The National EMS Memorial Service procession stopped at Cody Park in North Platte Monday afternoon to remember those who died in the line of duty. Vehicles from several area fire and rescue departments in Lincoln and Custer Counties were lined up on the road beside the picnic shelter. Also conspicuous was a specially wrapped ambulance carrying the Tree of Life—this year’s installment of the memorial bearing the names of those lost. Built by EMS volunteers, the Tree is transported with reverence and remains sealed until its unveiling at the national service at Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, D.C.
The Service opened with colors presented, followed by the pledge of allegiance and an ensemble from the North Platte city band playing the National Anthem. Angie Burrows, Nebraska Operations Manager with AmeriPro Health, then welcomed the 100 or so guests gathered under the shelter with the biblical story of the Good Samaritan and a personal story of EMS responding to a family emergency.
Burrows then introduced North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher, who mentioned North Platte’s Canteen Spirit and how grateful everyone is for the sacrifice first responders make. Next on stage came COO of AmeriPro, Adam Koontz, who flew in from Atlanta to offer words of praise and thanks for EMS providers and their families across the nation, especially those who have lost their lives in the course of serving others.
First responders on the nationwide tour then took turns reading the names of people who gave their life while responding to emergencies. Following a moment of silence, Lucas Ratliff played taps and the colors were retired.
After the ceremony, Mugs in the Morning Host Corey Andersen spoke with Burrows:
