Location, Designs Sought for Permanent EMS Memorial Site
A move to establish a permanent monument for EMS personnel who give the ultimate sacrifice appears to be picking up steam.
Officials from four states have expressed interest in having the memorial located in their jurisdiction.
With the deadline a little more than a month away, letters have been received from EMS officials in Maryland, Missouri, Florida and Pennsylvania.
"We're hoping to get letters of interest from other states as well," said Kevin Dillard, president of the National EMS Memorial Service.
Designs for the monument also are being accepted. The concepts should include the "Tree of Life" theme used at the annual EMS Memorial Service in Roanoke, VA. The names of fallen heroes are engraved on brass oak leaves, and displayed on a blue cloth-covered board. At the annual memorial service, family members make rubbings.
The deadline for both initiatives is July 31. (For more information on contributing to these initiatives visit Efforts Underway to Establish Permanent EMS Memorial Site.)
EMS officials say they want to have a memorial site similar to one for firefighters on the grounds of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD.
"We always wondered why there was a memorial for fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers, and nothing for EMS," Dillard said. When the discussion came up during a meeting of the Virginia Association of Rescue Squads, Dillard was appointed chairman of a committee.
Six heroes were honored at the first memorial service the following year. Last month, 16 fallen personnel were remembered during the 15th annual ceremony in Roanoke.
The number of heroes is expected to increase in the coming years as the board of directors has changed the criteria. Dillard said members realize that many people who deserve to be recognized have not been.
"We waited for the department or family to submit the name and application," Dillard said. "That's no longer necessary. If we hear about a line-of-duty death, we can start pursuing it."
The board that unanimously passed the measure last month hopes to play catch up, and properly recognize people for the ultimate sacrifice.
In 1998, Congress recognized the effort as the national EMS Memorial Service. But that designation didn't include funding.
Dillard said Roanoke was selected for the yearly event because it was home to the first rescue squad in the nation, possibly the world. "I'd love to see Virginia step up, and make an offer to host the memorial site."
Volunteers have been the mainstay of the organization on its mission to honor fallen EMS personnel. "We're all juggling this with full time jobs and service in our own squads."
Dillard said words can't describe his appreciation for the countless hours and work done on behalf of the service. There have been times when members have opened their own checkbooks to help pay for expenses.
"I'd just love to see us get one or maybe even two full-time people. They would be able to take us to the next level. I know there are grants or other funding avenues out there."
The group may operate on a shoestring budget, but they don't cut corners when it comes to showing respect and honor for survivors. Many departments and individuals step forward to adopt a family, and pay for their hotel room.
Volunteers come to Roanoke on their own dime to help out with various functions including registration, staffing a booth selling EMSMS memorabilia and welcoming families. Pipers and honor guards also spend their holiday weekend honoring their fallen sisters and brothers.
And, members of Cave Spring Rescue Squad annually host a BBQ chicken dinner for the EMSMS crowd. "We've had everyone over ever since the service has been going on. It's our contribution," said Vickie Arnold, auxiliary president.
Squad volunteers fired up the stone, oblong grill using 300 pounds of charcoal to cook 180 half chickens. Auxiliary members made the salad, potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs and desserts.
"We know everyone loves our chicken," Arnold said. "This is the least we can do."
Members prepared for 200. The informal setting offered an opportunity for old friends to catch up, and new volunteers to get an idea what the weekend was all about.
"We never really know how many will show up. Their smiles and conversations make it worth while. It's all the thanks we need."
After the 2007 memorial service, a reception featured homemade food prepared and served by the auxiliary of the Virginia Association of Rescue Squads.
Dillard said the volunteers make the memorial weekend special. "The families tell us it was wonderful."
