Balentine Ambulance Service

09/10/2026

EMS is a very large extended family… We work together to care for our communities across the state and across our country. For those of us who are part of a family owned and operated service we feel that extended family connection stronger than most. Today we all lost a brother with the passing of John Pafford. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the Pafford family as they traverse through this dark time. We remind them that they are not alone in their mourning and celebrate John’s victories in life together. Pafford Emergency Medical Services
Balentine Ambulance Service

06/09/2026

About Last Week… the 2026 Louisiana EMS Education Conference & Expo was held in Shreveport honoring 50 years of EMS education across our state. On Thursday evening during the Sim Wars Competition Balentine Team C with Paramedic Supervisor Brandon House, Paramedic Jackson Taylor and EMT Beaux Randolph brought home the Silver coming in 2nd place overall. Balentine B team with Paramedics Trey Jordan and Eli Kellow and EMT Shane Taylor placed 4th place overall out of 10 teams from across the state.

Friday evening at the annual Awards Banquet, Balentine Ambulance Service was awarded the 2026 Louisiana Urban EMS Agency of the year award, showcasing our teams dedication to our community and the outstanding care we’ve provided the Shreveport-Bossier area for over 40 years. During the individual awards, Casey McBeath was honored with receiving the State EMS Administrator of the year award, highlighting the 3rd generation family member’s dedication to not just Balentine but to the Shreveport-Bossier Community and our state.

We say congratulations to all the winners but a special congratulations to every member of Balentine Ambulance for the work they do day in and day out fulfilling our motto “Caring is a family tradition. This week showcases the talented group of individuals who come together every day to provide the best care for our community!

06/08/2026

Congratulations to Balentine Team C -Shift for bringing home the Silver trophy in the sim wars competition at the 2026 Louisiana EMS Education Conference & Expo we do have to brag in our big brothers at the Shreveport Fire Department if we have to come in 2nd it’s ok for it to be behind them!! Congratulations to Paramedic Supervisor Brandon House, Paramedic a Jackson Taylor and EMT Beaux Randolph!!!

06/05/2026

This week Balentine medics and administrators gathered for the Louisiana State EMS conference. It’s been a great week of education, community building, and camaraderie with our EMS brothers and sisters from across the state.

05/20/2026

We love celebrating our EMS professionals every day but EMS week is a chance for the entire community to spotlight their dedication and passion for their patients and their community.

03/02/2026

Our hearts are heavy for our Brothers and sisters at Caddo Fire District 1 with the loss of Chief Durfee.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Deputy Chief Scott Durfee, who died this morning surrounded by those who loved him.

Deputy Chief Scott Durfee dedicated his life to serving God, his family, our community, and the fire service. Over the course of his career, he was more than a leader — he was a mentor, a teacher, and a brother to the firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and all members of our department who had the privilege of serving beside him. His faith, leadership, and commitment to others left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.

We ask that you keep his family, friends, and our entire fire department family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Funeral arrangements and opportunities to honor Deputy Chief Scott Durfee will be shared as they become available.

Rest easy, Chief. We have the watch from here.

02/18/2026

And with that the2026 Mardi Gras season comes to a close. While residents and visitors were enjoying the Krewe of Centaur Krewe of Gemini and Krewe of Highland parades. Balentine Medics volunteered to stand by and provide EMS coverage alongside our brothers and sisters with Shreveport Fire Department to keep everyone safe. We say thank you to everyone from our public safety partners: Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, Shreveport City Marshal, Louisiana State Police, Centenary College of Louisiana Police for standing with us to keep everyone safe. Also to all the City of Shreveport Government SPAR and Public Works employees we say thank you for your support and dedication before and after these events to keep us safe and secure.

01/26/2026

Balentine Ambulance staff and medics have been hard at work all weekend long preparing and responding to Winter Storm Fern. While the Temperatures are COLD and the roads are slick, Balentine Ambulance Medic units have been and are continuing to respond to calls throughout the SBC during this critical time ensuring patients are safely treated and transported. We are partnered with Shreveport Fire Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Bossier City Fire Department a d Bossier Office of Homeland Security to provide additional ambulances and resources for any emergencies as needed to keep our community safe. If you need us we’re here give us a call 318-222-5358.

As always if you do not need to be out traveling today please stay safe and stay home.

01/16/2026

Just a glimpse, several of our crews both delivering patients to the ER and picking patients up that are being discharged at a local hospital on this Friday afternoon. Our crews are the heart of our operation proving great care to our community!

09/02/2025

Tonight we stand together behind our Brothers and Sisters at the Shreveport Fire Department as we celebrate and honor the life of Captain Mark Allen. Captain Mark has left an indelible mark on the public safety community is Northwest Louisiana. We hold the Allen family as well as his extended first responder family in our hearts and lift them up in our prayers during this time.

The passing of retired Captain Geoffrey Mark Allen is a profound loss for all of us at the Shreveport Fire Department, whether you serve today, once wore the uniform, or simply called him a friend. Captain Mark wasn’t just a firefighter. He was the standard. A professional in every sense of the word.

But to those who knew him, he was more than that. As a former training officer, instructor, and training station captain, Mark helped shape generations of firefighters, young recruits and seasoned veterans alike, who continue to protect this city every single day.

He didn’t just tell people how to lead. He showed them. And through his example, he became a role model for so many within our ranks. He served with honor, protecting his community as a firefighter and his country as a veteran.

Yes, his loss is heartbreaking. But his legacy lives on in his family, his friends, and in the countless men and women he trained, mentored, and served alongside. His passion for service, his love of the job, his devotion to his family, and his deep faith will endure. And here at the Shreveport Fire Department, we will honor that legacy for years to come.