IAEP Representatives and Members Pay Tribute to Fallen Brothers and Sisters
May 28, 2009
IAEP National Representative Bret Cyr and Local 917 member Ken Skaggs recently took time to honor fellow EMS professionals who lost their lives in the line of duty by attending the 17th annual EMS Memorial Service, held in Roanoke, Virginia.
Arriving in Roanoke the evening before the service, Skaggs and Cyr witnessed the end of the annual "Dirty Angels" memorial bike ride. Each rider carries a dog tag and a small poster with the name of the honoree they are representing, which are presented to family members upon their arrival.
"We attended the welcoming of the Dirty Angels when they arrived after a 600-mile bicycle ride to honor the families of those who lost their lives," said Cyr. "It was overwhelming to witness. The majority of riders had never met the person they were riding for, yet felt compelled to do what they could to show support for these heroes and their families."
While welcoming the riders, Cyr and Skaggs met Carol Gilmore, the widow of Local 917 member Robert Gilmore, who was honored during this year's memorial ceremony.
"It was clear to both of us that Carol was visibly upset just from remembering her loss," said Cyr. "After we introduced ourselves to her, Carol immediately asked Ken [Skaggs] to escort her down the aisle and up to the stage during the memorial service."
The following evening Cyr and Skaggs attended the service, with Skaggs helping Gilmore up the aisle to accept the rose, medal and flag presented to the families of each fallen EMS professional.
"The whole weekend was very somber and sobering," said Cyr. "I urge every EMS worker to make a difference. Make one phone call to a mayor's office, one e-mail to a county commission or just go talk to your child's classmates. Tell them what we are, what we do and that we are medical professionals who sacrifice as much as our colleagues in public safety."
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