WHAT:
Arkansas State Parks will host a special recognition event at Petit Jean State Park’s Mather Lodge to honor the life-saving actions of four individuals whose quick response saved the life of camper Mr. Bubba Noakes during a sudden cardiac arrest incident last month.
Those being recognized include former paramedic Ken Ekenseair, Arkansas State Parks Rangers Josh Baker and Levi Koch, and Registered Nurse Keri Adaire. Their teamwork and immediate CPR/AED response restored Mr. Noakes’ pulse before EMS arrived, ultimately saving his life.
Law Enforcement Section Chief Ed Thomas will lead the ceremony, presenting Director’s Lifesaving Commendations on behalf of Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis, recognizing each honoree for their courageous and decisive actions that saved a man’s life.”
WHEN:
Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11 a.m.
WHERE:
Mather Lodge, Petit Jean State Park
1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton, AR 72110
WHO:
- Ed Thomas, Law Enforcement Section Chief, Arkansas State Parks
- Mr. Bubba Noakes, Cardiac Arrest Survivor
- Ken Ekenseair, First Responder
- Rangers Josh Baker and Levi Koch, Arkansas State Parks
- RN Keri Adaire, First Responder
WHY:
The event coincides with Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of bystander CPR and Arkansas State Parks’ ongoing investment in training, AED placement, and emergency preparedness across its 52 state parks.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Reunion of Mr. Noakes and his rescuers
- Remarks from Arkansas State Parks leadership
- On-site interviews and photo ops
MEDIA CONTACTS:
April Kiser
Deputy Chief of Communications
April.Kiser@arkansas.gov | 501-580-6857
###
Petit Jean State Park
Established in 1923, Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas’ first state park. Located in Morrilton, Ark., the park covers 2,800 acres atop Petit Jean Mountain and includes 26 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and three trails on the National Trails Register.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.
