Organized in 1928 by Julian Stanley Wise, the Roanoke Lifesaving and First Aid Crew (Virginia) was the first independent, all-volunteer rescue squad in the United States. It is fitting that it was in Roanoke, over 30 years ago, that Kevin Dillard founded the National EMS Memorial Service to honor and recognize EMS and air medical providers who died in the line of duty. Kevin realized that while there were memorial services for police and fire professionals, there was no formal recognition of EMS individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each year, volunteers build additional sections to add to the temporary memorial, called the Tree of Life, and the names of new honorees are added. At the end of each annual Service, the panels are packed away into storage until the next year.
In 2000, the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride was formed when 10 EMS providers rode their bikes from Boston to the National EMS Memorial Service in Roanoke to raise awareness about the commitment, service, and sacrifice of EMS providers. Today they continue to honor EMS personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties and those who have died in the line of duty.
There is no permanent national memorial that recognizes EMS Providers. In 2008, the National EMS Memorial Foundation was formed to change that. In 2018, after a decade of their work, Public Law 115-275 was signed by the President of the United States which exclusively authorizes the National EMS Memorial Foundation to establish a permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor, recognize and commemorate: the commitment, service and sacrifice of EMS providers killed, injured or disabled in the line of duty and for all those that have served, currently serve and will continue to serve. They are currently in the Federal approval process to finalize the site and development will then quickly follow.
While all 3 organization’s missions continue individually, they also recognize deep synergies. Since 2016, the National EMS Memorial Service and Weekend of Honor have been held annually in the D.C. area, which organically highlights the work of each of the 3 organizations and their common ground. It is anticipated that the National EMS Memorial Service would be held at the permanent site in nation’s capital when completed.
