Darren Cowley started his emergency services career in 2009, firefighting with the Simms Fire Department in Simms, Texas. He served as Captain and Training Officer for the department. In 2011, Darren began his EMS career with LifeNet in the Texarkana division as an EMT and receiving his Paramedic certification in 2013 through Texarkana College. His peers at LifeNet describe Darren as very compassionate, honest, professional, treating patients like family. Darren strives to exhibit LifeNet’s mission, values, and vision. Darren describes himself as a Christian, giving all glory to God! Darren currently resides in Avery, Texas with his wife Angela and their seven children, Emma, Cole, William, Sylvia, Brayli, and twins Jed and Wally.”

Cody Chaney’s peers described his attributes well when they nominated him as LifeNet’s Star of Life. Among their accolades were these words: “Cody has great integrity and compassion for his job and for our customers,” “He has held close our mission, values, and vision,” and “His attitude and presence are always uplifting to employees and patients!” Obviously Cody’s personal impact is as strong as his solid clinical contributions to healthcare in LifeNet’s Oklahoma service area. A relative newcomer to prehospital medicine, Cody joined LifeNet a little more than two years ago as a part-time EMT while he worked toward his Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Technology at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. This winter, as his course work neared completion, Cody was able to further impact LifeNet staff and customers by accepting a full-time role. And Cody’s influence extends beyond the workplace. For nine years Cody has volunteered countless hours and entire summers at Shepherd’s Fold Ranch in Avant, Oklahoma providing a place in the country for kids to spend their summer exploring God’s creation. Through his ministry at Shepherd’s Fold, Cody has supported the camp’s vision by planning and executing camps for children, managing properties and facilities, and investing his talents into developing staff and participants. Cody participated on the OSU Firefighter Combat Challenge Team as both competitor and Training Officer. During his tenure the team qualified for World Competition three consecutive years. We are pleased that you can join us in celebrating Cody Chaney as our 2014 Star of Life.”

Terry Childers is the 2018 Star of Life representing LifeNet’s Hot Springs, Arkansas division. Terry originally decided to become a paramedic because he thought it would be an exciting and fast-paced career. After twenty-seven years in the business, he affirms that he was right! Terry has served patients, their families, and his coworkers in many roles over the years, and says he has learned from some of the best providers in Arkansas. Terry has managed both ground and flight programs, served as educator, and functioned as mentor to innumerable EMS professionals over the years.

Terry admits that the main reason for his long tenure in EMS is the personal gratification he feels when caring for patients. While he acknowledges the critical impact he and his peers have played in life-saving moments, Terry relishes the ability to make someone’s day better by providing a moment of comfort, or just by listening to their stories. He confesses that patients probably do not realize that caring for them contributes as much to his well-being as he hopes does the role he plays in their lives.

Terry’s peers nominated him to represent them as Star of Life and their accolades left him humbled and honored. One co-worker’s words shared the sentiment of many, stating “He is an amazing medic and takes care of people like no one else!” Another peer said, “He is humble, kind, and never hesitates to help someone else.”

When not at work, Terry finds time for balance in life by relaxing on the Lake. Recently he has been renovating a 103-year-old house and, during breaks, enjoys sitting on his front porch with Leroy, his bulldog, who is a celebrity of sorts among his EMS community.

Casey Dodson joined LifeNet in April 2011. He was among a group of new employees who helped create an entirely new EMS delivery model for the Stillwater, Oklahoma area and surrounding communities. This new venture was challenging for all involved, and Casey contributed his years of EMS experience and knowledge to our success. He has now served in EMS for seventeen years.

His coworkers know Casey as a senior partner who can handle any scenario or difficult scene. He is frequently paired with new employees during Field Training and employee development processes. A new medic can be comforted knowing that if Casey is his partner the shift will go well.

Casey also likes to have fun at work. He revels in “poking the bear” whenever a manager is around, usually to get a reaction, but often to bring attention to an issue with possible solutions. When he is away from work, Casey enjoys spending time with family and friends. He helps with charitable functions in the community as a member and an officer of the Stillwater Elks’ Lodge.

Cyndy Rider is a full-time paramedic with Lifenet, Inc. in Texarkana, Arkansas. As a child, she split her time between her home in Texarkana and the family farm in Garland City, Arkansas where her father was a farmer and member of the volunteer fire department. After graduating from Arkansas High, she attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Mass Communication.

In 2011 she moved to Providence Village, Texas with her husband, Thomas Rider. While living in North Dallas, she felt a strong desire to leave the retail industry after more 10 years and pursue a childhood dream of becoming a paramedic/first responder. In 2013 she completed her EMT training at UT Southwestern and began working for Allegiance Ambulance in Carrollton, TX. In 2015 she returned to school to become a Licensed Paramedic. She moved back to Texarkana and began working at Lifenet the following year.

Cyndy is well-respected among her peers and co-workers for her positive and cheerful attitude, passion for her job, and exceptional care and concern for her patients. Fellow employees describe Cyndy as, “…always coming to work with a positive attitude and is constantly showing compassion for her patients as well as her coworkers. She cares about her patients and always wants to do her best!”

Cyndy thoroughly enjoys working with students as a preceptor. She takes great pride in teaching others, not only the skills necessary to become a confident and proficient paramedic, but also how to maintain a positive attitude in stressful and sometimes difficult circumstances. She is grateful for the opportunity this job has given her to have a meaningful impact on the lives of her patients and fellow employees.

In her spare time Cyndy enjoys camping, traveling, spending time with her four dogs, playing piano, and serving the members of Fairview United Methodist Church.

Matthew “Matt” Williams is involved in multiple aspects of LifeNet’s EMS service in Stillwater, Oklahoma; including new employee development, our quality assurance processes, education, and multiple leadership roles. Matt completed his paramedic education at Oklahoma State University, and is pursuing a B.S. in Emergency Medical Services Administration at Columbia Southern University. When Matt is not at work, which is a rarity, Matt spends time with his wife, Felisha, and their seven children. Matt and his family enjoy fishing, traveling, and attending various sporting events.

Matt is LifeNet’s 2017 Star of Life representing our Stillwater, Oklahoma division. Matt’s coworkers nominated him for his dedication to our patients, the community, and for his commitment to the LifeNet team.

Robbie Seastrunk is a full-time Paramedic and Field Training Officer at LifeNet Inc. in Texarkana, Texas. After graduating from high school, Robbie joined the local volunteer Fire Department. While with the Fire Department, Robbie attended the Arkansas Fire Academy EMT course. Upon completion, Robbie became an Industrial EMT for Weyerhaeuser in Mt Pine, Arkansas where he worked for eight years before choosing to become a full-time EMT in Hot Springs. Robbie continued his education and obtained his Paramedic certification in 2000. Since that time, Robbie has worked as a Paramedic, Operations Manager, and Field Training Officer in Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas.

Robbie possesses the ability to positively interact with anyone. Robbie consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing both great service to patients and support to his fellow team members. Robbie prides himself in making a difference in every patient’s life, regardless of the situation presented, putting them instantly at ease with his calm, easy-going demeanor. Robbie also enjoys mentoring new team members and Paramedic students, doing so in such a way that makes them feel welcome and completely at ease in the stressful environment of EMS.

In his free time, Robbie enjoys spending time with Christy, their children, & grandson. Robbie loves hunting, fishing, and all outdoor recreational activities.

Brandon Herron is a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with LifeNet in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Brandon was nominated by his peers as a Star of Life because they recognize his positive impact on all those with whom he makes contact.

Peers say that, “Brandon always has a friendly attitude towards co-workers, patients, and facility staff. Brandon is always willing to help others. Patients are very appreciative of the care he provides.”

As committed as Brandon is to his profession, he is also a family man and dedicates as much time as possible to friends and family. Brandon especially enjoys playing outdoors with his son, Hunter, and their Boston Terrier. Brandon’s wife, Crystal, and son are very proud of his successes.

Nicholas Brown is a full time Paramedic and Field Training Officer at LifeNet Inc. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy and served as a parachute rigger attached to an FA/18 squadron. Following his Navy service, Nick returned home and worked for his father, a general contractor, for several years.

Nick then became interested in the medical field and began working part time in physical therapy. Soon after, he elected to continue his education and obtained his EMT, then eventually his Paramedic, license. He worked in the Emergency Department at a local hospital for several years before beginning his full-time career with LifeNet.

Nick’s managers were pleased that his peers nominated him as our Star of Life. They appreciate Nick as an excellent problem-solver and noted that he digs deep to search for the root causes of issues. He finds pragmatic solutions that are successful and can be readily adopted by others. Nick consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing great service to both patients and other community members.

Nick is married to Cassi, a registered nurse who shares his love for healthcare. Nick enjoys spending time with Cassi and their children, and they especially love outdoor recreation activities.

Jason Goodwin began his career with LifeNet in 2000. He started as a volunteer firefighter in 1997 with the Salem Volunteer Fire Department and the Sherwood Volunteer Fire Department in Arkansas, and the Nash Fire Department in Texas. Jason received his paramedic certification in 1998.

Jason works in the Texarkana division of LifeNet and takes on the additional responsibility of the ambulance equipment layout for the Texarkana fleet. He is highly respected for his commitment to and concern for his patients. He is the first to volunteer for a task and this is shown through his pride and love of EMS every day.

To give back to the Texarkana community, Jason works alongside his wife in the animal rescue service she started in 2013. When time allows, his hobbies include working on cars, target shooting, and playing video games.

LifeNet takes great pleasure in selecting Chris Moore as our 2016 Star of Life representing our Oklahoma Division. His peers proudly chose him as a true example of prehospital excellence. While Chris has been with LifeNet for less than two years, his involvement in EMS began in 2005 and extends over several years of field experience and classroom influence. Chris possesses a never-ending drive for excellence that he embodies during patient care, instruction, and while at the station.

A coworker said, “One word to describe Chris is ‘passion’; to teach and to learn.” He has been involved with initial EMS education programs helping to develop newcomers to our industry. Chris excels at finding ways to
communicate his excitement for education to others in easy-to-learn formats. His students praise his ability to break down difficult concepts, and this affinity for sharing knowledge has led Chris to be a “go-to” instructor for his coworkers and managers. If a complicated subject needs to be communicated, Chris is the first to step up to develop a comprehensive and clear method of presentation.

As a Field Training Officer for LifeNet, Chris uses his experience to influence the development of new employees as well as to foster the growth of tenured providers. The patients and customers Chris serve always have praise for his care and compassion. Little do they know the effort he puts forth before the call with protocol development and operational influences that positively impact the outcomes for all of our patients.

Chris is known as a family man and for his spiritual walk. Chris and his wife, Caitlin, along with their son and daughter, recently served as a foster family for a young child in need of love and attention. Chris and Caitlin are active in their church and community, and they bring warmth to any gathering of LifeNet employees.