Dedicated North Carolina EMT becomes America's Most Wanted All-Star Finalist

"Exceptional giver of himself" cited for work in Emergency Room and as a First Responder

March 17, 2008 – Darrin Helton's work has touched many, many people in the Marion, North Carolina area, and his community has thanked him by helping him become the latest weekly finalist in the 2008 America's Most Wanted All-Star Contest, sponsored by Sprint.

Darrin is a senior member of the McDowell County Rescue Squad. But he decided to extend his life-saving work beyond his role as an EMT. So he earned an RN degree, and now works in the emergency room of a local hospital. "He is truly an exceptional giver of himself," says Darrin's Rescue Squad Chief, Dave Cable. "He goes over and beyond the call of duty."

That attitude was on display when Darrin's hospital received a new MRI machine, and he agreed to be the "test dummy" as it was being set up. The test uncovered an aneurysm on Darrin's carotid artery, which required urgent surgery to correct. But Darrin asked that the surgery be delayed, because he didn't want to be out of commission long. His hospital and EMS unit were short-staffed, and he was concerned that there would not be enough manpower in the event of an emergency, and someone would suffer because of it. Darrin did eventually have the surgery, and has since returned to duty.

Darrin Helton becomes the fourth of eight weekly finalists to be chosen by the public in the AMW All-Star Contest, which honors the heroic work performed by the nation's first responders. Any first responder, such as police officer, firefighter or EMT, is eligible for the contest, and any member of the public can nominate and vote for their favorite first responder online at AMW.com. The nomination process is simple; all people have to do is fill out a short online form naming their favorite first responder and explaining what makes them an All-Star.

Each weekly finalist will be profiled on America's Most Wanted (Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8 p.m. CT on FOX). Then, through its online votes, the public will choose the grand prize winner. AMW Host John Walsh will present the 2008 AMW All-Star winner with a check for $10,000 at the NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series™ All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.