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MEMS Mourns the Loss of Cassandra Peña-Romero

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Aug. 23, 2023) - Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) Dispatcher Cassandra Peña-Romero succumbed to her injuries today sustained from gun violence on Saturday, August 19.

She began her career as a Dispatcher with MEMS in July of 2021.

“Dispatchers are the first step of the life-saving work of emergency services, and Cassandra was a true community hero,” said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. “We appreciate the care she received at UAMS and the valiant efforts of our law enforcement partners to quickly apprehend the suspect of this heinous act. We mourn the loss of Cassandra and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues. As an organ donor, Cassandra continues her life-saving legacy.”

The Little Rock Police Department worked with Texarkana Police and the Arkansas State Police, and the suspect was brought into custody at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night.  The suspect is a former employee of MEMS and the estranged husband of the victim. His employment was terminated earlier this month.

MEMS will have mental health professionals available for employees in this difficult time.

About MEMS

MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2004, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers.

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