For more than 35 years, Paramedic Shane Kessler has answered the call across Central Louisiana, building a remarkable career spanning fire service, emergency medical services, tactical medicine, leadership, and mentorship. Through every chapter of his career, Shane has remained guided by a simple commitment: taking care of people.

Shane devoted decades of service to the Pineville Fire Department, ultimately rising to the position of Fire Chief. In that role, he carried responsibility not only for protecting his community, but also for the firefighters entrusted to his leadership. Retirement from the fire department could easily have marked the conclusion of an extraordinary public safety career. For Shane, however, it became the beginning of another chapter of service.

He continues to work in EMS and serves as a SWAT Medic with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. In this demanding role, Shane brings decades of clinical and public safety experience into potentially dangerous environments, ensuring that law enforcement personnel, team members, and citizens have access to skilled medical care when circumstances are at their most challenging.

Shane’s impact is equally evident in the people he mentors. Younger providers benefit from the hard-earned knowledge of a professional who has spent decades making difficult decisions under pressure. He brings a reassuring calm to chaotic situations, generously shares his experience, and helps fellow first responders develop confidence and sound judgment. His leadership reflects his belief that caring for a community also means caring for the people who serve it.

That legacy of service extends to Shane’s family. He and his wife, Charlene, have been married for 31 years, and Shane is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His example has inspired both of his children to pursue public safety careers: his son serves as a Louisiana State Police officer and Paramedic, while his daughter serves as a 911 dispatcher. At home, the family also includes two Great Danes, Lizzy and Marley.

Shane’s career is not defined by a single extraordinary call, but by more than three and a half decades of consistently showing up for others. From firefighter and Fire Chief to Paramedic, SWAT Medic, EMS leader, and mentor, he has continued to serve long after he could have stepped away. His enduring commitment to his community, his colleagues, and the next generation of public safety professionals exemplifies the spirit of a Star of Life.

Vern Caygle has devoted more than two decades to protecting and serving the people of North Mississippi. An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the Tupelo area for 24 years, Vern also serves as Fire Chief of the Dorsey Fire Department in Itawamba County, where he has spent 25 years as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).

Throughout his career, Vern has demonstrated a willingness to respond whenever and wherever he is needed. In addition to answering emergency calls throughout Itawamba County, he has participated in specialized rescues and serves as a member of the North Mississippi Search and Rescue Task Force. His extensive experience, steady leadership, and calm presence have earned him the respect of colleagues across EMS, fire, and law enforcement.

Vern’s commitment to public safety extends well beyond emergency response. He leads community outreach programs at local schools and organizations, sharing his experience to educate others about safety and emergency preparedness. His willingness to give his time and knowledge has made him a trusted leader and positive influence throughout the community.

For Vern, service is also a family tradition. He and his wife of 30 years are deeply involved in their local church, where Vern serves on the security and transportation committees and volunteers with community outreach programs. His example has inspired both of his sons to pursue careers in public safety. His oldest son is a full-time police officer and volunteer firefighter, while his youngest is a full-time firefighter and part-time EMT.

Across 25 years of emergency response and community involvement, Vern has demonstrated that public service is more than a profession—it is a commitment to being present when others need help. Whether responding to an emergency, leading a rescue effort, educating his community, volunteering through his church, or mentoring by example, Vern consistently puts service to others first.

Vern Caygle’s leadership, experience, and enduring commitment to his neighbors exemplify the values at the heart of emergency medical services. Through decades of service, he has touched countless lives while inspiring another generation to serve. He is proudly recognized as a Star of Life.

Pafford EMS of Louisiana is proud to recognize Paramedic Rusty Gilbert as a Star of Life. Rusty has dedicated nearly three decades to emergency medical services, earning the highest levels of clinical certification and respect through his exceptional skill, dedication, and compassion.

Throughout his career, Rusty has been unwavering in his commitment to rural communities, ensuring that patients receive world-class care regardless of their circumstances. His colleagues know him as someone who always gives 100 percent, no matter the challenge, and who does so with humility and without complaint.

Beyond his clinical excellence, Rusty has had a profound impact as an instructor and mentor. He takes every opportunity to share his knowledge with new clinicians, helping to shape the next generation of EMS professionals. Many members of the Pafford team and beyond credit their growth and confidence to his steady guidance and encouragement.

Rusty embodies the very best of EMS and the values of the Pafford Promise. His skill, leadership, and dedication to both patients and colleagues make him more than deserving of recognition as a Star of Life.