David Swatsenbarg’s EMS journey began when he pursued his EMT licensure at the Tulsa Technology Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma two decades ago. Driven by his commitment to lifelong learning, David continued his education by enrolling at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma. There, he achieved his EMT-Intermediate credential, marking an important milestone in his EMS career. His relentless pursuit of excellence continued as he undertook the Paramedic program at Cherokee Nation EMS, earning his licensure in 2012.

In April 2017, David embarked on a new chapter of his career by joining Pafford EMS of Oklahoma as a Paramedic. In this role, David provided exemplary care in the field. He soon progressed to his current role as a Supervisor in Haskell County.

David’s dedication to helping others in times of crisis led him to complete two deployments to the US Virgin Islands, where his expertise and compassion were invaluable.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David is a devoted father to his two children, Billy and Kaylie. During his well-deserved time off-duty, David finds solace in exploring national forests, indulging in camping adventures, and venturing off-road in his trusty Jeep.

David Swatsenbarg is widely recognized as a knowledgeable, skilled, and profoundly compassionate Paramedic. His unwavering commitment to professionalism and compassionate example have set him apart, making him a shining star within the Oklahoma EMS community. Pafford Medical Services takes immense pride in David’s achievements and contributions to the field of EMS.

Cody Nash, NREMT-P, leads as Operations Manager for Pafford Medical Services of Johnson County, Arkansas. Nash oversees the day-to-day operations and his staff while also serving in his role across Pafford’s service areas as a Clinical Services Training Coordinator. Additionally, Cody utilizes his clinical skills as a Flight Certified Paramedic with Pafford Air Med.

12 years ago, Nash began his EMS career as an EMT and advanced to the Paramedic level within four years. His colleagues and patients have praised him for his calm demeanor, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication to his work. When asked what intrigued him about the EMS industry, he responded that it was the ability to combine clinical decision-making skills with hands-on operational skills to serve communities in their time of need and benefit the greater good.

Nash is known among his peers as an “all-in” team player for Pafford Medical Services, driving change no matter if he was serving as a Field Training Officer or a manager; he truly leads by example. Often, he can be found mentoring young medics and providing clinical insight and encouragement as they are on their journey to becoming a highly-skilled and compassionate EMS provider.

Clinically, the care he provides is second to none, as he exhibits an unwavering commitment toward growth and excellence to his patients, community, and colleagues. As a reflection of his exceptional skills and expertise, other leaders within the Pafford Organization have taken notice of Nash’s talents, among which his patient care, customer service, and affective skills are in a class of their own. He is a true asset to his community, and his dedication to his work has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless people in need.

When off the clock, you will find Cody enjoying time spent with his family, being part of his kids’ extracurricular activities, practicing Jiu Jitsu and archery, and spending time in the kitchen cooking.

Nash would like to thank his teammates in the field. He shared, “As a Paramedic, I am one small part of a large network of first responders and hospital staff who all work together for the greater good of our community, and I would like to dedicate this award to those unsung heroes.”

Pafford Medical Services honors the legacy of Luke Jarrell, whose distinguished career in EMS spanned more than twenty years. This included a decade of dedicated service as a licensed Paramedic with Pafford. Luke’s journey into this profession commenced during his tenure as a firefighter, where his compassion and a profound desire to extend assistance to those in their most critical time of need led him into the realm of pre-hospital care.

Renowned for his benevolent spirit, Luke harbored an unwavering commitment and pursuit of excellence in patient care. His relentless study and review of medical materials ensured that his patients received the highest quality care possible.

As Luke’s hard-fought battle with cancer came to an end, his legacy is an enduring testament to his steadfast dedication and selfless service and the indelible mark that he left on his community. He touched countless lives and forged lasting friendships in his beloved home of Tunica, Mississippi.

Luke’s wife Debra shared,

“While I can’t tell you the exact emotions that Luke would feel with being selected as this year’s Star of Life for Pafford, I can tell you how I feel. I am extremely proud of him for his years of dedication and service to the community. Luke cared for the community and the people of Tunica. He changed the lives of some and made friends with many.
As his wife, I feel very honored that he was selected. My only wish is that he were here to receive it for himself and to be as proud as his family is.

As someone who is also in the EMS field, there are many rewarding parts, especially the family and friends that you make along the way. Your coworkers become a part of the life you have strived so hard to build. Ultimately, they become a permanent part of your family. What people fail to realize when coming into the EMS profession is that your family, both work and home, become your backbone and your support. That is where your success comes from in this field.

I would like to thank Pafford Medical Service and his work family, for everything that you have done for Luke during his time as an employee, and for everything that you have done for us, his home family, during this difficult time. Thank you for honoring him and his memory as a Paramedic and selecting him for this award.”

Devin Holland, NREMT-P, serves as the Operations Manager for Pafford Medical Services’ Saline County, Arkansas operation. This is a seven-ambulance operation with a staff of more than seventy EMS professionals. As such, Holland oversees the day-to-day 911 operations and any special operations or event medical assignments.

He began his EMS career fourteen years ago as an EMT, achieved his Paramedic license in 2013, and has been working through the ranks from Paramedic to Operations Manager at Pafford over the past four years. Since his time with Pafford as Operations Manager, Devin has constantly put his team and his community first. His forward-thinking, optimistic attitude and his compassion for the job he does and the citizens he cares for is second to none. Devin has been instrumental and successful in inspiring those he leads to assemble and deploy sometimes at a moment’s notice to people in need.

Pafford’s top leadership, as well as the Arkansas Director of Operations, believe Devin has earned the American Ambulance Association Star of Life distinction because of his positive influence and his natural leadership qualities.

Devin says, “I honestly could not believe I had won the Star of Life award for Pafford. It is wonderful to know that we make such a positive impact for the patients we care for and the communities we serve. I feel so much appreciation knowing the things I have done with Pafford have not gone unnoticed.”

Devin is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending time attending sporting events or his kids’ school events. He lives with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Liam and Madi.

Alvin Short began his EMS career in 1998, and has worked as a Paramedic for Pafford Medical Services’ Hinton/El Reno, OK service area for the past three years. He also serves as a Field Training Officer and Chaplain for his Pafford base.

Alvin is a compassionate and caring individual who, whether on-duty or off-duty, is constantly checking in on team members in his area. It is not uncommon for coworkers to receive a text message or a phone call from Alvin, letting them know that he is thinking of them and that he is always available to lend a listening ear to those in need. Alvin will always go the extra mile in his duties, including working extra shifts when he feels a colleague may need a friend or someone to talk to. He takes great pride in helping to ensure the mental and spiritual health of his coworkers.

Of his nomination as a Star of Life, Alvin says, “To learn that I received the award because of reaching out to our brothers and sisters to make sure their mental health is taken care of is the biggest honor I can think of.” He went on to say, “If we don’t take care of our mental health, then we, as well as our families and patients, suffer.”

When not on-duty, Alvin enjoys spending time with his daughters, Peyton and Lyndsi; his sons, Tyler and Donnie; and fiancée, Christi. Alvin also has a grandson, Hector – also known as “Chunky.” Alvin is very proud of his family and loves being called “Papa.” He enjoys attending church, going to sporting events with his family, and fishing.

For almost a decade, Kenneth Jenkins has served as the EMT Field Training Officer and Logistics/Fleet Coordinator for Pafford Medical Services’ Cleveland North, Bolivar County, Mississippi Operation. In these roles, Kenneth educates personnel and oversees the integrity of the EMS supply chain for the operations’ capital equipment and disposable EMS supplies. He also schedules preventive maintenance, ensures the on-duty status of the operation’s fleet, and oversees Pafford’s Central Mississippi operations as the region’s Supply Manager.

A stickler for detail, Kenneth’s “service before self” philosophy and “can do” attitude extends to ensuring the Cleveland, MS EMS workforce understands the safest and most efficient ways to exhibit a professional image. He walks his talk right down to the cleanliness of his ambulance and equipment and his professional appearance. He is known to say “It’s not always about us, but about the patient and what his or her needs are,” and to continually garner confidence and trust in his lifesaving work when interacting with patients and their families during emergency calls.

Kenneth feels that “the most rewarding part of the job is making a difference in someone else’s life,” and encourages “everyone in EMS to do their best, lead by example, and be willing to help others.”

When not at work, Kenneth is a family man who enjoys trying out new recipes on his grill/smoker and sharing the results with friends and family.

Randy Murry began his EMS career with Pafford Medical Services in July of 2012 as a part-time EMT-Basic, and later obtained his Paramedic degree from Coahoma Community College. After working as a Paramedic, he also gained several pre-hospital instructor certifications and became an in-house instructor for his peers. Randy currently functions as the Operations Manager for Pafford Medical Services in Coahoma County, Mississippi, overseeing the daily EMS system operations, which covers approximately 583 square miles and serves 24,000 citizens.

Outside of his daily duties as the local EMS Manager, Randy also serves as Chief of the Lula Volunteer Fire Department, a part-time Firefighter/Captain and Public Information Officer for the Coahoma County Fire Department, and the Subject Area Instructor for Coahoma Community College. Randy displays extreme dedication to his county and crews. He possesses an “all-in attitude” and continues to strive for excellence daily. During his tenure as Operations Manager, he has increased crew morale and raised the bar on personnel accountability tremendously. He believes that leading by example is the only way to run a successful operation.

In 2019, while working as Operations Manager, Randy responded to a report of an apartment fire with dispatch advising that the caller was still inside the residence. He arrived on the scene before the fire department and additional EMS personnel and noticed smoke coming from the residence’s door. He was able to enter the apartment building, safely locate a severely burned victim in the kitchen, and pulled her outside the residence to a safe area.

When he is not providing pre-hospital care or teaching, Randy enjoys traveling and taking part in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and ATV trail riding. Randy has invested many hours in developing a great EMS team for the community he serves. His work ethic is contagious and his crews respect and appreciate his dedication and leadership ability.

Amanda graduated from nursing school at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith in 2003, and has worked at Pafford Air Med as an ICU Nurse and Travel Nurse for the past three years. She currently holds certifications as a Flight Nurse (CFRN), Transport Nurse (CTRN), and Critical Care Nurse (CCRN).

Amanda is a crucial member of Pafford’s nationally recognized Special Response Team. She was deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she was instrumental in the implementation of a robust Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program that provided medical assistance to the residents of St. Croix.

Throughout the years, Amanda has shown exemplary patient care, while endlessly seeking out educational opportunities to continue honing her craft. She cares for the most critical patients that are transported and has received countless stellar testimonials from both patients and peers.

Zachary Reddell began his career in EMS during the spring of 1999 as a First Responder and Volunteer Firefighter for the communities of Pottsville and Crow Mountain in Pope County, Arkansas. He had a passion for helping others and was able to successfully obtain his EMT license in 2005. At the start of his career, Zachary effectively owned and operated his own business while also working as a part-time employee for Pope County EMS. He quickly found that providing mobile healthcare was his passion and decided to transition into a full-time EMT position in 2007 and serve the county where he lived.

Zachary is always going above and beyond in his service to the Johnson County community. Pafford EMS has received many compliments and praises regarding Zachary from patients and patients’ families, and also received recognition for Zachary’s work during his FEMA deployment for Hurricane Michael. Zachary is a great member of our Pafford Clarksville family and regularly goes the extra mile on daily duties and helping other crew members.

Zachary has been instrumental in team building exercises, public relations, and many charitable events in the region; though he feels like he has many years of service still left to make his mark in the EMS field.

Zachary Reddell has been happily married to Lindsey for 18 years. They share two children, Logan (17) and Cole (14). The Reddell family is involved in multiple sports and civic groups.

Patrick has always had a passion for helping others, and began his EMS career in 2010 as an NREMT and received his NREMT-Paramedic in 2014. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Frontier Shores Volunteer District.

In 2016, Patrick became a Field Training Officer. He is passionate about education and training and always takes the time to explain and educate others. He enjoys helping new employees and coworkers, whether they are beginning their career in EMS or transitioning to a new licensure level. Patrick is well known for the compassion he shows his patients and his ability to work in a stressful situation. He remains calm under pressure, and shows true leadership abilities by quietly going above and beyond and never asking for acknowledgement or recognition. He is a great example of focus and dedication, which every EMS professional should aspire to emulate. 

Patrick is the proud father of one son, Bentley, whom he enjoys spending time outdoors with when off-duty. 

As a result of Patrick’s outstanding professionalism and exemplary performance, Pafford Medical Services is honored to endorse Patrick Mahjoub as a Star of Life.

Pafford Medical Services has selected Chris Butch as its Mississippi Star of Life for his excellent caregiving abilities and his stellar mentorship to his peers. Chris became an EMT in 2007 and a Paramedic in 2008. He joined the Pafford team in 2017 and continues to be a dedicated caregiver to patients during their time of need. Chris now serves as a preceptor for multiple colleges’s EMT/Paramedic programs, as well as a Field Training Officer and ongoing educator. 

Chris is continuously praised by his patients for the outstanding care and treatment they receive, the calm demeanor he exudes, and the sense of friendship he leaves them with. He is also highly praised for his knowledge and professionalism by other members of public service that he works closely with, including first responders, law enforcement personnel, fire departments, and hospital staff. Chris never stops coaching and encouraging those who look to him for continued learning and guidance.

Chris is well known for his smile; one that lights up the room the moment he enters. On his days off, Chris enjoys being at home with his wife, Morgan, and his two beautiful daughters, Haley and Emily. He also likes to be outdoors, whether doing yard work or barbecuing on his grill; but his favorite past time is spending the day by the pool with his family.

Pafford Medical Services is blessed that Chris has chosen the Pafford family and is honored to name him as a Star of Life from our Mississippi operation. Thank you, Chris, for your continued dedication to the company, your peers, and most importantly, our patients.

Lori Richardson has been a valuable member of our EMS team since 2006, when she joined us immediately after completing EMT school. She became interested in serving the community after getting married to Pafford paramedic David Richardson, who is also her ambulance partner.

Lori is dedicated to serving patients in the Marianna community to the best of her ability, and she often follows up with people after the call. That might mean cooking and delivering meals to patients who are homebound, or dropping off medications for people who can’t get to the pharmacy themselves.

She and David have delivered gifts to children after particularly rough calls and attended parties for patients they’ve grown close to.

Lori is especially proud of her ability to reassure pediatric and psychiatric patients and to have a positive impact on their lives.

As an FTO, Lori helps prospective EMTs understand the challenges and rewards of the job. She also helps other crew members to ensure the units are properly cared for and supplies are stocked. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed—she has been honored with the Road Warrior and #Pafford Strong Team Member awards.

Off-duty, Lori is continuing her education, working toward a veterinary technician degree. She and David volunteer at local animal rescue organizations and visit nursing and foster homes with their dogs to provide comfort to residents.

It’s quite rare to find an EMS team, let alone a married couple, who work together and both show a dedication and commitment to EMS that spills over from the work schedule into their everyday lives.

Lori and David Richardson have earned the trust of their whole community because of their sincere care-giving “after the call.” They also enthusiastically advocate for our company and EMS, and that fills the Pafford leadership team with pride.

We are very grateful for this wonderful couple, whose knowledge, skill, and dedication mean their friends, neighbors, and our company are so well served. The  Star of Life designation is deserved by Lori and David, and it reflects the appreciation everyone at Pafford has for their past, current, and future efforts.

David has been a valuable member of our EMS team since 2000, working as an EMT for one year before transitioning to Paramedic. He knew he wanted to serve the community while he was still in high school—he attended EMT school as a senior and worked as a telemetry technician until he was old enough to join our team.

David is dedicated to serving patients in Pafford’s Marianna, Arkansas, service area, with its population of 4,115. He often goes the extra mile in his rural community to ensure residents have “over-the-top” care. He and his EMT wife, Lori, have cooked and delivered meals and picked up medications for homebound patients, delivered gifts to children after particularly rough calls, and attended parties as honored guests for patients with whom they have close relationships.

Because David has lived in the community his entire life, he knows almost all the people he cares for. Taking care of a patient’s dog while he was hospitalized for three weeks or spending hours on the phone helping patients gain access to needed items such as air-conditioners, fans, ramps, and other resources are routine for him. He also carries blessing bags to deliver to homeless people he comes across while on duty.

As a leader, David is passionate about working with his coworkers to ensure everyone is on the same page and able to provide the best care. He even routinely assists EMTs with ambulance maintenance, station upkeep, and protocol review. His efforts have not gone unnoticed—he was honored twice in 2016, receiving the Johnny Gage Award and the Pafford Strong Team Member Award.

It’s quite rare to find an EMS team, let alone a married couple, who work together and both show a dedication and commitment to EMS that spills over from the work schedule into their everyday lives.

David and Lori Richardson have earned the trust of their whole community because of their sincere care-giving “after the call.” They also enthusiastically advocate for our company and EMS, and that fills the Pafford leadership team with pride.

We are very grateful for this wonderful couple, whose knowledge, skill, and dedication mean their friends, neighbors, and our company are so well served. The  Star of Life designation is deserved by David and Lori, and it reflects the appreciation everyone at Pafford has for their past, current, and future efforts.

Since he joined Pafford in 2015, Nick has impressed his colleagues by serving as a leader, staying motivated, and being positive. He has a work ethic that’s second to none, and that shows in his job performance as well as in his overall demeanor and attitude. He inspires people around him to take a little extra initiative at the station and go beyond expectations.

Nick is very dependable and often covers open shifts, and he played a significant part in all four Pafford EMS deployments this past year.

He is very goal-oriented and takes pride in his work, and he sets the bar for his fellow employees. Anytime he sets out to do anything to better himself or our service, rest assured, it will be done. And Nick doesn’t just complete things: He excels at the things he does. You can see this in his dedication toward his continued education, and by simply observing the way he completes delegated tasks.

Nick began his EMS career in 2013—earning Employee of the Year for Westville EMS—before joining Pafford as a PRN NREMT. Nicholas quickly obtained his NREMT-Advance; today he is an Nationally Registered Paramedic as well as a Field Training Officer.

He loves to be able to make a difference in the lives of the patients he treats, and he delivers critical medical attention and advanced life support at emergency scenes, both onsite and in transit. Nick also assists with daily truck and equipment checks, ordering supplies, and scheduling. He is motivated to achieve both personal and organizational objectives, including helping Pafford achieve CAAS accreditation.

Nick has participated on a volunteer fire department, responding to fire and first responders’ calls. He and his dog, a Dalmatian, also visited local schools to teach children about fire safety. Today he volunteers in the areas of education and skills check-off.

Public service has been the focus of Pat’s career. Indeed, he has a total of 35 years of public service experience—28 years with the Clarksdale Fire Department, where he attained the rank of assistant chief, and 12 years with Pafford.

He has been a valued member of the Pafford EMS team since he joined the company full-time after retiring from the fire department. 

Pat demonstrates a true commitment to his patients and keeps his lines of communication open to family members, readily answering their questions, and often making sure patients are doing well after the call. He goes beyond the call of duty.

Pat aims to provide optimal service to patients and he leads by example, supporting his coworkers in their quest to offer the finest care. He single-handedly revamped our station supply system for improved accessibility and inventory—the behind-the-scenes work that’s not always seen but keeps the company running at top efficiency.

He is a can-do medic who is always willing to help out around the station, no matter what the task. He’ll happily stay over covering shifts, building cabinets, or giving the rookie crew members sound advice. He takes the initiative to improve the workplace and the company’s morale—and save lives.

Pat has been honored by Pafford twice with the Johnny Gage Award for most patients transported in his district.

He displays a true example of giving your all and asking for nothing in return, each and every day. We are so pleased to nominate him as our Star of Life for our Mississippi operation.

Craig began his EMS career by attending EMT school in 2007. Craig graduated Paramedic school in 2010 and joined Pafford Medical Services in rural Mississippi the summer of that same year. Always a team player, Craig emerged as a team leader among his peers. He serves as the Field Training Officer for Pafford’s Bolivar County, Mississippi operation as well as assists with QA for the Pafford Delta Division’s participation in the Mississippi Trauma System.

As Craig grew in his position, he wanted to do more and became a CPR instructor as well as an ACLS instructor. This did not satisfy Craig’s thirst to provide others with the knowledge of this great profession and in 2016 he became an EMT Instructor at Coahoma Community College. Craig and the other EMT Instructor at the school have enjoyed great success with excellent pass rates.

Craig is a loyal, productive, and dynamic employee as well as a humble community servant. Craig has served on the front lines for Pafford, having been deployed to hurricane responses on the Louisiana Coast as well as flood evacuations in Mississippi.
Fellow employees know they can depend on Craig Sparks to lend a helping hand no matter what they need. Craig’s compassion for his fellow man, whether on the clock or off, is demonstrated in everything he does. Craig always puts service over self to ensure that his patients get the care that they deserve. Pafford Medical Services of Mississippi is proud to nominate Craig Sparks as an American Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life.

For 20 years, Marilyn has been serving the citizens of Oklahoma. For the past 14 years, Marilyn has been working for Pafford EMS of Oklahoma. In those 14 years, Marilyn has proven to be an invaluable asset to both the company and her peers.

Marilyn has always been the kind of EMT that takes her peers into consideration, often volunteering to take emergency calls, inter-facility transfers, or posting assignments, just so other crewmembers can catch a break, get something to eat, or a take a shower.

Marilyn has always strived for excellence in everything she does. Marilyn is passionate about her job and her peers, compassionate with her patients, and is a model person and employee.

Most EMS providers look at their peers in EMS as an extension of their immediate family and Marilyn is no different. Marilyn often takes this family approach to unforeseen levels. Marilyn goes out of her way to ensure the crews who are working on holidays enjoy a warm holiday meal, even coming to the station on her day off.

Whenever Marilyn’s peers face difficult times, either on a professional or personal level, Marilyn is always the first person to come to their aid, offering them any support she can provide. Whether it be a shoulder to cry on, a warm meal, or just simply letting them know that she cares and will be praying for them, Marilyn cares deeply for her peers. Pafford EMS of Oklahoma is proud to nominate Marilyn Williams as a 2017 Star of Life.

Prior to his EMS career, Jeff was a youth pastor. Jeff was very passionate about his job, and had never thought about a career in EMS. It was not until Jeff’s own family had to call upon an EMS services to administer aid to his sick grandmother that he considered joining the profession. Jeff was impressed by the knowledge and compassion the first responders provided, sparking his interest.

Jeff became an EMT Basic, and then quickly entered Paramedic school where he earned his Associates Degree in Paramedicine. Jeff is currently working toward his Bachelors degree in Paramedicine, and one day hopes to continue his career on the ocean as a cruise ship Paramedic.

Jeff is a model employee and continues to grow his knowledge in our ever-changing industry. Jeff’s compassion for his patients is evident on every call. Jeff is always willing to do whatever it takes to provide the best care possible, and treats each patient like he would treat family. Jeff is the definition of dependable and he is the first to assist on a call, even if he is off duty.

Jeff is well respected in the community and among his colleagues. Jeff is the top preceptor for the local paramedic program, and enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills with students.

Any company would be proud to be represented by Jeff Russell. Jeff’s respectfulness, promptness, and professionalism are what make him a Pafford Medical Services Employee of the Year and a true Star of Life.

Pafford EMS of Oklahoma is proud to nominate Kim Poindexter as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life. Kim has been a very loyal and productive employee both on and off the truck.

Kim began her EMS career 12 years ago after watching a close friend pass away before her eyes, unable to provide any assistance. She decided at that moment that she never wanted to be in that position again, and enrolled in the next EMT course she could find.

For 12 years, Kim has served the citizens of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, the past 10 of which have been with Pafford EMS of Oklahoma. In those ten years, Kim has proven to be an invaluable asset to both the company and her peers.

Most EMS providers look at their peers in EMS as an extension of their immediate family, and Kim is hardly an exception. She often takes this family approach to unforeseen levels. Kim goes out of her way to ensure the crews who are working on holidays are invited to her home to enjoy a warm holiday meal and fellowship with her family. Whenever her peers face difficult times, on either a professional or a personal level, Kim has always been the first person to come to their aid, offering them any support she can provide, whether it be a shoulder to cry on, a warm meal, or just simply letting them know that she cares.

When natural disasters strike, such as widespread wild-land fires, or tornadoes, Kim always rushes to the aid of the front-line personnel, firemen, or first responders. She has been known to purchase pallets of bottled water and cases of snacks, and to deliver them to these responders to ensure they have some simple necessities to continue their work.

Kim has always been the kind of EMT that takes her peers into consideration, often volunteering to take emergency calls, inter-facility transfers, or posting assignments, just so other crewmembers can catch a break, or get something to eat.

Kim has always strived for excellence in everything she does. She is passionate about her job and peers, compassionate with her patients, and is a model person and employee.

Pafford Medical Service of Arkansas is proud to nominate Michael G. Tharp as a 2016 American Ambulance Association Star of Life. Michael is an upstanding and well-loved pillar of our community and an exemplary member of the Pafford family.

Michael started his career of service by serving our nation in the Army Special Forces Unit from 1975 to 1978. He has always had the desire to serve and comfort people in any situation.

For years, Michael has been a private business owner in the Phillips County area and has been a great businessman with a thriving business, but his heart was drawn back to helping others. Michael started his EMS career in 2003 and became a full time Pafford employee in April 2005.

Michael serves as a mentor to many of his peers and new EMTs within our EMS system. He has invested quality time and energy in getting to know each of those peers on a personal level and has grown to understand their strengths, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies and styles. Because of this, he knows when to provide more support, when to allow time and space to accomplish tasks independently, and how to approach each of them in a way that is constructive and positive.

Michael’s investment in his peers is infectious and has resulted in the creation of a high-functioning and productive group of employees. In addition to taking action and creating an environment where personnel can share openly, he has helped create an atmosphere in which each employee feels they are appreciated for their efforts. This promotes a comfortable workplace that staff enjoy coming to. It is evident that Michael cares about each of his peers as a whole and expresses this by showing an interest not only in their professional achievements, but in their personal achievements as well.

Overall, Michael is a charismatic mentor whose style enhances our team morale, as well as the personal and professional development of his peers. His consistent support, understanding, and feedback fosters an environment that allows each team member to work both independently and interdependently. It is an honor to watch him grow into an active contributor to our overall vision, mission, and values.