2012 National EMS Memorial Service Set for June 23

The families and colleagues of EMS personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities are gathering in Colorado Springs.

The 20th annual National EMS Memorial Service this Saturday will honor 20 emergency responders who answered their final alarms.

The names of 18 who died in 2011 and two who perished in the '80s will be added to the memorial.

The memorial service, set for 6 p.m. at Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, was streamed live on EMSWorld.com.

Each honoree's family is presented with a medallion, symbolizing eternal memory; a U.S. Flag which has flown over the Nation's Capital, symbolizing service to the country; and a white rose, symbolizing their undying love.

Those who will be honored came from various agencies including large and small squads, as well as flight crews.

A number of activities are planned for the families and colleagues during their visit to Colorado Springs, the future home of the EMS memorial.

The Muddy Angels, who started their bike ride on June 20, will pedal into the Colorado Springs, and participate in the activities.

This also marks the 15^th anniversary of the moment of silence in honor of the fallen heroes. At 7:30 p.m. on June 23, crews across the nation are asked to pause and remember the sacrifices.

In the past, dispatchers at many communications centers throughout the country have announced: "Attention all units operating on this frequency, in conjunction with the National EMS Memorial Service now ongoing in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this agency will observe a moment of radio silence in honor of those members of our Nation's Emergency Medical Services who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and given their lives in the line of duty."

Crews are then asked to hold transmissions for one minute unless there is an emergency.

For more, visit www.nemsms.org.