05/15/2026
Wednesday night, for Region 7, members of Ambulance Services of Lexington-Henderson County EMS, Henderson County 911, and Henderson County Fire Department received one of the most profound recognitions in emergency services — the Star of Life Award — for their cohesive teamwork that ultimately led to saving a life.
Paramedic Nichole Lowe and her partner, AEMT Thomas Long, were dispatched by Henderson County 911 Dispatcher Tim Daws to a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, the crew quickly determined the patient had gone into cardiac arrest. CPR had already been initiated by the patient’s 16-year-old granddaughter, whose actions played a critical role in this patient’s survival.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Lowe and Long immediately radioed for additional help.
Critical Care Paramedics Shane and Rachel Beecham were nearby attending their daughter’s softball jamboree when they heard the urgency in the crew’s voices over the radio. Without hesitation, the Beechams loaded up their children and responded to assist, rendering aid and support to the on-scene crew.
Shortly after, Henderson County Fire Department personnel Firefighter/AEMT Mitchell Wood and Battalion Chief/AEMT Chadd Gilliam arrived on scene to provide additional support and manpower during the resuscitation effort.
Through coordinated teamwork and critical interventions performed by all responders involved, a pulse was regained, and the patient was rapidly moved to the ambulance for continued advanced care.
The patient was transported to Henderson County Community Hospital, where he was stabilized before being transferred to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital by Critical Care Paramedic Shawn Courtright and AEMT Pam Floyd.
Because of the actions of everyone involved — from the dispatcher, to the first responders, to the hospital staff, and even the brave granddaughter who began CPR — this patient was able to make a full recovery and return home to his family.
What makes this recognition even more special is that every one of these individuals are citizens of Henderson County. They do not serve for recognition or distinction. They serve because of their love for their community, the people in it, and the oath they took to the profession they chose.
We are incredibly proud of these individuals and honored to call them part of our family. Their dedication, compassion, and teamwork represent the very best of emergency services and the spirit of Henderson County.
