TULSA & OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Sept. 30, 2026) – EMSA is proud to announce EMSA Eastern Division Paramedic Shawn Burch and EMSA Western Division Paramedic Tyler Perkins as the 2026 Stars of Life.
Both recipients were nominated by Field Operations Supervisors in their respective division and chosen after being evaluated for their service, leadership, and commitment to EMSA’s values.
Burch and Perkins were both honored at ceremonies at their respective division headquarters in front of their peers, supervisors, and EMSA leadership.
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Burch began his EMS career in 1995 while attending college. After realizing paramedicine was his calling, he changed his course of study and completed his paramedic training in 1997. He joined EMSA in 2000. In the past 26 years as an EMSA paramedic, he has also served as an instructor, clinical manager, and part-time field supervisor.
Burch was nominated as a Star of Life for his leadership, mentorship, clinical expertise, and dedication to serving the Tulsa community.
EMSA Paramedic Shawn Burch, center, poses for a photo with EMSA President & CEO Johna Easley, right, and EMSA Eastern Division Director of Operations Lee Gibson, left.
“Shawn constantly maintains a positive attitude,” said David Yales, EMSA Eastern Division Field Operations Supervisor. “He has an outstanding relationship with the local emergency departments and other first response agencies. He has a calm and confident demeanor that’s always a blessing on high-stress scenes. Shawn is an excellent clinician who provides outstanding patient care and is exactly the kind of team member who should be a Star of Life”
Burch said being named a Star of Life reassures him that his decision to change paths and follow his childhood dream put him exactly where he’s supposed to be — taking care of patients in the field and training others to do the same.
“There are many good providers, field training officers, educators, managers, and other support staff who do their jobs well that are just as dedicated to making sure our patients get the best care possible, and are just as deserving of this award,” said Burch. “The fact I was chosen out of all of them is quite the honor.”
Perkins, originally from Duncan, Oklahoma, started his EMS career more recently than Burch, completing the EMSA Advantage EMT training program in 2023. In June 2024, he began EMSA’s in-house paramedic training program and graduated in May 2025. In Sept. 2026, Perkins was promoted to alternate field operations supervisor, marking the first time an EMSA Advantage graduate has been promoted to a supervisory position since the program’s inception in 2022.
Perkins was nominated as a Star of Life for his commitment to continuous self-improvement, accountability, and his dedication to both EMSA and the communities he serves in Oklahoma City.
EMSA Paramedic Tyler Perkins, center, poses for a photo with EMSA President & CEO Johna Easley, left, and EMSA Western Division Director of Operations Michael Parrish, right.
“Tyler routinely demonstrates a willingness to step forward, serve others, and do what is best for those around him,” said Blanton Hardt, EMSA Western Division Field Operations Supervisor. “His commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement is evident in every aspect of his career, from patient care and teamwork to leadership development and operational excellence.”
Perkins said his decision to join EMSA came from a need for direction. He realized he needed more out of his life, and decided helping others was the right choice for him.
“It’s an honor to be picked as a Star of Life,” said Perkins. “It makes me proud to work here and proud to think about all the work I’ve put in these last couple years. But I wouldn’t be here without the support of those around me.”
Burch and Perkins will represent EMSA in November at the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life event in Washington, D.C., where they will be honored alongside other EMS professionals from across the country.