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.

Pafford EMS of Mississippi is proud to honor Jonathan Watkins as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life. Jonathan’s steadfast attitude makes him shine beyond measure in every task at hand.

Jonathan graduated from Phillips Community College in 2007 as an EMT Basic. While attending paramedic school at East Arkansas Community College, Jonathan worked as an EMT Basic and 911 dispatcher. After earning his degree, Jonathan
worked as a Paramedic for three years in Arkansas, where on two occasions he worked with the US Secret Service to provide medical coverage for the Vice President of the United States during his hunting trips.

In June 2010, Jonathan transitioned to Mississippi as a Pafford employee. He is a Field Training Officer and a Station Supervisor. Jonathan is recognized by his fellow employees, his patients, and their families as a trustworthy, determined, sincere, and hardworking medic.

Despite the stress of an EMS job, Jonathan treats each person with the same level of compassion regardless of the type of call, the time of day, or the circumstances. His willingness to share his skills, knowledge, and experience demonstrates that he is a positive role model at Pafford EMS. Jonathan also spends much of his off time serving as an EMS liaison to the local hospital.

Jonathan not only loves what he does, but his care and concern on each call is evident to the people he serves. On several occasions Pafford EMS has received phone calls and letters thanking Jonathan for his care. It has been said, “When I see Jonathan, I know everything is going to be alright.”

Pafford EMS is honored to award Jonathan with an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.