Missouri Responder Mourned after On-Duty Death
Funeral services with bagpipers and a helicopter fly-over were held Monday in Missouri for a first responder who collapsed at an EMS call last week.
Wilfred "Willie" Livingston, 33, was a member of the Cole County First Responders.
On Nov. 28, Livingston had assisted with a medical call about 1 a.m. "Just after the patient was loaded into the ambulance, he complained of having shortness of breath. The other crew members gave him oxygen and called for a second ambulance," said Capt. Kevin Wieberg.
He went into cardiac arrest, and CPR was initiated immediately. He was taken to a hospital where he passed away later that evening, Wieberg said.
"Willie enjoyed helping others. He was very, very, very dedicated," Wieberg said. "He died doing what he loved to do."
In addition to assisting with calls, Livingston also assisted with fund-raising activities. "He was a unique individual who just loved helping."
The first responders who are dispatched to assist with incidents respond in their own vehicles. Wieberg said they have a good working relationship with ambulance companies.
Wieberg said he and his members have received tremendous support from firefighters and EMS personnel from across the state.
Honor guards and bagpipers from various departments participated in the funeral service that included a flyover of a medevac helicopter.
Wieberg said it's been a difficult time for everyone who knew the first responder. "He will be greatly missed."
