Fallen EMS Heroes Remembered
ROANOKE, VA. -- They were EMTs, paramedics, flight nurses, pilots, firefighters. They died serving their communities.
On Saturday night, they were remembered at the 17th annual National EMS Memorial Service, the final one in Roanoke.
"Bittersweet," said Kevin Dillard, NEMSMS president, who started the memorial effort with a few others with the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. "We really would have loved to stay in Virginia. But, we have a wonderful opportunity in Colorado. We need to have a permanent memorial."
The final service was the largest ever. Uniformed honor guards stood at attention at the entrance of the First Baptist Church as family, friends and colleagues of 89 fallen heroes arrived.
Their names -- engraved on gold oak leaves -- join the 423 others on the memorial.
As the ceremony started, a pipe and drums corps led personnel who carried the state flag of those to be recognized. There were 26.
Mayor David Bowers told the crowd he was sad to see the ceremony leave the star city. It was a perfect location, he said, since it's the home of the first rescue squad in the world.
Bowers praised Julian Stanley Wise for his vision to create the life-saving group in 1928.
He also thanked those in attendance for their service, and offered condolences to the families and colleagues.
FDNY EMS Chief John Peruggia said: "It's poignant that we honor these men and women on this, the last day of National EMS week 2009."
He said the country is facing some serious struggles including the economy, unemployment, and the unknown situation with the H1N1 flu.
Peruggia added that too often attention is given to material things such as designer clothes and iPods. And, professional athletes are viewed as heroes.
"...Just imagine EMTs and paramedics demanding a salary to commensurate with the life saving service they provide."
As he spoke, people nodded in agreement.
"The 89 men and women whose lives we will remember and whose stories we will tell are our true heroes," he said. "Neither I nor anyone else can offer anything that can make their absence today seem less significant."
He encouraged people never forget the memories of the 500 who are now part of the EMS memorial.
Peruggia remembered a friend, FDNY EMT Christopher Prescott, who was struck and killed at a crash scene 15 years ago. He also lauded Prescott's partner, Lt. Carol Buffa, who has returned every year to Roanoke to assist with the memorial service.
"...Whether you are a volunteer or paid, whether a firefighter or single role provider, whether you staff a ground ambulance, helicopter or fixed wing plane, I implore you to adopt a culture of safety," he said.
He urged the crowd to renew their conviction to prevent another name being added to the memorial. The only way to do that, he said, is to keep an eye out for one another.
As the name of each fallen hero was announced, their family member or colleague was escorted to the sanctuary where a medal was placed around their neck. They also were presented with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol and a white rose.
A picture of the person -- usually in their flight suit, EMS uniform or firefighting gear -- was shown on a large screen.
Fellow members of their department, friends and supporters stood at attention.
After the ceremony, hundreds of uniformed personnel lined the street in front of the church and saluted as Taps was played and two helicopters flew over.
Lucca Criminale, whose husband died in a mid-air collision in Arizona, said: "It was nice to see all these caring people reach out to honor those who have given their lives."
Maryland State Police Trooper First Class Carl Hardcastle said he was impressed. "It was very well done, a very nice affair."
Hardcastle attended to honor his colleague, Trooper First Class Mickey Lippy who died when his helicopter crashed last year.
Prince William County, Va. Chief Kevin McGee said the organizers should be proud. "It was a perfect, fitting tribute."
