Always Remember

As the organization congressionally sanctioned to confer the nation’s highest honor in EMS upon those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the National EMS Memorial Service, its board members, and everyone assisting in its noble mission take this responsibility very seriously. We strive in earnest to bestow honors to all who so richly deserve them. Following strict criteria in screening for recognition, our vetting committee reviews details to support these honors.

Honorees for the annual service typically died in the calendar year preceding the service year. Some honorees’ deaths occurred prior to this but were only recently classified as occurring in the line of duty, or only recently brought to the attention of the National EMS Memorial Service, and therefore, are now being honored.

During the service, a family member or agency representative will be formally presented with:

a United States flag, which has flown over the United States Capitol, on behalf of a grateful nation and denoting the honoree’s service to their country
a commemorative medallion signifying their EMS service and eternal memory
a white rose representing their undying love

Each honoree being recognized this weekend is also represented by their EMS agency’s state flag.

The names of the 36 fallen who are honored here today appear on the newly minted 2024 panels of the "Tree of Life," the temporary National EMS Memorial.