Spencer Brittain, an Advanced EMT at Life EMS in Enid, OK, has been recognized by his peers for his exceptional dedication and service, earning him the honor of representing Life EMS at the 2024 Stars of Life event. Spencer began his journey with Life EMS as an EMT Basic in early 2021 and advanced to EMT Advanced in 2023. Now, he is preparing to take the next step in his career by pursuing a Paramedic degree.

Growing up in central Illinois, Spencer earned a degree in Biological Science. His interest in the medical field was sparked early on, spending considerable time in healthcare settings as his sister underwent treatment for severe medical issues. Lucky for us, his experience solidified his desire to contribute to the medical industry, a calling that he has since pursued with passion and dedication.

Since joining Life EMS, Spencer has been a superb employee and team member, consistently demonstrating a commitment to patient care and to his colleagues. His strong work ethic and dedication make him an invaluable asset to Life EMS, and his peers are proud to see him recognized as a 2024 Star of Life honoree.

Kendra Rene Vermillion was born in Seiling, OK and graduated from Seiling Public Schools in 2009. She continued her education at Northern Oklahoma College, where she also played JUCO Division II basketball, and graduated with honors in 2011. During her two years at NOC, Kendra assisted her basketball team in reaching the National Tournament twice and the Final Four during her Sophomore year. This was the first time in NOC’s history that the women’s JUCO basketball team reached the National Tournament.

After graduating, Kendra found her love for EMS when she attended a Basic EMT class in Enid, OK and developed a passion for caring for others. Kendra began her career at Life EMS in 2015, and obtained her Advanced EMT license at Redlands Community College in 2017.

In addition to running full-time on the ambulance, Kendra is constantly looking for ways to improve the service. She created and implemented Life’s EMT and AEMT orientation and training program, which earned her the title Senior Field Training Officer. Kendra is well respected by her coworkers and emergency department personnel for her professional demeanor and medical knowledge.

When not at work, Kendra enjoys spending time with her husband, Life EMS’s Star from five years ago, and their four dogs.

Life EMS is proud to have Kendra as its 2022 Star of Life.

Kendra Rene Vermillion is the 2022 Oklahoma Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Shawn Svob is a Nationally Registered Paramedic who works for Life EMS in Enid, Oklahoma. He previously worked as an engineer for several Oklahoma energy and service companies. He also served 22 years in the US Army, both active duty and reserves, retiring as a Major in 2011.

Shawn grew up in Peoria, Illinois, and joined the Army after graduating high school, where he subsequently gained entrance into the United States Military Academy Preparatory School and ultimately the United States Military Academy at West Point. Shawn graduated West Point in 1995 with a degree in mechanical engineering and was then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, serving two tours in Bosnia in the Stabilization Force. He deployed to Iraq as part of a US Army Reserve group in 2009 where he was responsible for initiating the base closure plan for Victory Base in Baghdad, returning home in 2010. During his time in the Army, Shawn received multiple citations and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, and multiple service and campaign awards. 

Shawn began his career in EMS in 2011 after joining the Pond Creek Fire and EMS department as a volunteer firefighter and earning his EMT-B certification from Autry Tech. Shawn used his GI Bill education benefits to attend Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City for paramedic school while working as a Senior Engineer for ONEOK. He completed his training in December 2017 and was selected as the student speaker for their completion ceremony. Shawn earned his National Registry credentials and his state license in February 2018. Shawn left ONEOK in April 2018 to pursue his passion for EMS as a full time paramedic.

Shawn is married to Dr. Erin K. Roberts-Svob, DDS, and has two boys, Cole (14) and Rowan (12). He lives in Pond Creek, Oklahoma, where he continues to serve his local community as a firefighter and paramedic. 

Life EMS is honored to submit Randy Cowger as our 2014 Star of Life. Randy began his career in EMS in the year of 2000 as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher in the Life Communications Center. Randy was honored by the City of Enid for his role of providing pre-arrival instructions to a family member of a four year old child who was found face down in a swimming pool. Randy provided CPR instructions to that family member while dispatching an ambulance to the residence. Randy was credited for his quick actions and efficient use of his EMD skills in the resuscitation of the child who survived the near tragedy with no mental or physical deficits and is currently living a happy and normal life. Randy, a basic EMT, is always willing to help in any area of operations at Life EMS when needed, as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher or an EVO on an ambulance, in addition to his duties as Supervisor of Uplift wheelchair services. Randy has a very outgoing personality and is endeared by patients, nursing staff and fellow employees at Life EMS. He willingly steps up and does anything asked of him with a big smile. Thanks Randy!”

Tawny joined the Life EMS team in 2017 as an EMT/EVO, and she has been an integral part of the team since. She generously gives of her time and does whatever is asked of her unselfishly.

Tawny attended EMT-Basic training, then she went on to attain a National Registry Certification and the State of Oklahoma EMT License.

The public safety field was certainly not new territory for Tawny. Before deciding to become an EMT and pursue a career in EMS, she served as a reserve patrol and juvenile detention officer.

Tawny is married to Michael Ward, and they have a two-year-old daughter, Juliana.

Life EMS congratulates Tawny for being chosen by her fellow employees to represent Life EMS as a 2018 Star of Life.

Derek began his career in EMS in 2010 as an EMT Basic with the Watonga, Oklahoma Fire Department. Shortly thereafter, Derek was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in the 45th Infantry Division for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2011–2012 Derek was redeployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Upon returning in 2012, Derek enrolled in Paramedic school at Redlands Community College, completing his degree in 2014. Derek started working at Life EMS in August of 2015, and has since been promoted to the position of Operations and QA Supervisor.

Derek was instrumental in implementing Life EMS’ new mapping system software and played a key role in rebuilding the Volunteer rural Service in Watonga to prevent it from closing.

Derek was chosen as a Star by his fellow medics. Derek’s passion and pride in his work at Life EMS and Watonga EMS is truly unprecedented.

Life EMS is proud to recognize Derek Vermillion as a 2017 Star of Life.

Life EMS is honored to nominate Adam Then as one of its 2016 Stars of Life. For the past two years, Adam has worked as a paramedic and was recently promoted to a supervisory position in Quality Assurance.

Adam knew he wanted to become a medic in high school and enrolled in a basic EMT course as soon as he graduated. Once he completed his basic course, Adam immediately enrolled in a paramedic program.

Adam is a member of the Life EMS REMMS Disaster Medical Response Team. He is a team player and consummate professional who always takes time out of his day to help a fellow medic. It is no wonder that his colleagues nominated him for a 2016 Star of Life.

An avid outdoorsman, Adam loves hunting, fishing and camping. Adam and his fiancé, Kiley Barnett, are getting married in October 2016 and all the employees of Life EMS wish them both much happiness. We are so grateful that Adam is a member of the Life EMS family.