James “Jim” Biddle is a Pilot and Base Aviation Manager with Med-Trans Corp / Regional One in Spartanburg, South Carolina. During a distinguished 42-year aviation career, Jim has combined exceptional skill and leadership with a commitment to safely serving patients, families, and flight crews.

Jim demonstrated those qualities during the response to a child who was critically injured after being struck by a truck while riding a bicycle. With a landing zone established at the scene, Jim ensured a rapid launch and maintained clear communication regarding scene safety as the flight crew prepared to transport the young patient to definitive care.

Recognizing the emotional needs of the family as well as the urgency of the child’s condition, Jim made the important decision to allow the child’s father to accompany the patient aboard the aircraft to the trauma center. That act gave a frightened parent the opportunity to remain close to his child during an unimaginably difficult experience and demonstrated the compassion that complements Jim’s aviation expertise.

Jim has safely completed more than 2,300 patient transports during his 18.5 years with Med-Trans. His aviation career began in the U.S. Army as a CH-47 helicopter mechanic before he advanced through the Warrant Officer program and became a pilot. During 17 years serving in Cavalry squadrons, he flew Cobra and Kiowa Warrior helicopters and participated in initial reconnaissance missions at the outset of both Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Jim retired from military service as a CW4 Master Aviator. His military honors include a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, and an Air Medal with Valor. The discipline, judgment, and leadership developed throughout that career continue to guide his work in air medical transport.

From military aviation to thousands of patient transports, Jim’s career reflects a lifetime of service and responsibility for those entrusted to his care. His leadership during the transport of a critically injured child demonstrated that exceptional air medical service requires not only aviation expertise and sound decision-making, but also compassion for the families experiencing their most difficult moments. MTC/Regional One is proud to recognize Pilot and Base Aviation Manager James “Jim” Biddle as a Star of Life.

Jessica Mills is a Flight Nurse with MTC/Regional One in Spartanburg, South Carolina, whose expert pediatric critical care and extraordinary compassion brought comfort to a family during one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

Jessica cared for a seriously injured child who required air medical transport after being struck by a vehicle. Throughout the flight, Jessica provided critical care while recognizing that the patient’s family also needed information, reassurance, and support.

She made a special effort to keep the child’s father informed and involved, explaining critical interventions and helping him understand the procedures that would take place at the Level I trauma center when he could not be at his daughter’s bedside. Jessica also encouraged the child’s mother to drive safely as she traveled to be with her daughter, demonstrating concern for the well-being of the entire family.

Jessica’s compassion did not end when the transport was complete. In the days and weeks that followed, she regularly checked on the child’s progress. During a later flight to Greenville, Jessica made a special stop outside the family’s pediatric intensive care unit room, bringing a basket of gifts and another reminder that they had not been forgotten.

The family later publicly credited Jessica with bringing them comfort, hope, and a sense of peace during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Their words reflect the profound difference an EMS professional can make not only through clinical expertise, but also through empathy, communication, and genuine human connection.

Jessica’s actions exemplify the very best of critical care transport. She cared for a seriously injured child while ensuring that frightened parents remained informed, supported, and connected to their daughter’s care. MTC/Regional One is proud to recognize Flight Nurse Jessica Mills as a Star of Life for her clinical excellence, compassion, and exceptional commitment to patients and their families.

Christopher “Shannon” Thompson is an Advanced EMT with Medshore Ambulance, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies. For more than 15 years, Shannon has served patients and communities with knowledge, composure, and unwavering dedication. He brings calm, experienced judgment to even the most challenging emergencies and demonstrates that EMS is about far more than responding to calls—it is about serving others, developing those who will follow, and answering when communities need help most.

Shannon is a natural leader and mentor who generously shares his experience with emerging EMS professionals, helping them build confidence, sound clinical judgment, and a genuine understanding of service. His commitment extends well beyond his regular duties. Shannon regularly represents Medshore Ambulance at community events, educating residents, building relationships, and strengthening trust in EMS.

Shannon has also answered the call during multiple disaster-relief deployments, assisting people affected by hurricanes and other emergencies during periods of extraordinary need. These assignments demand sacrifice, flexibility, and compassion, including a willingness to leave home to serve individuals who may have lost everything.

Through his steady clinical presence, investment in future providers, community engagement, and selfless disaster response, Shannon exemplifies the compassion, professionalism, and readiness that define the very best of EMS. Medshore Ambulance is proud to recognize Christopher “Shannon” Thompson as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Allen Steele’s EMS journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to serving others. His career began in 1996 when he joined Lake Robinson Rescue as a volunteer, igniting a passion that would shape his life’s path. After earning his EMT certification in 1997, Allen embarked on a professional career that would span decades and cross continents.

In 2004, Allen’s commitment to service led him to join the United States Army as a Medic. He served his country with distinction for over a decade, including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. These experiences honed his medical skills and instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of calm and effective care in high-pressure situations.
Upon returning to civilian life in 2015, Allen brought his experience to Medshore Ambulance where he continued his work as an EMT and took on the role of Field Training Officer, sharing his knowledge and mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals.

Today, Allen Steele serves as an EMT Field Training Officer for Guardian Ambulance Service in Florence, South Carolina. His journey from volunteer to military medic to civilian EMT and trainer demonstrates a lifelong commitment to emergency medical services and public safety. Allen’s career is characterized by continuous growth, adaptability, and dedication to helping others in their most vulnerable moments. His experience in diverse and challenging environments and his passion for teaching make him an invaluable asset to the EMS community and a worthy nominee for the American Ambulance Association Stars of Life Award.

Jason Cooke’s career in emergency medical services illustrates growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to public service. In 1994, at 15, he joined Lamar Rescue Squad as a driver, which sparked a pivotal career in public service. In 2000, Jason earned his Paramedic certification, marking the beginning of a remarkable path in EMS.

During his tenure as a paramedic with Darlington and Lee Counties, Jason’s exceptional patient care skills and natural aptitude for leadership were recognized by his supervisors, propelling him into the role of Assistant Director of Darlington County EMS. Concurrent with working full-time in EMS, he served the community further as a deputy and police officer for Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and Hartsville and Lamar Police Departments.

Jason’s career reached a significant milestone in 2008 as he entered the Director of Access Health position at McLeod Health. This role showcased Jason’s ability to think beyond traditional EMS boundaries as he orchestrated a care coordination network among community partners in the Pee Dee area. His mission was clear: efficiently guiding at-risk patients to appropriate healthcare providers, ultimately improving health outcomes. This innovative approach to patient care management earned Jason recognition as an emerging industry leader.

Jason’s reputation for excellence and his knack for large-scale system management led him to Priority Ambulance in 2018. As Vice President of Operations, Jason oversees Guardian Ambulance Service and Medshore Ambulance Service, the largest privately owned EMS system in South Carolina. Under his guidance, these operations have become models of efficiency, setting new standards for emergency medical services in the state.

What sets Jason apart is his visionary approach coupled with a ‘lead by example’ philosophy. He doesn’t direct from behind a desk; he actively engages with his team, offering insights gleaned from his rich experience in the field. This hands-on leadership style, which has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within his organization, is a testament to his commitment to excellence.

Jason has been a mentor and friend to those under his supervision, consistently offering professional guidance and support. His approachability and willingness to share knowledge have inspired countless EMS professionals, creating a ripple effect of improved patient care across South Carolina.

Sherri Steele joined Medic five years ago. She serves in our Billing Services Department, specializing in Veterans Administration (VA) claims.

Working on VA claims is very tedious and time consuming. According to Sherri’s supervisor, “she should get combat pay for for handling such challenging situations.” Despite the obstacles, Sherri always goes above and beyond to get results. She helps Medic patients get their VA claims paid by working with the local hospital medical records departments.

Sherri was nominated as a Star of Life by her department manager. She was selected for her continuous demonstration of many of Medic’s core values, including putting our patients first by educating them about their benefits.

Although she is not a clinician, Sherri is truly a Star. Her dedication to a job well done benefits some of our most vulnerable patients every day.