 |
New York State EMS Memorial |
|
Click here for more photos of the dedication ceremony. May 19, 2004 Governor George E. Pataki today was joined by State and local officials and members of New York’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community at a ceremony to mark the official dedication of the New York State Emergency Medical Services Memorial at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. “Each year in New York State, EMS personnel respond to millions of emergency calls and risk their lives to go beyond the call of duty and help those in need,” said Governor Pataki. “These men and woman, many of them volunteers, are often the first to respond to emergency situations, providing life-saving medical care to help their fellow New Yorkers. They are all heroes. Today, we are proud to dedicate this “Tree of Life” memorial as a lasting tribute to those in the EMS community who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.” During the ceremony, officials recognized the sacrifices of New York’s EMS personnel and honored the memory of 25 individual EMS members who have lost their lives in the line of duty from the start of EMS in 1960, up to and including the year 2003. Of those 25, nine lost their lives responding to the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. New York State Commissioner of Health, Antonia Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr. P.H., said, “Those who volunteer or work in EMS are extraordinary individuals whose actions can be lifesaving for persons needing immediate medical assistance. This memorial gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to these heroes, especially those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.” Kenneth J. Ringler, Jr., Commissioner of the State Office of General Services said, “We have built a fitting tribute to the men and women of this State who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. OGS is proud and honored to be the steward of this great memorial.” Warren Darby, Chair of the New York State EMS Council said, “I believe this EMS Memorial will give some comfort to the families, friends and fellow providers whose lives were forever changed by the loss of these EMS heroes. While the void they left can never be filled, this Memorial assures that they will never be forgotten for their personal bravery and commitment to others.” The new memorial was designed by the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) and is in keeping with the theme of the National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. New York’s memorial features a large granite tablet with a graceful and flowing “Tree of Life” engraved onto a slightly rounded surface. The “leaves” of the Tree are in the shape of the “Star of Life,” the National symbol of the EMS. Each one will bear the name, organization and date of death of a member of the EMS system who falls in the line of duty. During today’s ceremony, family members and EMS department representatives of the 25 fallen heroes were presented with a replica of the “Star of Life” bearing their loved ones’ information. In keeping with the tradition of the National EMS Memorial Service, the families also were presented with a white rose representing undying love. Emergency vehicles, including a helicopter, were positioned on the Plaza and represented the Departments of each of the fallen EMS personnel. The helicopter was flown in by Mercy Flight Central, Inc., which provides helicopter transport in the states of New York and Pennsylvania.
As I perform my duty Lord, whatever be the call. Help to guide and keep me safe, from dangers big and small. I want to serve and do my best, no matter what the scene. I pledge to keep my skills refined, my judgment, quick and keen. This calling to give of myself, most do not understand. But I stand ready all the time, to help my fellow man. To have a chance to help a child, restore his laugh with glee. A word of thanks I might not hear, but knowing is enough for me. The praise of men is fine for some, but I feel truly blessed. That you, oh Lord, to have chosen me, to serve in EMS. |
DOH Policy Statements | Education | Emergency Services | EMS Memorial | First Responders | Guestbook Help Wanted | Links | Mutual Aid & MCI Plans | Old Time Photos | Preparedness | Stress Team | Weather Advisories |