Ark. firefighters honor late paramedic with scholarship

By News Staff

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A beloved paramedic’s colleagues are honoring him after his death with a scholarship to help other first responders advance their career.

THV11 reported that North Little Rock Fire Department paramedic Eli Staton, who died unexpectedly from heart complications just over a year ago, is remembered as a happy and caring person by his loved ones and colleagues.

"You’d never find another person like him, most infectious laugh, personality, most caring selfless person ever," his wife, Allie, said.

Firefighter Charlie Tull agreed.

"He had an infectious laugh first and foremost that you would recognize across the room," he said.

Lt. Sean Walker said Station also “had a huge heart.”

“He loved everybody he met. I don’t know anybody that didn't like Eli," he said.

Staton’s colleagues are making sure his kindness lives on through the Eli Staton Memorial Scholarship, which will cover the nearly $5,000 in paramedic school tuition for one firefighter-EMT.

 “This is the best tribute I could think of, to help other people become what he was," Tull, who created the scholarship, said.

The training is hosted by the North Little Rock Fire Department and lasts for three semesters. The funding will be raised through an annual golf tournament, which had about 200 participants last year.

“This whole idea is just amazing and he would be laughing that infectious laugh, ‘This is all about me?’ Yes, this is all about you," Allie said. “Hopefully we can give this scholarship to someone who can follow in his footsteps.”

Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the training session that starts in June. Click here to apply.