EMS Heroes Honored at Memorial Service

ROANOKE, Va. -- "We have to do more than put aside one day of the year to recognize these lives that are lost of all of us."

That was the message from Prince William County, Va. Fire and Rescue Chief Mary Beth Michos on Saturday night to several hundred attending the 15th annual National EMS Memorial Service.

Sixteen providers were remembered for giving the supreme sacrifice. Flags that have flown over the U.S. Capitol were presented to family members of the heroes. They also were given a white rose and a medallion.

The rose signifies the hero's undying love; the medal, eternal memory.

As the hero's name was called, the family member was escorted by a uniformed person. The medallion was placed around their neck. Each was handed a folded flag and rose. They were then saluted by the officers.

The national service is held in Roanoke, the location of the nation's first rescue squad. On Saturday night, bagpipe music drifted several blocks in downtown as pipers welcomed family, friends and fellow EMS personnel from across the country.

Michos said it was appropriate that the service is held on Memorial Day weekend. "...The people we honor here tonight gave their lives for their country and fellow man too."

Recalling her early years in the service, she said she had a notion that only firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. "...I wouldn't see that working with EMTs and paramedics. June 26, 1976 I was proven wrong."

It was the night her friend, Paramedic Jim Nicewarner, was killed. The medic unit from Rockville, MD Vol. Fire Dept. was struck by a car operated by a drunk driver.

Nicewarner, who was treating the patient, was ejected and killed. The other paramedic was so seriously injured that he never returned to duty.

"That night over 30 years ago, I learned that every time EMS personnel respond to someone's emergency they are putting their life and safety on the line."

Michos urged the crowd to get involved to help change the culture. Until that happens, more people will be injured and killed while providing care.

"We have to make sure we support legislation to make our streets safer for us and to ensure that the tools of our trade are made as safe as possible."

She said little has changed to make the patient compartments safer for providers. The chief reminded the crowd about the upcoming Stand Down program of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and that this is the first year that EMS is included.

"Let's adopt an "Everyone Goes Home" program for EMS..." Michos added: "...I challenge you to adopt the philosophy that we should be in a business that strives to put itself out of business. Our business is based on others' crisis. Our business puts its workers in danger. Doesn't it make sense we should do everything to reduce the risk to others and ourselves?"

After the service, uniformed EMS personnel lined the street in front of the church. They snapped to attention and saluted. As Taps came to a close, a medevac helicopter flew over the scene.

Those remembered included: