EMS Memorial Bike Riders Cross Finish Line
ROANOKE, VA. -- Screaming sirens, flashing lights and a hovering helicopter announced the arrival of the EMS Memorial Bike Ride here Friday evening.
Their muscles may have been aching beyond description, and some were taking deliberate, careful steps. But, nothing could quell the riders' exuberance.
Cheers, applause, hugs, high-fives, and pats on the back were aplenty as the 2007 memorial ride concluded.
Over the past six days, the riders pedaled 600 miles to remember and honor their EMS colleagues who gave the ultimate sacrifice. One group started out in New York, the other in Kentucky.
Along the way, EMS and rescue personnel in small and large communities have offered a hand, hosting meals, breaks or escorting them through the area. Riders took every opportunity to tell the public what they do.
"We've been featured in many papers and on TV," said Sarah Walker, a paramedic who spent the week as part of the support team. "Things went very well. Everyone was very supportive..."
A team of Virginia riders have dedicated their trek to two volunteer EMTs -- Nicole White and Craig Dorsey.
White, an EMT in the Isle of Wight Rescue Squad, was gunned down last month in the massacre at Virginia Tech. Dorsey, 24, lost his life in January in an explosion at a West Virginia convenience store.
"We didn't know them. But, EMS is such a brotherhood and sisterhood, one big family. We thought we'd honor their memory and contributions," said Lynn Baluh, a paramedic from Christiansburg, Va.
And, riders from Texas wore arm bands bearing the name of fellow provider, Eric Hanson, killed in a crash near Austin last October.
Hanson, a paramedic with Marble Falls EMS, was driving the ambulance back to his station after dropping off a patient when a pickup truck hit the rig head-on.
Hanson was killed instantly, while the other driver died a short time later. The other paramedic in the ambulance suffered serious injuries.
His untimely death left a void in the close-knit EMS community, said Susan Erwin, district commander, Austin-Travis County EMS.
Hanson's parents were standing at the finish line with a sign bearing the riders' names. "It's the least we could do," said Rita Hanson.
Hanson, 26, had many irons in the fire when his life was cut short. "He was very creative. He had so many projects and interests," his mother said, adding that she and her husband are pleased that his friends have kept his efforts going.
"Eric was concerned about the revolving door for mentally ill people, including attempted suicide victims. He was pushing for programs to help them. He wanted to do more than just take them to the hospital," said Harlin Hanson, Eric's father.
Concerned after a number of bad wrecks involving teens, Hanson participated in presentations to high school students warning them of the dangers of mixing alcohol or drugs and driving.
"He also was a gifted writer, and worked on getting federal grants to assist in funding some of the causes," his mother said, adding she can't help but wonder what other accomplishments may have been realized. "We lost a powerful, innovative individual."
Tree Marsoobian, who went to paramedic school with Hanson, said remembering his smile and outgoing personality pushed the riders.
"The ride was an emotional and physical challenge. It wasn't easy. But, knowing that people back home were reading our daily blogs kept us going. We had a supportive, captive audience for the past six days."
Stretching, she said that combination "makes this moment so much more rewarding."
Jennifer Frenette honored the memory of a police officer gunned down in her hometown a few weeks ago.
Franconia, N.H. Cpl. Bruce McKay also was an EMT and firefighter in the nearby town of Lisbon. His radio designation - 44 K - was printed in black marker on Frenette's leg.
"I taught him EMT. He was a really nice guy," Frenette said. Roanoke Police Officer Steve Honaker said it was an honor for him to provide the motorcycle escort for the group. "This was a detail I enjoy," he said.
As a bottle of champagne tipped over near his feet, several riders quipped that none of them were riding any further. "It's alcohol-free," one woman added. "You don't have to worry."
Frenette, who participated in the Kentucky leg, said the route was terrific, and challenging. "The way it worked out, the longer days had fewer hills. Thank goodness."
Frenette and the other four riders in her group took a 21 mile detour to ride through the Virginia Tech campus. "We did it as a special honor."
