Congratulations to our 2017 Stars!

Patricia Skeen
Paramedic
McCurtain County EMS

McCurtain County EMS takes great pride in presenting Patricia Skeen as a Star for the OKAMA Stars of Life 2017.

Pattie became a volunteer for McCurtain County EMS in 1994 when she received her first responder certification. She went on to receive earn Paramedic License in 1998.

Pattie has utilized her skills to benefit her community by volunteering her time at any hour of the day to answer the call for help.

Pattie is known for her hard work and dedication to her community. Pattie is willing to help others in their time of need, and has never asked for acknowledgement or recognition. Pattie also instructs CPR and assisted in instructing EMS training in her community.

We are proud to name Patricia Skeen as a 2017 Star of Life.

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars!

Debbie Prise
Paramedic
McCurtain County EMS

McCurtain County EMS takes great pride in nominating Debbie Prise as our Star for the OKAMA Stars of Life 2017.

Debbie became a volunteer for McCurtain County EMS in 1994 when she received her first responder certification, then went on to earn her Paramedic license in 1998.

She has diligently helped her community and Northern McCurtain County by volunteering her skills and time, and by answering the call of duty for more than 24 years. Debbie is known for her compassion for her community, and for going above and beyond to assist any person in need.

Debbie is a role model to others as well, she inspired her husband, Steve, and son, Travis, to take the EMS class and join her in serving the community. Debbie instructs CPR and assisted in instruction EMS classes in her area.

We are proud to name Debbie Prise as a 2017 Star of Life.

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars of Life!

Brian Wood
Administrative Assistant
Muskogee County EMS

Brian began his career with Muskogee County EMS in 1992, having received his certification as an EMT the previous year. Brian initially started in dispatch and spent one fun-filled year telling medics where to go before he joined them and started working on the ambulance. Brian served the citizens of Muskogee County as an EMT-Intermediate for over 19 years. He also holds an associate degree in Police Science.

In 2012 Brian transitioned from the ambulance to the office and became the Administrative Assistant to the Director and Assistant Director. Not as simple as it might sound, this job involves much more than “assisting.” In addition to daily support functions for the Executive Staff, Brian oversees scheduling for 120 medics- including last-minute call-in’s, extra duty shifts, time-off shifts, and serves as the initial point of contact for more than 140 employees. He also orders, oversees, and maintains all the uniform requests and replacements.

Brian is known for his selflessness, hard work, and dedication. Among other awards, In 2012 Brian received the Muskogee County EMS award for the Office Employee of the Year. His kindness, composure, and his ever-present sense of humor have endeared him to all employees. He remains calm under pressure and shows true leadership by quietly going above and beyond to assist all of us in whatever way he can, never asking for acknowledgement or recognition.

Brian is loved by everyone who knows him, and most especially by his girlfriend, Hadee, and by his brother, Randy. On a rare day when he is not at work, Brian enjoys working on his 60 acres and spending time with his friends, family, and his two dogs: Shorty and Natalie.

Because of Brian’s outstanding professionalism and his exemplary performance, Muskogee County EMS is honored to endorse Brian Wood for the Oklahoma Ambulance Association Star of Life Award, 2017.

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars!

Matthew R. Williams
Paramedic, Field Training Officer
LifeNet, Inc.
Stillwater, Oklahoma

Matt Williams is LifeNet’s 2017 Star of Life representing our Stillwater, Oklahoma division. His coworkers nominated him for his dedication to our patients and the community, and for his commitment to the LifeNet team. Matt is involved in multiple aspects of our EMS service including new employee development, quality assurance processes, education, and multiple leadership roles. He attended Oklahoma State University completing his paramedic education and he is pursuing a B.S. in Emergency Medical Services Administration at Columbia Southern University. 

When he is not at work, which is a rarity, Matt spends time with his wife. Felisha, and seven children. They enjoy fishing, traveling, and attending various sporting events.

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars!

Marilyn Williams
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

Pafford EMS of Oklahoma

Pafford EMS of Oklahoma would like to nominate Marilyn Williams as a 2017 Star of Life. Most EMS providers look at their peers in EMS as an extension of their immediate family, and Marilyn is no different. She 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 holiday meal, even coming to the station on her day off.

Whenever her peers face difficult times, whether it be on a professional or personal level, Marilyn 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 and will be praying for them.

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars!

Derek Weinkauf
EMT, Field Training Officer

EMSA 
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars!

Derek Vermillion
Operations Supervisor
LIFE EMS
Enid, Oklahoma

Life EMS is proud to recognize Derek Vermillion as a 2017 Star of Life.

Derek began his career in EMS in 2010 as an EMT Basic with the Watonga Oklahoma Fire Department. Shortly thereafter, he was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in the 45th Infantry Division for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2011–2012 he was redeployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Upon returning in 2012, he enrolled in Paramedic school at Redlands Community College, completing his degree in 2014. Derek became employed at Life EMS in August of 2015, and has since been promoted to the position of Operations and QA Supervisor.

Derek was instrumental in implementing new mapping system software for the service. He also played a key role in rebuilding the Volunteer rural Service in Watonga to prevent it from closing.

Derek was chosen as a Star by his fellow medics. His passion and pride in his work at Life EMS and Watonga EMS is truly unprecedented.

Thanks for choosing Life EMS, Derek.

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars!

Kevin Sodowsky
Training Supervisor, Communications
LIFE EMS
Enid, Oklahoma

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars of Life!

Estes "Pat" Sherwood
Paramedic
Hughes County EMS

Professional, reliable, passionate, caring, and community-focused are the qualities that best exemplify Hughes County EMS Paramedic Estes "Pat" Sherwood. Pat routinely receives compliments from patients, patients' families, and hospital staff. He is well-liked and deeply respected by his peers and supervisors.

Pat joined Hughes County EMS in January 2010, and was promoted to Field Training Officer in 2011. He receive his EMS Instructor certification in 2012, then developed a Hughes County EMS-sponsored EMR class for area first responders. In January 2013, Pat was promoted to Operations Supervisor, a position he held until resigning to focus his attention on becoming a minister. Pat continues to serve as a Field Training Officer, a QA/QI committee member, and service Chaplain.

Pat has developed a reputation as a role model to others, as someone who always has a smile on his face, and as a leader who demonstrates the highest level of compassion for his patients. His work has produced a variety of succcess stories at Hughes County EMS, ranging from patients surviving cardiac arrest, severe trauma, and strokes to bringing new life into this world in small communities around the county.

Pat seeks ways to help out, accepts assignments without complaint, and consistently maintains a friendly demeanor. Pat has more than 20 years of experience in the ambulance industry, and is a key link in the chain of succes at Hughes County EMS. As such, Hughes County EMS and our Board of Trustees are proud to recognize Estes "Pat" Sherwood, NRP, as a 2017 Star of Life.

Congratulations to our 2017 Stars of Life!

Scott E. Shadowens
Supervisor, CRC
Creek County Emergency Ambulance Service
Sapula, Oklahoma

Scott joined our team in September 2007. Right away he proved himself to be an excellent addition to Creek County EMS by providing reliable patient care and positive attitude. As a result of Scott's attributes, he was promoted to Supervisor and Compliance Resource Officer in October of 2012. Scott is known for his ability to solve problems fairly and with common sense, making him a go-to person among the leadership team.

Scott's patient care abilities are considered exceptional as he treats every patient with empathy and compassion.

In the spring of 2009, Scott responded to an assault victim lying unconscious in the middle of a busy street. As a result of Scott's quick actions and patient care, the patient walked into our headquarters to thank Scott for saving his life after waking up from a 7-year coma. This is just one of many examples of how Scott has proven himself to be a valuable member of our team and the community we serve.