Sometimes going above and beyond begins with something as simple as listening.
For Knoxville paramedic Daniel “Wesley” Brookshear, compassion was a lesson learned long before he entered an ambulance. Today, that commitment to helping others has earned him national recognition as a 2026 Star of Life from the American Ambulance Association.
Brookshear grew up surrounded by examples of public service. His mother was a licensed practical nurse, one aunt served in the U.S. Army and another worked as a police officer. At home, he watched his parents devote themselves to caring for their three children, including a daughter with special needs who required full-time assistance…