Captain Stacy Kohn is being recognized as a Star of Life for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and lifelong commitment to emergency medical services.

Stacy’s EMS journey began as a student in the Friendswood High School HOSA EMT program. From there, she volunteered with Friendswood EMS before transitioning into a full-time career, steadily rising through the ranks to her current role as Captain and Shift Commander.

Throughout her career, Stacy has led with calm focus and strength, especially during large-scale emergencies. She has served as the lead officer during several major incidents, including Hurricane Harvey, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Beryl. In each of these disasters, her steady leadership and sound decision-making ensured the safety of patients and team members alike.

In addition to her operational role, Stacy oversees all medical supply management and frequently assists with special projects and initiatives. She is also deeply committed to education, having developed and sustained a continuing education program that empowers EMS providers to deliver excellent patient care. As a mentor and role model, she inspires colleagues to grow both personally and professionally.

Stacy’s advocacy extends beyond Friendswood EMS to the broader Texas EMS community. She actively participates in outreach and public education, always representing her department with professionalism and pride.

Friendswood EMS is proud to recognize Captain Stacy Kohn as a Star of Life for her unwavering service, leadership, and commitment to excellence in emergency medical services.

Marc Flores is being honored for his exceptional clinical expertise and decisive action that saved the life of an elderly motor vehicle crash victim. While responding to a collision in rural Texas with Flight Nurse Missy Satterfield, Marc encountered a patient who appeared visibly distressed.

To an untrained eye, the symptoms might have seemed like simple shock from the accident. But Marc, drawing on his experience and keen clinical judgment, quickly recognized the signs of compromised breathing caused by chest trauma and multiple rib fractures. Just moments later, the patient went into cardiac arrest.

Without hesitation, Marc and Missy initiated advanced lifesaving interventions, successfully achieving return of spontaneous circulation and stabilizing the patient for transport. Thanks to their rapid assessment, calm execution, and advanced training, the patient not only survived but walked out of the hospital just two weeks later.

Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Marc Flores as a Star of Life!

Rick Pringle is being honored for his extraordinary, lifesaving response to a horrific and complex tractor-trailer accident that left a patient trapped beneath part of a 340,000-pound cargo load. The incident occurred when an 18-wheeler carrying the massive shipment overturned on a Texas state highway, pinning a passenger from another vehicle beneath the fallen freight.

As the acting supervisor on scene, Rick coordinated the response with Paramedic Samantha Sabol, EMT Talitha Tanous, Temple Fire Department, and Temple Police during an intense, hours-long extrication effort. The operation demanded precise coordination, advanced clinical judgment, and determination to free and stabilize the patient so they could be transported safely for advanced care.

Rick’s steady leadership and unwavering focus, combined with the skill and dedication of everyone involved, ensured the best possible outcome in an incredibly challenging situation. His calm presence under pressure exemplifies the very best of EMS.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Rick Pringle as a Star of Life!

Samantha Sabol is being commended for her exceptional lifesaving actions during a serious and complex tractor-trailer accident that left a patient trapped beneath part of a 340,000-pound cargo load. The incident occurred when an 18-wheeler carrying the heavy shipment overturned on a Texas state highway, pinning a passenger from another vehicle under the fallen freight.

Working under the direction of Acting Supervisor Paramedic Rick Pringle, and alongside EMT Talitha Tanous, the Temple Fire Department, and Temple Police, Samantha played a critical role in the hours-long extrication effort. The operation demanded unwavering focus, advanced clinical expertise, and emotional resilience—skills Samantha delivered with extraordinary precision and care.

Thanks to her intervention and determination, the patient was successfully freed, stabilized, and safely transported for advanced medical treatment. Samantha’s courage, skill, and unshakable commitment to saving lives exemplify the very best of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Samantha Sabol as a Star of Life!

Missy Satterfield is being recognized for her swift and expert response during a critical emergency involving an elderly car crash victim. While responding to a rural Texas motor vehicle accident alongside Flight Paramedic Marc Flores, Missy immediately recognized that the patient’s distress went beyond the shock of the collision. Drawing on her clinical expertise, she identified signs of impaired breathing caused by chest trauma and multiple rib fractures.

Moments later, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Thanks to Missy and Marc’s rapid intervention and advanced lifesaving techniques, they were able to restore the patient’s heartbeat and stabilize them for transport. Their training, quick thinking, and unwavering focus on patient care made all the difference.

The patient not only survived but was discharged from the hospital just two weeks later—a remarkable recovery made possible by Missy’s dedication and skill in the field.

For this, any much more, Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Missy Satterfield as a Star of Life!

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Emergency Medical Technician Talitha Crowe as a Star of Life.

Talitha is being honored for her exceptional performance during the response to a harrowing tractor-trailer crash on a Texas highway. The incident involved an 18-wheeler carrying a 340,000-pound load that overturned, with a portion of the cargo crushing another vehicle and critically injuring its occupant.

Guided by on-site acting supervisor Paramedic Rick Pringle and working alongside Paramedic Samantha Sabol, Temple Fire Department, and Temple Police personnel, Talitha played a pivotal role in a complex, multi-hour rescue operation. The mission demanded sharp clinical judgment, steadfast concentration, and emotional strength—qualities Talitha demonstrated with precision and compassion.

Because of her advanced medical proficiency and quick thinking, the trapped patient was successfully extricated, stabilized, and safely transported for further care. Talitha’s calm under pressure and dedication to preserving life reflect the very best of the EMS profession.

Her bravery, skill, and compassion embody the values of American Medical Response, and it is with great pride that AMR celebrates Talitha Crowe as a Star of Life.

Adam Wagh’s career reflects a rare combination of courage, innovation, and relentless dedication to emergency medical services. He began his EMS journey with Acadian Ambulance Service in Austin before joining San Marcos Hays County EMS as a 911 Paramedic. His calm skill under pressure earned him recognition, including the Life Saving Award from the San Marcos Police Department after providing critical care to two officers during an active shooter incident. That moment reinforced a lesson that still guides him today: every decision in EMS—clinical or operational—has the power to change a life.

After years in the field, Adam broadened his expertise through a software development program, gaining the technical foundation to translate complex data into tools that improve patient outcomes and organizational efficiency. He later joined Superior Mobile Health as a Paramedic, quickly distinguishing himself as a Field Training Officer and rising to Lead FTO. In this role, he pioneered quarterly training programs that elevated clinical readiness across the organization.

Promoted to On-Duty Supervisor and now Communications Center Manager, Adam has driven innovations that transformed operations. He authored new policies, pioneered zone-based and bucket dispatching, and designed real-time analytics dashboards that allow dispatchers and executives to monitor call volume, facility demand, and system readiness. His leadership has fostered accountability, efficiency, and patient-centered decision-making in one of the busiest EMS communications centers in Texas.

Today, while pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science, Adam continues to shape the future of EMS by blending clinical excellence, technical skill, and visionary leadership. Superior Mobile Health is proud to honor Adam Wagh as a 2025 Star of Life.

Jonathan “Jon” Stocker, Critical Care Paramedic at Superior Mobile Health, is honored as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life for exemplary patient care, professionalism, and leadership in education.

A seasoned Critical Care Paramedic, Mr. Stocker delivers high-acuity care with precision, confidence, and compassion. From routine IV/O₂/monitor transports to managing ventilated patients supported by multiple IV drips, he adapts seamlessly to complex, fast‑moving situations while maintaining an unwavering focus on safety, communication, and dignity for every patient.

Beyond clinical excellence, Mr. Stocker is a natural educator and mentor. He guides partners through complex interventions, supports ICU nurses during high‑acuity transfers, and reassures family members and bystanders with clear, calm explanations. His approachable teaching style builds trust, lifts team performance, and strengthens patient‑centered care across the continuum.

Colleagues look to Mr. Stocker for leadership under pressure. His steady presence and sound clinical judgment help teams navigate stressful scenarios and achieve positive outcomes. He leads by example—modeling professionalism, humility, and a commitment to doing what is best for patients and the community.

For his exceptional patient care, dedication to teaching and mentoring, and calm leadership in the most challenging circumstances, Jonathan “Jon” Stocker embodies the spirit of the Stars of Life program and the highest ideals of Emergency Medical Services.

Jennifer Aguilar is a Paramedic and healthcare professional whose career spans more than a decade in EMS and seventeen years in pharmacy operations. She began her EMS service in the fast-paced Las Vegas 911 system, where for eight years she answered high-acuity calls and supported some of the most challenging responses in modern EMS. During the Route 91 Harvest Festival mass casualty incident—America’s deadliest mass shooting—she maintained calm, precision, and focus under extraordinary pressure. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped sustain emergency response operations while modeling resilience and steady leadership for her colleagues.

Since joining Superior Mobile Health EMS in January 2024, Aguilar has made an immediate impact. She earned Critical Care Transport certification and was quickly selected as a Field Training Officer, mentoring new clinicians with patience, clinical rigor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Recognized for sound judgment and integrity, she was promoted to Operations Lead, where she oversees field supervisors and helps ensure safe, efficient, and clinically excellent care.

Aguilar brings the same discipline to her personal life that she demonstrates on duty. A two-time figure competition winner, she is also a devoted mother of four and proud grandmother of two. Her colleagues praise her calm presence, tireless work ethic, and uncompromising standards. More than a Paramedic, Jennifer Aguilar is a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration—embodying the spirit of the Star of Life.

Shane Terry, a nearly 20-year veteran with Air Evac Lifeteam, is an expert in emergency medical care, known for his ability to quickly assess and intervene in critical situations. His expertise has been particularly noted in two significant incidents: one involving a former AEL team member and the other, a child.

In the first instance, Shane was in an ER when a former team member experienced cardiac arrest. His quick thinking and skillful intervention, alongside ER staff, saved the individual’s life.

In another case, Shane responded to a call for a child in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, he immediately recognized that the child’s airway tube was incorrectly placed. Shane reintubated the child and, recognizing the weather conditions were unsafe for flight, accompanied the ground unit to ensure the child received continuous care en route to the hospital.

Shane’s dedication to patient care and his ability to act swiftly in critical moments make him a standout in the field. His nearly two decades of service with Air Evac Lifeteam and his commitment to saving lives are why he is recognized as a 2024 Star of Life honoree.

With more than 15 years of dedicated service as an EMS first responder, Kevin Rochford is being honored for his life-saving actions in January 2024, when he responded to a cardiac arrest involving a well-known community leader. Kevin’s quick and decisive intervention, which included administering multiple medications and performing defibrillations, led to the patient achieving ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) after more than 30 minutes of effort. Thanks to Kevin’s expertise and persistence, the patient survived and has since returned to serving the community.

Known for his humility and commitment to lifelong learning, Kevin is actively pursuing courses to further his career in the medical field. His dedication to both his patients and his personal growth makes him a valued member of American Medical Response and a true asset to the Waco community.

George Lombardo is a dynamic and visionary leader with a remarkable record of driving growth and innovation in EMS. A Critical Care Paramedic with 17 years of clinical experience and three years in management, George is considered a rising star in the profession.

Currently serving as Operations Manager at Superior Mobile Health in San Antonio, Texas, George has a proven track record of leadership and innovation. After being promoted to Field Supervisor in 2021, George played a pivotal role in shaping the position to its current scope before advancing to Operations Manager in 2023.

During his tenure, the organization’s field staff has grown from 45 to over 120 members, and the fleet has expanded from 6 to 14 ambulances during peak hours. In 2023, the organization handled nearly 20,000 calls, reflecting tremendous growth.

George has led several significant initiatives, including mobile data management, recruitment and retention strategies, work/life balance scheduling, and the implementation of the EMS-FTEP (Field Training and Evaluation Program). In 2022, George graduated from Fitch & Associates’ prestigious Ambulance Service Manager Program, where his team project was selected for presentation at Pinnacle 2023.

Committed to teamwork and upholding strong values, George continues to lead with a focus on innovation, growth, and excellence in EMS.

Juvencio Estrada is being recognized for his lifesaving actions during a critical incident involving another company’s ground ambulance and an 18-wheeler collision. Juvencio, along with Flight Paramedic Johan Alvarado, was dispatched to the scene of the accident, where they quickly assessed that one of the patients in the ambulance was in urgent need of advanced care. The patient was experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, and had suffered right arm trauma with a tourniquet applied.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Juvencio and Johan promptly removed the patient from the ambulance and transferred them to their aircraft for immediate transport to advanced medical care. During a fuel stop at Laredo International Airport, they discovered that the patient’s left anterior chest was unstable, among other pressing medical concerns. Acting swiftly, they performed a needle decompression and other complex medical procedures, which immediately improved the patient’s condition.

Their quick decision-making and skilled interventions were described as “lifesaving,” with the patient later expressing that they wouldn’t have survived without the care provided by Juvencio and Johan. Their actions exemplify the highest standards of emergency medical care.

Josh Frierson has dedicated 16 years of his life to serving the Texarkana community as a compassionate and ambitious EMS professional. His journey into emergency services began in 2007 after joining a local volunteer fire department, which led him to the fire academy and eventually to EMT school, where he fell in love with the medical side of helping others. Josh has been with LifeNet since November 2007, and his career has been marked by his dedication to patient care and his commitment to continuous learning. In 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by earning his Paramedic license after completing LifeNet’s accelerated Paramedic course.

In addition to his work in the field, Josh has recently stepped into a leadership role as an Operations Manager at LifeNet, a goal he has long aspired to. He is excited to contribute to the growth and betterment of the company while continuing to serve his community. Josh believes that EMS is a rewarding, though challenging, career and advises anyone entering the field to never stop learning, as the medical field is constantly evolving.

Being recognized as the Texas Star of Life for 2024 is a tremendous honor for Josh. Knowing that his coworkers nominated him for this award is a source of immense pride, as he strives every day to do what is best for his patients and to support his fellow team members. He is proud to be part of an amazing staff that consistently goes above and beyond for the community.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife, Morgan, who many in the medical field know from her role at a community hospital. Married since December 2021, they have three children: Aiden, 17, Emori, 3, and Knox, 1. Family is a central part of Josh’s life, and he cherishes moments spent on the back porch with friends and family, watching the kids play in the yard.

Josh’s three defining qualities—compassion, trustworthiness, and ambition—shine through in every aspect of his work. He hopes to make a positive impact on his community, one patient at a time, and is grateful for the opportunity to do so through LifeNet.

Jeremiah Capps has made significant contributions to emergency medical services in both the military and civilian sectors, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and dedication. A veteran of the special operations community, Jeremiah brings unmatched experience and a mission-first mentality to every aspect of his career.

His journey began in special operations, where he played a pivotal role in developing and establishing medical operations squadrons nationwide. One of his most groundbreaking achievements was creating the first Air Force Instruction (AFI) focused on providing comprehensive care throughout the special operations pipeline. This AFI has since been adopted across the military, significantly improving care and training for personnel in high-stress environments.

Jeremiah also led the strategic development of the Air Force’s special warfare training pipelines in San Antonio, Texas. This initiative laid the foundation for training programs in Special Reconnaissance, Combat Controllers, and Pararescue, ensuring top-tier care and operational readiness.

Currently, as operations manager at Superior Mobile Health, Jeremiah continues to set high standards in EMS. His master’s degree in psychology enhances his ability to tackle complex operational challenges with a unique perspective, consistently leading to exceptional outcomes. He has also taught Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and wilderness EMS to special operations personnel globally, further demonstrating his commitment to improving care in the most demanding environments.

Jeremiah’s dedication to service, innovative contributions, and leadership make him an outstanding candidate for the Star of Life Award. His extensive impact in both military and EMS communities embodies the highest ideals of this honor.

Johan Alvarado’s skill, EMS knowledge, and quick thinking are credited for saving the life of a patient in another company’s ground ambulance when that ambulance and an 18-wheeler collided.

Johan, along with Flight Nurse Juvencio Estrada, were dispatched to the scene of the accident, when they realized that one of the patients in the ambulance was experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, and right arm trauma with a tourniquet applied. Both Johan and Juvencio assessed that the patient needed to be immediately transported to advanced care, so they removed the patient from the ambulance and placed them into their aircraft.

During a fuel stop at Laredo International Airport, Johan and Juvencio determined that the patient’s left anterior chest was unstable along with other medical concerns. They deemed a needle decompression was necessary and performed both intricate medical procedures. Immediately, the patient’s condition improved.

Johan and Juvencio’s interventions were lifesaving. Even the patient who survived that ordeal credits their survival to Johan and Juvencio’s care.

When the time to provide care at a moment’s notice came on a day in April 2022, Rob Spencer sprang into action. The call involved a young child, who had been riding on a mower when he was run over by the very vehicle he had been riding. Rob arrived to find this child still under the mower with horrific injuries. The injuries were so severe that Rob was forced to make a decision that could have drastic consequences for this young boy.

By the time the child was freed from the mower, an air ambulance was hovering overhead. Rob continued to treat and stabilize the child as the aircraft made its way to the designated landing zone.

Unfortunately, there was an issue that resulted in the grounding of the air ambulance. Rob then made the tough decision to make the lengthy transport with the unstable child by ground.

Through expert and rapid assessment and treatment, the child made it safely to the local children’s hospital. The young man had to endure multiple surgeries but was able to recover and return to a near-normal childhood.

In early October 2022, Rick Fikes and his partner responded to a call that a person at a group home was choking while eating a meal.

Upon arriving at the scene, a firefighter with the local department was already visualizing the patient’s airway. The firefighter told Rick the patient’s airway was full of pasta and that he could not clear it. Rick verified the patient’s airway could not be cleared, then performed a surgical cricothyrotomy on the patient. This quick thinking and clinical skill resulted in him achieving temporary return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The patient was an organ donor, so the procedure performed by Fikes ultimately saved many lives.

Rick was commended by everyone in the emergency department, including the physician, for performing this intricate surgical procedure in the field.

Aaron Graves is a go-getter. From his first day at LifeNet, he has always gone above and beyond for his patients and for his coworkers.

Before joining LifeNet, Aaron served in the Army Reserves for six years. Once he graduated college and was engaged to his now wife, he began his career at LifeNet working in dispatch. While serving as a communications professional, he decided to go to EMT school where he experienced his first clinical shift on the ambulance. At that point, Aaron discovered his passion for working in the field.

Aaron worked as an EMT for two years before he became a Paramedic and served for three more years, which was a requirement for working on a helicopter. Aaron saw that he could make a career out of working at LifeNet and “was in everyone’s ear” leading up to his qualification for a position with LifeNet’s Air program. The summer of 2024 will mark eight years of Aaron serving LifeNet patients in almost every capacity possible including dispatcher, EMT, Ground Medic, Field Training Officer, Flight Medic, and—most recently—Air Programs Base Supervisor.

Aaron enjoys the excitement and the community that surrounds him at LifeNet, as every day brings something new, and every call has its own set of challenges. He is described by his team members as, “the epitome of who you want” for someone in this profession. One needs to be patient-centered, a self-starter, and highly motivated to excel in EMS and Aaron possesses all those traits and more.

Jess Gibbs, Director of Specialty Care Services, said of Aaron, “He displays an extraordinary level of empathy, compassion, and enthusiasm for his job. He is always looking for ways to improve, which is evidenced through his continued successes within LifeNet.” Aaron seeks out higher learning opportunities, self-betterment, and continued growth. He promotes education through evidence-based practice while teaching at local EMT and Paramedic programs. Aaron is a humble leader who exemplifies all that LifeNet represents.

On behalf of the LifeNet Air division, we are extremely proud to recognize Aaron’s accomplishments and welcome the opportunity to honor him as a 2023 Star of Life. 

Cierra joined Acadian Ambulance in February 2016 as an EMT. She attained her Paramedic certification in 2018 through the National EMS Academy, a sister company of Acadian Ambulance.

Cierra is a native of Bridge City, Texas, and currently serves the Orange County, Texas region. She is very reliable, professional in appearance and demeanor, and is just an all-around good representative of Acadian Ambulance.

Cierra’s passion for EMS and patient care is easy to spot. She is on a constant quest to broaden her knowledge. Most recently, she earned her CCT certification to better serve her patients and give them the best care possible.

Cierra strives every day to figure out what she can do better to be better for her patients and for herself. Her patient advocacy and hard work inspire others. No matter how difficult a situation can be sometimes, she always does what is right. Cierra also assists her coworkers in any way she can.  Some of her coworkers even describe her as a walking protocol book.

Cierra’s genuine and optimistic demeanor was noted by many of the selection committee members. She engaged each of the panel members and displayed confidence and knowledge.

Cierra says, “It’s important to put yourself out there and treat everyone you meet like family. It is not just the treatments we perform that make them feel better, it’s the whole encounter.”