Co-workers, friends remember EMS worker

A lot of people knew Melinda Shaw, a lot of people liked her and a lot of people will miss her.

That's what friends and co-workers of the Melrose woman said about her after learning she died Saturday night in Lea County.

New Mexico State Police late Monday had not released any details about the vehicle accident that happened about 10 p.m. Saturday north of Lovington.

Shaw worked at Regions One and Three EMS Services in Clovis. Her home was in Melrose where she worked as an emergency medical technician with the Melrose Fire Department, said Chief Kenny Jacobs.

"She was a huge help, she had a big heart," Jacobs said. "She would do anything for anybody."

Donnie Roberts, an EMS executive director in Clovis, said Shaw's job was project and events coordinator for the agency that serves two-thirds of the state.

"We also have a training center used by people nationwide with 650 instructors," Roberts said. "That's how a lot of people know her."

Roberts said Shaw also inspected medical rescue services.

"That's why she was in Lea County," Roberts said. "She had been doing inspections Saturday with Samantha Griego."

Roberts said Griego, who also works at the EMS center, was airlifted to the University Hospital in Lubbock after the wreck.

Roberts said he understood the accident involved three vehicles and six people.

Shaw had a lot of responsibilities with the EMS center, according to Roberts.

"She was the smiling face at the EMS office," Jacobs said. "I feel bad for her husband and children."