Sergeant Kevin Sabella, AA, NRP, is a Paramedic with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO), FTO Instructor, and Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Instructor. Now in his eighth year in EMS, Kevin has distinguished himself as a skilled clinician, educator, and leader committed to strengthening both his agency and the next generation of EMS professionals.

Recognizing his leadership abilities, MEMS management selected Kevin to help rebuild the agency’s Field Training program. After completing a nationally recognized Field Training Officer Program course, he returned to MEMS and began designing a program for the agency’s more than 400 employees. Though still relatively new, the initiative has already contributed to improvements in field training and employee retention.

Kevin has also found new ways to make education accessible to his colleagues. He developed a monthly video series to help MEMS Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians better understand agency protocols, further demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and clinical excellence.

Among his colleagues, Kevin is known for being positive, dependable, and accountable. He leads by example and expects the same commitment from himself that he asks of others. That dedication is perhaps most evident at the end of a long shift. On several occasions, after turning in his ambulance and equipment, Kevin and his partners have recognized increasing 911 call volume and volunteered to return to service with another ambulance and equipment set. Their willingness to go back on the road has helped ensure timely responses for patients while also supporting fellow crews during periods of high demand.

When asked why he believed he was nominated as a Star of Life, Kevin explained, “I do everything I can to better the next generation of EMS. I try to always be reliable, positive, and dedicated to doing the best I can, and I actively seek to improve myself.” His words reflect the approach he brings to patient care, education, and leadership every day.

Outside of EMS, Kevin enjoys football, baseball, and rugby, as well as wood carving and other woodworking projects. Coming from a large Sicilian family, he also grows his own tomatoes and makes his own pasta sauce. Kevin and his wife, Nichole, recently welcomed their first child, a daughter.

Through clinical excellence, education, innovation, and a willingness to step forward whenever his patients or colleagues need him, Kevin exemplifies the spirit of a Star of Life. Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services is proud to recognize Sergeant Kevin Sabella as a Star of Life.

Sergeant Adam Jackson, NRP, is a Paramedic with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and contributes to numerous community outreach efforts for the agency.

Now in his fifth year at MEMS, Adam is a graduate of both the MEMS “Rookie School” and Paramedic Academy. Since beginning his career with the organization, he has earned the respect of peers and supervisors through his clinical skills, positive attitude, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Adam’s consistently pleasant demeanor makes him a reassuring presence for patients and a supportive mentor for orientees in the Field Training Program. His supervisor has noted Adam’s tremendous growth as a leader, praising the class and confidence with which he has embraced greater responsibility. Equally important is his willingness to step forward wherever he is needed and approach challenges with a can-do attitude.

That spirit of dependability is central to Adam’s approach to EMS. He strives to be the colleague others can count on, whether helping manage a difficult call, sharing knowledge with a developing provider, offering encouragement, or simply supporting a teammate through a challenging day. His reputation among his coworkers demonstrates the impact of that approach.

Before his EMS career, Adam proudly served six years in the United States Air Force as an Air Transportation Journeyman. His commitment to service continues beyond MEMS through volunteer work with the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and his church, where he serves as a member of the audio/visual team.

Outside of work and volunteering, Adam enjoys spending time with his family, going to the movies, and visiting the gun range. He is married and the proud father of two children.

Through his compassion, leadership, positive attitude, and dedication to both his patients and fellow EMS professionals, Adam demonstrates the value of being someone others can depend on when circumstances are at their most difficult. MEMS is proud to recognize Sergeant Adam Jackson as a 2026 Star of Life.

Sergeant Jacob Harris, NRP, is a Paramedic with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO), FTO Instructor, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Instructor, and member of the agency’s Driving Committee.

Now in his fourth year at MEMS, Jacob has earned the respect of peers and supervisors for his clinical excellence, compassion, leadership, and commitment to developing others. Colleagues describe him as a highly skilled Paramedic who approaches every patient with care and compassion while taking the time to help his partners and orientees understand the clinical reasoning behind the care they provide.

That commitment to others has made Jacob a trusted source of mentorship and guidance within MEMS. Fellow field providers regularly turn to him for support with both professional and personal challenges, knowing he will listen, offer thoughtful guidance, and help them grow.

Jacob’s leadership is especially evident when circumstances are at their most difficult. Supervisors who have worked alongside him on complex scenes involving multiple critically ill or injured patients praise his ability to remain composed, guide partners and other first responders, and keep the team focused on providing the best possible care. His professionalism and compassion have also resulted in numerous accolades from patients, families, and hospital staff.

Before beginning his EMS career, Jacob served six and a half years in the United States Air Force in Maintenance Product Management. His commitment to service continues outside MEMS. He volunteers with a local high school Emergency Medical Technician program, teaching skills and assisting students with their end-of-course licensure examinations, and also volunteers with his church.

A dedicated lifelong learner, Jacob is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Emergency and Disaster Management through American Military University.

Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Jacob enjoys life with his fiancée, Kathryn, and their dog, Titan. The couple plans to marry in December.

Whether caring for a critically ill patient, mentoring a new provider, teaching future EMTs, or supporting a colleague, Jacob leads with skill, composure, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. MEMS is proud to recognize Sergeant Jacob Harris as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Sergeant Nathaniel Ficklen, NREMT-A, is an Emergency Medical Technician-Advanced with Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. He serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and is a member of the MEMS Crisis Assistance Team, Disaster Communications Team, and Driving Committee.

Now in his tenth year in emergency medical services, Nathaniel has earned the respect of his colleagues through his exceptional work ethic, teamwork, and commitment to representing MEMS and the EMS profession with distinction. As an FTO, he has a particular ability to connect with new employees, guide them through challenges, and help them develop into confident providers. His leadership and teaching abilities have earned recognition from supervisors throughout the organization.

Nathaniel’s approachable personality also allows him to build strong relationships with healthcare facilities and their leadership, strengthening trust and collaboration between MEMS and its community partners. That same ability to connect with others is especially evident in his patient care.

Several of Nathaniel’s peers have noted the special connection he develops with older patients. He approaches each of them with the same patience, kindness, and respect he would show his own grandparents. Even in challenging situations, Nathaniel has a remarkable ability to establish trust, ease anxiety, and help patients feel comfortable enough to participate in the assessments and treatments they need.

Nathaniel’s commitment to service extends far beyond his responsibilities at MEMS. He volunteers countless hours as Chief of two volunteer fire departments and teaches Stop the Bleed and Basic Life Support courses. He is also a member of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Assistance Program, serving on a statewide peer response team that supports the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of first responders.

When he finds time away from his many professional and volunteer responsibilities, Nathaniel enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling.

Whether mentoring a new EMS professional, reassuring a patient, supporting a fellow first responder, or volunteering in his community, Nathaniel leads through service. His professionalism, teamwork, compassion, and commitment to others exemplify the very best of emergency medical services. MEMS is proud to recognize Sergeant Nathaniel Ficklen as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Melissa White began her Emergency Medical Services career in 2019 at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) as an Emergency Medical Technician. Through her dedication and skill, she was promoted to Basic Life Support Lead within MEMS’ tiered response system. Melissa’s peers and supervisors consistently highlight her positive attitude, dependability, and willingness to help in any way possible, earning her the title of a true “difference maker.”

Outside of EMS, Melissa devotes herself to serving others in meaningful ways. For more than a decade, she has volunteered with Camp Sunshine, mentoring children who are burn survivors during its week-long summer program. She is also a 14-year leader in Scouting America, where she has served as Troop Committee Member, Den Leader, Assistant Cubmaster, and Cubmaster. Melissa has earned the Scouter’s Training Award for tenure, training, and performance in her leadership roles. She completed Wood Badge advanced leadership training and has been invited to return as a course facilitator. As a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, she now serves as her troop’s OA adult representative, as well as a Merit Badge Counselor for First Aid and Bird Study. Her love of hiking, camping, and mentoring reflects her passion for both the outdoors and shaping the next generation.

Melissa also volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol and her son’s JROTC unit, extending her commitment to service across her community. She is married to Steve and is the proud mother of two sons, Caden and Pierce.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service proudly recognizes Melissa White as a Star of Life for her dedication, leadership, and the countless ways she uplifts her patients, colleagues, and community.

Jonathan Bell began his Emergency Medical Services (EMS) career in 2017 as a volunteer in his hometown of Des Arc. The following year, he joined Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) as an Emergency Medical Technician and advanced to become a National Registered Paramedic, graduating from the MEMS Paramedic Academy in 2024.

Jonathan is passionate about serving his community and has contributed to multiple MEMS teams and initiatives, including the Amateur Radio Communications Team, the Honor Guard, the Bike Team, and local outreach projects. His colleagues describe him as “a genuinely dedicated EMS professional who walks the walk of a seasoned Paramedic and lives his Christian faith in his day-to-day life and profession.”

Outside of EMS, Jonathan enjoys homesteading, hands-on building projects, entrepreneurship, and participating in HAM radio events. He is also deeply committed to his family. He and his wife, Alaura, are raising three sons—Sean, Lucas, and Samuel, ages nine through nine months—who inspire his dedication to both professional growth and community service.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service is proud to recognize Jonathan Bell as a Star of Life.

Sergeant Rachel “Zoe” Allison, Paramedic, Field Training Officer began her EMS career in 2020 at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) as an Emergency Medical Technician during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic and has since been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and serves as a Field Training Officer and Paramedic. Zoe graduated from the MEMS Paramedic Academy in 2023.

In her role as an FTO, her peers and supervisor stated that Zoe embodies MEMS’ vision and consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her, as evidenced by her work and investment in her orientees. Zoe is described as intelligent, caring, competent, humble, and a true servant leader. She is often heard telling her EMT partners and orientees that they are clinicians, not just partners on ambulances for a given number of hours, instilling a sense of pride and belonging that allows them to have the opportunity to grow professionally.

Zoe is also an adjunct instructor at MEMS, providing excellent didactic and practical education modules for the agency’s 400+ personnel, as well as area firefighters and police officers.

In 2021, Zoe was awarded the MEMS Rookie of the Year award, recognizing her impact as an emerging EMS professional and her commitment to patient care. She currently serves on the MEMS Special Operations Response Team, fulfilling various operational responsibilities.

Zoe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Arkansas and has recently returned to school as a post-baccalaureate student to complete her prerequisite requirements for medical school, with the goal of practicing Emergency Medicine and becoming a board-certified EMS Physician at a level 1 trauma center. As part of her return to the classroom, she is conducting research on EMS education methods at the EMT-B level with the goal of improving initial EMS education techniques. When she is not studying or shadowing in the hospital, she can be found working with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Street Medicine team, which provides care to the unhoused population in Little Rock who face significant barriers to healthcare access.

During her time off, Zoe enjoys cooking and collecting records with her husband, Brandon. She is an avid board gamer and hosts regular game nights with her friends. She and her husband also have two dogs, Moose and Goose, who keep their house messy and their time off full of exercise.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service is proud to recognize Zoe Allison as a Star of Life.

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.