First Responder Hero Award: Tyler Ellis, Puckett EMS
News 12 is recognizing first responders for their dedication to the community.
Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, their service plays a crucial role in keeping people safe, often during their most vulnerable moments.
This month, the community has come together to recognize the exceptional service of Tyler Ellis, a Paramedic Field Training Officer at Puckett EMS.
At just 26 years old, Ellis didn’t initially plan on becoming a paramedic. But one ride in an ambulance changed everything for him.
Ellis recalls that he was working as an EMT while attending nursing school when he first stepped into an ambulance.
That moment, he says, completely altered the course of his career.
“It was like a bug bit me,” Ellis explained. “After a lot of prayer, I realized this is where God wanted me. This was His plan for me.”
Since then, Ellis has committed himself fully to his role, ensuring that every patient he encounters receives the best possible care—often in the most chaotic and stressful situations.
Fellow first responders and community members have praised Ellis for his ability to stay calm and composed no matter the emergency.
Hailey Johnson, one of his colleagues, commended his clear and effective communication, which is crucial in high-stress situations.
“It’s chaotic, right? Everybody’s running around, and you’re supposed to be the calm in the storm,” Ellis described. “It’s like a duck on water—on the surface, it looks like it’s just floating, but underneath, its legs are going 90 to nothing. That’s kind of what it’s like being a paramedic.”
A local nurse who has worked with Ellis firsthand also spoke about his dedication, sharing that he has provided life-saving care to patients in extremely traumatic situations.
“We’re invited into strangers’ homes. When we show up on the scene, people are handing us their most precious possessions—their children, their spouses, their parents—on what is often the worst day of their lives. That’s a responsibility you can’t replace,” Ellis said.
Recognizing his commitment, skill, and compassion, News 12 is proud to present Tyler Ellis with this month’s First Responder Hero Award.
His story serves as a reminder of the vital role first responders play in the community and the deep trust placed in them by those in need.
Ellis continues to dedicate himself to providing top-tier medical care while training the next generation of paramedics.
His journey is not just about saving lives—it’s about answering a higher calling to serve.
