OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (August 30, 2025) – EMSA is proud to honor Paramedic Mark Allen and EMT Jonathan Penick as the 2025 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 ability to reflect EMSA’s Values on every shift.
Mark Allen began serving the citizens of Oklahoma City nearly three decades ago when he joined EMSA as a Logistics Technician in 1997. He steadily advanced his career, becoming an EMT, EMT Field Training Officer, and then a Paramedic.
“Mark’s been with us for 28 years—started out in Logistics and worked his way up through EMT, EMT FTO, and now he’s a Paramedic,” said Michael Parrish, EMSA Director of Operations – Western Division. “He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but his steady, calm presence makes a big impact. Mark’s the kind of person who just keeps getting better. He’s proof that if you stick with it and keep learning, you can go far. We’re lucky to have him on the team.”
Mark was nominated as a Star of Life for his professionalism, selflessness, reliability, and dedication to the Oklahoma City community.
Jonathan Penick has always had a heart for service and began his career with EMSA as an EMT in 2010. For the past 15 years, he has become a trusted preceptor and was recently promoted to Field Training Officer, where he will continue to inspire and mentor new EMS professionals.
“Jonathan and I started at EMSA on the exact same day, and from the beginning, he’s always been calm, collected, and a great representative of the culture we strive to build here. He’s someone everyone at EMSA can look up to—always in a great mood and consistently setting the tone for professionalism and positivity. He is exactly the kind of team member who should be a Star of Life,” said EMSA Director of Operations in the Eastern Division Lee Gibson.
Jonathan was nominated for his unwavering dedication to the Tulsa community and his consistently calm and kind demeanor in the field. His positive attitude and compassion for others has made a lasting impact on both his colleagues and the patients he serves.
The Star of Life is the highest honor in EMS, honoring EMS professionals who go above and beyond the call of duty, exemplifying the highest standards of emergency medical care and community service.
Mark and Jonathan 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.