Regional Paramedical Services, Inc.

04/03/2026

🌟🌟Employee Spotlight of the Week 🌟🌟

We would like to introduce you to Mackenzie Watkins! She began her career in BLS in November 2024. She transitioned to ALS in Jefferson County as a driver in January 2025 while attending RTI for her basic certification, and later moved to St. Clair County in July 2025. She is currently enrolled at RTI as a paramedic student and will test soon to obtain her AEMT license. She is expected to graduate from paramedic in August.

Outside of work and school, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves being outdoors, whether at the beach or the lake, hiking, or recently getting back into working out-when she can find time away from studying. In the long term, she aspires to become a flight medic and may also pursue a career in the fire service.

Mackenzie has been a true blessing to both her team and the community she serves. She is a dedicated and hardworking individual who consistently goes above and beyond, and her efforts are deeply appreciated by those around her.

03/23/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight of the Week 🌟

Michael "Shane" Russell started with RPS March 22, 2018 as an EMT/Driver in Homewood.

4 years later Shane acquired his Advanced EMT license in 2022. He was in the first advanced class offered by RPS before Regional Training Institute was established. He is currently working towards his Paramedic certification at RTI, he will finish up this summer with graduation in August.

Shane is married to Colleen Russell (who plans social outings and then tells him right before). Together they are doggie parents to Porkchop and Brownie. There are 3 sons; 2 stepdaughters; 3 granddaughters; and a grandson.

In his spare time (not that he has much these days) Shane enjoys fishing, watching motorcross (he says he is too old to race anymore); spending time with family; walking and taking Porkchop on car rides; and he paints houses (interior and exterior) not so much a hobby but a talent.

Shane's ULTIMATE dream job is....... Alpinestar Track Medic.

03/13/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight of the Week 🌟

Taylor Thomas Brown joined the BLS Division in September 2022 and has been a dedicated member of the RPS team since. During his time with the organization, he gained experience in ALS operations in Jefferson County before returning to the BLS Division in 2024.

Taylor attended RTI where he earned his EMT license and currently serves as a Field Training Officer (FTO) in the BLS Division. In this role, he takes great pride in mentoring and training new employees, helping them build confidence and succeed in the field.

Outside of RPS, Taylor is a full-time firefighter with Mount Olive and a proud father to his two-year-old son and one-year-old daughter. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his kids and going fishing. Taylor’s long-term career goal is to become a SWAT medic.

03/08/2026

Share this please and make sure your legislators know the truth !!

03/07/2026

Please read the information in the picture. This is a critical time in EMS. Alabama commercial insurers pay one of the lowest rates in the country . Alabama’s average commercial rate is 140% of Medicare (CMS)rates. Next door,Mississippi has a law that requires the rate to be 325% of CMS rates. This bill will move Alabama to 200% of SR CMS rates. The bill also protects the consumers from a balance bill if you have insurance. Ambulance services will continue to cut services without this bill passing.

(Share) SB269 passed the Senate but some opposition (NOT BCBS) is trying to kill it in the House. The true facts are in picture below. The video link of the bad practice is in the comments . BCBS is not fighting this bill, valuing public safety and protecting its members from balance billing. Call your local Representative today to get this bill passed.

03/06/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight of the Week: Mackenzie Holt 🌟

This week we are excited to recognize Mackenzie for her dedication and growth within RPS.

Mackenzie joined RPS in April of 2022 as an EMT working in the BLS division. Since then, she has shown a strong commitment to advancing her skills and serving her community. In 2024, she successfully earned her paramedic license, an accomplishment that reflects her hard work and determination. Today, Mackenzie continues to make a positive impact as a supervisor in Jefferson County, where she helps lead her team while providing high-quality patient care.

Mackenzie’s passion for emergency medicine and leadership has helped her grow quickly within the organization, and she continues to be a valuable member of the RPS team.

Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys crocheting, traveling, and spending time hiking. When she’s not on shift, she loves exploring new places and relaxing with creative projects.

Looking ahead, Mackenzie plans to further her career in medicine by returning to school to pursue her Physician Assistant (PA) license.

Thank you, Mackenzie, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. We are proud to have you as part of the RPS family!

03/05/2026

Some friendships begin in the most unexpected ways, and sometimes they grow through something as simple and meaningful as a letter. 💌

Today we had the joy of celebrating Pheobe Lynn’s birthday with our team at RPS! For the past six years, Pheobe and our Billing Director, Whitney, have been pen pals, exchanging letters and encouragement that have grown into a very special friendship.

Pheobe’s kindness doesn’t stop there. She regularly writes to check on our providers and staff, always thinking of others and bringing smiles with every note or color picture she sends. Her heart is as big as her enthusiasm for lights, sirens, and all things RPS. 🚑

Getting to celebrate her today reminded us how meaningful these connections are and how much joy one person can bring to so many. Pheobe is truly a peach and a delight to be around, and we are so grateful to know her.

Happy Birthday, Pheobe! Thank you for the kindness, friendship, and encouragement you share with our team.❤️

03/03/2026

📚❤️ Celebrating Read Across America Week! ❤️📚
This week, our team had the absolute honor of celebrating Read Across America with some incredible students in our community, at Curry Elementary!
Our providers traded in the ambulance lights for storybooks and spent time reading, laughing, and learning alongside these bright young minds. From gathering around colorful classroom rugs to sharing stories that spark imagination, it was a joy to see how powerful a simple book can be.
At Regional Paramedical Services, Inc., we believe caring for our community goes beyond emergency response; it’s about showing up. Building relationships and investing in the next generation. Taking time to read with these students was a reminder that small moments can make a big impact.
Thank you to the schools and teachers who welcomed us into your classrooms today. We are proud to serve such a wonderful community, both in times of need and in moments of growth. 💙

03/02/2026

We need everyone to share this. Tag your representatives and senators. THIS is important. This PROTECTS the insured as well as raising required payouts by the insurance companies. This helps keep units, especially in the rural communities. This allows for Treat in Place! This is as important for the patients as it is for the communities. This story takes place in another state but it happens here too. Support Senate Bill 269. Please Share this post from the Alabama Association of Ambulance Services and get everyone you know to share it! Tag your legislators! They need to hear from you!

Because the ambulance that drove Bill Enos six miles to the hospital in Massachusetts was out of network with his insurance, he faced a bill of more than $5,000. NBC News’ Anne Thompson reports on why such a bill is possible and what is being done to try to remedy the problem.

02/28/2026

Please share!! Call your senators to support this bill!

02/25/2026

🌟🌟 Employee Spotlight of the Week 🌟🌟

Meet TWO of the talented individuals in the Billing Department. At the heart of our EMS our Billing Team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to providing exceptional support and service.

There are moments in an organization’s history that truly define who we are, not just as professionals, but as people. During one of the most difficult times, when our Billing Director, Whitney Lane, was away due to the tragic loss of her child, two remarkable women stepped forward without hesitation.
Jennifer Parnell and Jessica Goodwin did far more than simply “fill in.” They carried the weight of responsibility with strength, grace, and unwavering commitment. While our organization was grieving alongside one of our own, they ensured that billing operations continued seamlessly. Their tenacity, loyalty, and steadfast dedication kept our billing and financial processes running during a time when they were needed most. What they demonstrated goes far beyond job performance. It was leadership. It was compassion. It was family.
This recognition is more than an employee spotlight; it is a sincere acknowledgment of two extraordinary individuals who embody what it truly means to be part of the RPS family.
Jennifer Parnell
Jennifer has been a cornerstone of RPS since June 19, 2000, serving faithfully in Finance and Billing for over two decades. Her depth of knowledge, steady presence, and quiet strength have made her an invaluable asset to our organization.
During this recent season of loss, Jennifer’s experience and dedication provided continuity and reassurance. She worked tirelessly to ensure that nothing faltered, demonstrating the kind of dependability that only comes from years of commitment and pride in one’s work.
Jennifer has been married to Mike Parnell for 21 years, and together they enjoy spending quality time and taking road trips. They share their home with their sweet dachshund, Mollie. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys reading, and after many years of devoted service, she looks forward to one day enjoying a well-earned retirement.
Jessica Goodwin, EMT-B Jessica has served RPS since May 30, 2012, contributing her talents in dispatch, billing, and after successfully completing the RTI program, earning her EMT license. Her drive to grow and serve is evident in every role she takes on.
In addition to her operational contributions, Jessica is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and PTSD debriefing and counseling, offering critical emotional support to those who serve on the front lines. During this difficult period for RPS, her compassion and resilience were just as impactful as her technical skills.
Jessica has been married to Robert Goodwin for 4 years, and they are proud parents to two beautiful children, Aiden and Adi. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading and volunteers her time with the Pineywoods Fire Department and the Walker County Fire Fighters Association, continuing her commitment to service beyond RPS.
Looking ahead, Jessica plans to pursue her Paramedic certification, with the goal of strengthening quality assurance efforts and supporting continued education for our providers.
Jennifer and Jessica, your strength during one of our most difficult seasons did not go unnoticed. You did more than keep the wheels turning you carried this organization forward with heart, integrity, and loyalty.
You are not just outstanding employees.
You are the very definition of the RPS family.

02/18/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight of the Week 🌟

This week, we’re proud to recognize Trent McCluskey!

Trent began his journey with RPS in July 2019 in Gardendale as part of our BLS division. He later transferred to Jasper where he now serves on an ALS truck. His commitment to growth and service has made him a valued member of our team. During his down time, you will always find him taking out trash or cleaning the ambulace bays. He has also been caught out and about delivering meals to some of his favorite dialysis patients during his off time!

Outside of work, Trent is a devoted family man. He is married to his wife, Tammy Jett McCluskey, and is a proud father and grandfather. His daughter, Terina, has blessed him with four grandchildren — Conner, Rylan, Grayson, and Peyton. The McCluskeys recently adopted their son, Jacob Jett McCluskey, who is 4 years old. Family is at the heart of everything Trent does. He and Tammy also serve as foster parents in Walker County.

Trent’s dedication to education and professional development is impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, is a certified Correctional APOST, and has earned a Juris Doctorate. He is also currently a candidate for the office of Coroner in Walker County.

We are grateful for Trent’s leadership, experience, and commitment to serving both his community and his profession. Thank you, Trent, for everything you bring to RPS!

👏 Congratulations on being our Employee Spotlight of the Week!