Balentine Ambulance Service

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.

05/26/2025

This Memorial Day we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

From all of us we say thank you and remember, today honors all of those who remind us that freedom is never free!

05/24/2025

As we close out 2025 EMS WEEK we look back at the week and again thank each and everyone of our team members who day in and day out make a difference in the lives of our patients and our community by deciding to be the best EMS practitioner they can. This week was our time to showcase our rockstars and try to say thank you with small things each day.

Monday saw PJ’s coffee trailer at our central office with teas, coffees, juices and more for that perfect pick me up!

Tuesday was pack a snack day with some healthy and not so healthy snack options to pack for the day ahead, fresh popcorn pop tarts, beef and turkey sticks and more for the sweet or savory snack craving.

Wednesday had Ensure Agency, Inc. Our insurance partner on site with their awesome cook trailer to serve up burgers chips and drinks for lunch to everyone.

Thursday was a Whataburger morning as we had over 75 sausage biscuits and of course honey butter chicken biscuits for everyone.

And today to wrap up the week we had more snacks to start the day as well as snow cones for everyone to enjoy this spring heat. We also handed out some new threads as every crew member got a new soft shell jacket!

Happy EMS week 2025 to all our of medics, dispatchers, billing staff, and paratransit staff. Without each and every one of you it wouldn’t be the same!!

02/24/2025

Amazing piece of history on showcasing Freedom House Ambulance Service that paved the way for everything EMS does in a daily basis today!!

01/25/2025

What a Great way to start the weekend!!

We say congratulations to 2 of our newest Paramedics!!! Kirstann Rhodes and Pearce Copeland recently passed their accredited Paramedic course through the School of EMS. Both then passed their Cognitive Exam on the first attempt, earning National Certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. They are obtaining Licensure through the Louisiana Bureau of EMS and will start the process of completing their credentialing process to be providing care to our community soon.

Congratulations Kirstann and Pearce!!!

10/29/2024

Today is National First Responder Day. We want to say a huge thank you to all of our Medics, Dispatchers, and support staff who work day in and day out to provide the top quality patient care and service our community has come to expect from us. To all our brothers and sisters I. Emergency services we say a thank you for always having our back and a Happy First Responders day!!!