Captain Nikki Taylor is a highly dedicated Paramedic and Field Supervisor with MEMS, where she has served for five years. As part of the MEMS Tiered Response System, Nikki plays a pivotal role in providing top-tier emergency care. She is also a Field Training Officer, regularly assisting with continuing education for the agency’s 400+ employees and instructing EMT and Paramedic courses.

In addition to her educational role, Nikki is cross-trained as a Scheduling Specialist and provides assistance with day-to-day scheduling when needed. As a member of the MEMS Honor Guard, Nikki honors emergency medical service providers across the state at memorials and funerals, and she also participates in recruiting fairs. Nikki’s cross-training as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, along with her involvement in the Disaster Communication and Safety Teams, further showcases her versatility and dedication.

In 2024, Nikki led MEMS’s efforts to become certified under the National Prehospital Readiness Program Project, which involved certifying 62 ambulances for pediatric emergencies and updating education and competencies for MEMS providers. Her leadership in this initiative earned her the 2024 Pediatric Care Coordinator of the Year award from the Arkansas EMT Association.

Nikki has received numerous accolades for her work, including MEMS 2020 EMT of the Year, five Phoenix Awards, and the Medal of Valor for rescuing three people from an active structure fire in 2023. She also gives back to her community as a member of the Crystal Fire Department in Pulaski County, Arkansas.

MEMS proudly recognizes Captain Nikki Taylor as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life for her sustained superior performance and unwavering dedication to her profession.

Sergeant Jessup Grogan, a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, is in his fifth year with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Serving as a Lead EMT on a Basic Life Support ambulance in the MEMS Tiered Response System, Jessup has become an essential figure in the organization.

In addition to his work in the field, Jessup is a Field Training Officer, often found in the Training Department assisting with EMT courses, geography studies, and continuing education for MEMS’ 400+ employees. He is also cross-trained as a Scheduling Specialist, helping with day-to-day operations as needed. As a member of the MEMS Honor Guard, Jessup regularly honors EMS providers at memorial services and funerals across the state and represents the EMS profession at various events and recruiting fairs.

Outside of work, Jessup enjoys spending time with his wife, Morgan, who is an Emergency Medical Dispatcher at MEMS, proving that field crews and dispatchers can actually get along. The couple recently celebrated their second anniversary. In his free time, Jessup enjoys reading, model building, playing Dungeons and Dragons, fishing, hunting, and staying active in his church, Dwelling Place Ministries in Little Rock.

Jessup’s commitment to EMS is clear, as he often tells the new employees he trains that his purpose at MEMS is to “broaden, improve, and further EMS as a public service.” His positive “can-do” attitude, leadership, and dedication to his peers and community make Jessup Grogan an outstanding recipient of the 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life Award. MEMS is proud to honor his contributions and leadership.

Brandi Crist, a Nationally Registered Paramedic, is in her 21st year of service with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Throughout her career, Brandi has excelled in multiple roles, beginning as an EMT-Basic, serving as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and now working as a Trauma Call Coordinator at the Arkansas Trauma System’s state-wide coordination center. In addition to her duties as a Call Coordinator, Brandi is cross-trained as a Scheduling Specialist, managing schedules for over 400 employees, as well as the agency’s three Medical Directors and nine hand surgeons who provide telemedicine services to 92 hospitals across the state. Brandi also remains an active field Paramedic, frequently taking on additional shifts and working special events.

Beyond her role at MEMS, Brandi volunteers as a firefighter with the Bigelow Fire Department in Perry County, Arkansas. Known as the “morale mom” at MEMS, Brandi uplifts her coworkers with surprise birthday luncheons, get-well messages, and organizing social gatherings to maintain high spirits during and outside of shifts.

Outside of work, Brandi enjoys traveling and scuba diving with her husband. She is a certified Advanced Open Water Diver and is working towards her Master Diver and Cave Diver certifications. Brandi is married to Dusty, a fellow paramedic at MEMS, and they have four children: Wyatt (an EMT), Waylon, Cloe, and Trey.

MEMS is proud to honor Brandi Crist as a 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life for her dedication, work ethic, and well-rounded contributions as a paramedic and team member.

Chris Workman NREMT-P, RN is in his 23rd year in EMS, and is nearing his fifth year of service at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Chris’s career has spanned various areas of Arkansas, several types of EMS agencies, and numerous roles on and off duty. Chris launched his EMS career by earning his EMT certification after eight years as a welder and has continued to grow professionally since. He attained his Paramedic certification in 2008 and became a Registered Nurse in 2014. In addition to his field duties, Chris is a member of the MEMS Honor Guard and is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor. But that is just the beginning of his contributions to the community.

Chris is known throughout the state for his community involvement, volunteerism, and auctioneering skills. Chris has served countless hours as a Volunteer Firefighter and Reserve Police Officer. Additionally, as Community Outreach Coordinator he designed, built, and won first place for a County Fair float representing his agency and the EMS profession. He coached children’s T-Ball teams and served as a counselor, staff member, and on the planning committee for Camp Sunshine Burn Survivor Camp for 14 years.

Chris is also a longtime member of the Arkansas Emergency Medical Technician Association. He has lent his talents to their annual state-wide EMS conference planning committee and continues to serve as their annual fundraiser’s auctioneer.

Chris is a proud small-business owner, operating Workman’s Auction since 2006. In this role, he has conducted over 500 live, charity, and online auctions. Chris is well known for his trustworthiness and professionalism. and as such his efforts have supported EMS agencies in liquidating equipment. He was also entrusted with the sale of priceless career-long memorabilia collections by a few EMS legends who were approaching the end of their lives.

Chris is deeply humble and compassionate. Over the course of his career, he has successfully performed four field deliveries and one Pedi-Code save. In his time at MEMS, he has already been honored with four Phoenix Awards for cardiac arrest saves. These patient outcomes earn accolades from many. However, it is the times when Chris offers non-traditional, outside-of-the-box care for his patients that set him apart from his peers and earned him a nomination as a 2023 Star. From cooking a meal for a stressed, frail diabetic to singing gospel music with patients during transport, Chris fully dedicates himself to mobile healthcare. Similarly, he invests countless hours supporting his partners and mentoring new EMTs during the early stages of their careers.
When asked about being a Paramedic, Chris notes, “I do not save lives. God saves lives and decides who lives or dies. He blessed me with the tools and knowledge to help him; I get to play on his playground.”

Chris is married to Jayme who is a registered nurse and Emergency Department Director. They are both active members of Destiny Cowboy Church in Austin, Arkansas. Their son is currently enrolled in EMT school with plans to continue the family legacy of public service and EMS.

In their free time, Chris and Jayme enjoy spending time on the lake and at their cabin with friends. Chris is also an avid deer and turkey hunter, a skilled fisherman, and a proud Dallas Cowboys season ticket holder.

Sergeant Garrett Whisenhunt, B.S., NREMT-P is in his fifth year in EMS at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. After two years of working as an EMT, Garrett was selected for the MEMS in-house Paramedic school. Here, he earned highest honors as the class Valedictorian while simultaneously attaining his Associates of Applied Science in Paramedicine. In his second year as a Paramedic, he distinguished himself from his peers through his contributions to the agency as well as his work outside of EMS.

From Paramedic school to the present, Garrett’s dedication to lifelong learning is second to none. He notes that being an effective Paramedic and driving excellent patient outcomes fuel his investment in his own education. He is similarly committed to the development of his 400+ coworkers and thousands of EMS colleagues across the state. His desire to increase knowledge and reduce self-doubt for himself and his EMS colleagues led to his formation of the “Journal Club” at MEMS. This initiative has led to multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and discussions resulting in new and revised protocols as well as an informative learning and training medium.

In addition to his role as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer, Garrett serves as a member of the MEMS Bike team, Safety Council, Recruitment Team,  and as an Adjunct Instructor for the MEMS’ Academy, as well as a Stop the Bleed and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor. Another innovation driven by Garrett is his redesign and redevelopment of the agency’s driving training program, both didactic and practical portions. Overseeing a collaborative effort between other FTOs, Instructors, and Supervisors, this new course resulted in a year-long safety campaign that was designed to recognize and incentivize safe practices.

Furthermore, Garrett is a leader in the agency for his interdepartmental efforts and relationships with the area police and fire departments. He and his partner are known for their close relationship with their fellow public service professionals. They often share credit for positive outcomes on-scene with our partners and co-responders.

Garrett has been married to Sara for seven years and they have an 11-month-old daughter, Jane, who is the joy of their life. They are members of the Hwy 65 Church of Christ where he serves in numerous roles singing, preaching, teaching, and hosting Bible study classes for local college-aged adults. Garrett’s hobbies include mountain biking, smoking meats, making coffee and espressos, and spending time with his two Scottish Terriers. He is a self-described yard nerd who strives to have the greenest lawn on the block.

MEMS is proud to recognize Garrett Whisenhunt as a 2023 Star of Life.