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.