Largest Ever National EMS Memorial Service Announced
ROANOKE, VA. - On May 23, the largest ever National EMS Memorial Service will be held here.
NEMSMS officials have been busy for months planning for the service to honor 91 responders who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.
The honorees include a number of flight medics, nurses and pilots killed in Medevac crashes as well as crew members who died in vehicle wrecks or while trying to make rescues. Others suffered heart attacks or succumbed to illnesses after being exposed to toxins.
Regardless of how they died, their sacrifices will never be forgotten, said Kevin Dillard, NEMSMS executive director.
To date, 423 people have been honored by the volunteer organization founded in 1992.
Those honored in May will include responders who died in the line of duty in 2008, as well as other years.
Dillard said officers have been diligently working on details so family, friends and co-workers of the heroes will have a memorable time in Roanoke.
"We also are looking for people to host or sponsor a family," Dillard said, adding that the group appreciates donations.
This will be the last service held in Roanoke. In 2010, the annual observance will be held in Colorado Springs where a permanent memorial will be built.
More information about the memorial design and fundraising efforts will be announced after the annual service.
This year's events begin the afternoon of Friday, May 22 as people gather at Hotel Roanoke for the arrival of the EMS bicyclists who ride to the ceremony from New York or Kentucky. Sirens blare as personnel in ambulances, squads, motorcycles and police cruisers escort the group through the streets of Roanoke.
On Saturday May 23, family and friends of the honorees gather for a luncheon. "We received so many wonderful comments after last year's meet and greet," Dillard said of the first event.
The annual memorial service will be held that Saturday evening at the First Baptist Church of Roanoke.
On Sunday morning, families often share memories of their loved ones at a breakfast at Hotel Roanoke.
Dillard said the annual remembrance would not be possible if it weren't for the numerous volunteers. "We're lucky to have so many people willing to donate their time and other things."
National EMS Memorial Service 2009 Honorees
David A. Ashburn, 35, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.
Charles "Mac" Atteberry, 32, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.
Kelly Bates, 38, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.
Kathy Batterman, 44, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.
Ronald C. Battiato, 41, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.
Darren B. Bean, 37, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.
Barry M. Bennett, 49, of Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge, MA, who died in the line of duty of complications from an on-duty exposure to an infectious disease on November 2, 2003.
Jana Eileen Bishop, 28, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an aviation crash on June 8, 2008.
James Bond, Jr. , 46, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.
Connie C. Bornman, 57, of Middle River Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Company, Middle River, MD, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 17, 2004.
Ronald H. Bruneau, 61, of Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association, Wolcott, CT, who died in the line of duty of complications from an on-duty exposure to an infectious disease on August 17, 2007.
Stephen H. Bunker, 59, of Maryland State Police, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a helicopter crash on September 28, 2008.
Marshall Butler, 46, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.
Thomas C. Caldwell, 54, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.
Stephanie Callaway, 31, of Sussex County EMS, Georgetown, DE, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on June 17, 2008.
Merlin Casey, 66, of Mount Horeb Fire/EMS, Mount Horeb, WI, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 10, 2008.
Richard Chenault, II, 44, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.
Tom Clausing, 36, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.
Ana Coburn, 30, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.
Diane Codding, 39, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.
Mark Coyne, 53, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.
Kline DeWire, 44, of Susquehanna Health System EMS, Williamsport, PA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on December 17, 2007.
James Dodridge, 52, of Old Bridge First Aid and Rescue Squad, Old Bridge, NJ, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on March 15, 2004.
Lynn Ethridge, 35, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.
Bruce S. Fletcher, 50, of Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, Ashford, CT, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on November 18, 2002.
Rupert Allen Fuller, 76, of Darlington-Gaskins Fire/EMS, Westville, FL, who died in the line of duty of a ruptured aneurysm while at the scene of a call on October 24, 2002.
Raul Garcia, Jr. , 38, of Valley AirCare, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on February 5, 2008.
Michael "Boz" Garvin, 39, of Second Alarmers Association and Rescue Squad, Willow Grove, PA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on October 19, 2008.
Bob Giard, 41, of Regional One Air Medical, Spartanburg, SC, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 13, 2004.
Robert Gilmore, 60, of Polk County EMS, Bartow, FL, who died in the line of duty an on-duty cerebral vascular accident on July 5, 2003.
Robert Lamar Goss, 54, of Valley AirCare, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on February 5, 2008.
Arthur Gotisar, 48, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.
Patrick J. Graham, 51, of Guardian Air, Flagstaff, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.
Terry A. Griffith, 35, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar, Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.
Chris Hall, 34, of Garrard County EMS, Lancaster, KY, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on June 21, 2008.
Bruce W. Harrolle, 36, of Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix, AZ, who died in the line of duty when struck by aircraft rotor on the scene of a rescue on October 13, 2008.
Gail Ann Hauck, 40, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.
Harold Bradley "Brad" Haugh, 54, of Clinton Kickman County EMS, Clinton, KY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on March 23, 2008.
Ronald Homes, 43, of North Platte Fire Department, North Platte, NE, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on August 6, 2003.
Dennis Hoyes, 65, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.
Dan M. Hunter, 49, of Hunter Ambulance Service, Inc., Meriden, CT, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on October 29, 2008.
Kalaya Jarbsunthie, 31, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.
Chuck Jerpe, 47, of Mountain LifeFlight, Susanville, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on January 27, 2003.
James Just, 61, of Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles, CA, who died in the line of duty of an on duty aortic aneurysm on September 12, 2008.
Charles Wayne Kirby, 63, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 8, 2008.
Bruce Kosanke, 58, of Klum Ambulance Service, Kulm, ND, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on November 12, 2006.
Lisa M. LaBrusciano, 29, of DVA EMS/GCEMS, Flint, MI, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on September 16, 2008.
Benjamin Matthew Lang, 22, of Polk County EMS, Bartow, FL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on August 24, 2004.
Ricky LaPensee, 48, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.
Steven H. Lipperer, 39, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.
Mickey C. Lippy, 34, of Maryland State Police, Baltimore, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 28, 2008.
Tonya Michelle Mallard, 39, of Waldorf Volunteer Fire Dept., Waldorf, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 28, 2008.
William "Bill" Mann, 31, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.
Mark E. Marvel, 46, of Seal Ambulance District, Indianapolis, IN, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on July 25, 2008.
Donna Lee Miller, 39, of Sun Star Paramedics, Largo, FL, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on December 29, 2004.
Edward P, Mueller, 50, of West Islip Fire/EMS, West Islip, NY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on February 2, 2008.
Brain Neville, 32, of Baltimore County Fire Department, Towson, MD, who died in the line of duty of an on-duty cardiac event on October 16, 2008.
Sandra Pearson, 38, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.
Chester Ray Pierce, 27, of Medic One Ambulance, San Dimas, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on January 1, 2000.
John Pittman, 58, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.
Jose Luis Ramirez, 36, of Far South Fire Department, Chapparral, NM, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on April 15, 2006.
Jeanette Roseberry, 27, of Mid Maryland Transports, Hagerstown, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on October 24, 2004.
Michael Russell, 52, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on January 28, 2003.
Michael Sanchez, 39, of Valley AirCare EMS, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on February 5, 2008.
Edward C. Sanneman, 33, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar, Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.
Gregory Serena, 51, of New York City Fire Department/EMS, Brooklyn, NY, who died in the line of duty of complications from toxic exposure at World Trade Center on June 27, 2006.
Bill Serra, 59, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.
Leroy C. Shelton, 37, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.
David Sherfick, 40, of Brown Township Fire/EMS, Mooresville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on February 4, 2008.
Vania Shields, 33, of Wayne Township Fire Department, Indianapolis, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on September 25, 2008.
Clyde Shawn Shreeve, Jr., 36, of Guardian Air, Flagstaff, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.
Michelle L. Newton Smith, 29, of Delaware City Fire Company, Delaware City, DE, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on December 22, 2008.
Martinus "Martin" Spoor, 37, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.
Dixie Steckelberg, 60, of Lovilia Fire Department, Lovilia, IA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on December 18, 2003.
Lauren Eileen Stone, 30, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar, Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.
Gary L. Studer, 61, of Whitehouse Fire Department, Whitehouse, OH, who died in the line of duty of an on duty cerebral vascular accident on June 28, 2008.
Masaaki Suzuki, 39, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.
James W Taylor, Jr., 36, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 4, 2008.
James Edward Taylor, 28, of Bonham Fire/EMS, Bonham, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on January 19, 2003.
Glenda F. Tessnear, 42, of Regional One Air Medical, Spartanburg, SC, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 13, 2004.
Rico Torres, 37, of Middle Island Fire Department, Middle Island, NY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on July 4, 2008.
Sekou Turner, 28, of Alameda County Fire Department, San Leandro, CA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 22, 2002.
Rafael Vazquez, 42, of Palm Beach Fire/EMS, West Palm Beach, FL, who died in the line of duty after being shot on duty on March 3, 2008.
Roger Warren, 43, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.
Stephanie Suzzane Waters, 27, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 8, 2008.
Raymond Watson, 50, of Mountain LifeFlight, Susanville, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 21, 2002.
Dell Waugh, 69, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.
Wade B. Weston, 38, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.
David J. Wetter, 22, of Marthasville Community Ambulance District, Marthasville, MO, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on March 2, 2008.
Andrew J. Willey, 23, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.
Kyle Robert Wilson, 24, of Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue, Prince William, VA, who died in the line of duty of burns received while attempting a rescue on April 16, 2007.
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