on his experience and keen clinical judgment, quickly recognized the signs of compromised breathing caused by chest trauma and multiple rib fractures. Just moments later, the patient went into cardiac arrest.

Without hesitation, Marc and Missy initiated advanced lifesaving interventions, successfully achieving return of spontaneous circulation and stabilizing the patient for transport. Thanks to their rapid assessment, calm execution, and advanced training, the patient not only survived but walked out of the hospital just two weeks later.

Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Marc Flores as a Star of Life!

Jimi Estrada-Velazquez is being praised for his swift action and lifesaving intervention that saved the life of a toddler who nearly drowned.

Last summer, Jimi and his partner responded to a frantic 9-1-1 call from parents who had found their child face down in a swimming pool. Within two minutes of dispatch, Jimi arrived on scene and brought calm, expertise, and urgency to a chaotic situation. Working alongside his partner and law enforcement officers, he immediately began rescue breathing, delivering lifesaving oxygen to the child.

Thanks to seamless coordination with fellow first responders, the child was stabilized and quickly loaded into the ambulance. Firefighters joined en route, and together the team defied the odds—reviving the young patient and ensuring a safe arrival at the hospital.

Because of Jimi’s rapid response and unwavering focus, the toddler made a full recovery. His actions reflect his personal commitment to teamwork, training, and courage under pressure—qualities that define the very best of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Jimi Estrada-Velazquez as a Star of Life!