National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

Here are some of the “Why I’m Riding” responses from our 2009 registrants.

To strengthen the international EMS community spirit.

For fun. I have not really been anywhere yet.

My partner.

It seems like the right thing to do for those who can`t ride.

To support all of the hard working EMT`s and Paramedics who gave their lives helping others.

Because Borat would hate me if I didn`t.

Jennifer made me. (note: this could be about anyone)

EMS provider.

Support.

I am participating to help bring awareness to the dangers/risks associated with EMS and to recognize all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

In Memory of Chris “Shrek” Hall, Paramedic, Friend of Lifenet who passed away June 21, 2008 in a MVC.

Support the community and for fun.

To support my fellow coworkers,the ems community,

Like I could not do the bike ride again.

Biking fan; in support of EMS community; to meet other EMS;`fitness excuse` Note: The ride was highly recommended by colleagues of mine who did it.

To support

To support rider, Shane

My old EMS partner Pete Colclough died 2 years ago. Pete was a big rider and I do this in his honor and memory.

For fun I have fun when I am with everyone.

I participated about 6 years ago when Boston did it. I was planning on participating last year but was not healthy enough.I feel strongly about the goals and the resson this exists. I am healthier now and will physically be able to show my support. WE have had 2 LODD in DE in the last year.

Riders in 2008 represented my brother who was honored at the EMS Memorial and I wish to pass on the support to other families who have lost a loved one through EMS.

To support and draw attention to EMS.

I am a boxer and a paramedic and wish to support EMS.

Eric Grider and I will be riding for Team 3022 supporting OKLAHOMA. Our blog is http://2009oklahomaemsmemorialbikeride.blogspot.com/

I rode last year with my Dad and loved it. I think it is a great cause.

My son and I rode last year and had a wonderful time. My son is going to paramedic school and has run calls for over 2 1/2 years at a volunteer rescue squad. This is a wonderful cause.

To acknowledge EMS and those who have given their lives for others. Also on behalf of one of my partners who passed away in a non-line of duty death and one of my mentors who also passed away in a non-line of duty death.

To support the community.

Support my husband, Shane.

The crew of Life Flight 1 will be placed on the National EMS Memorial on 5/23. Memorial Hermann Life Flight will be entering a team of at least 3 riders to ride in their honor.

I am riding for Michael (Boz) Garvin who died in the line of duty on October 19, 2008. I am a life Active member, Treasurer, and chair of the personnel committee of his employer, Second Alarmers Rescue Squad.

I believe that all LODD deserve recognition just like police and fire, but I also know that our profession kills many of it`s own from stress, poor health habits, and a variety of other things that are not chalked up to LODD. I`ll ride for those people.

To support the EMS community & the ride

Ride President requirement. (I wonder who this is?)

I am a LifeNet medic and am riding for the airmed crews that died in 2008.

To do what I can in memory of all of those who have given their life to help others.

Riding for 6 Air Evac crewmembers killed in the line of duty

For fun/challenge. To help raise awareness for EMS and fallen EMS providers from my local area.

I am taking part to show my support for EMS Memorial Charity. Last year a ” Muddy Angel” joined a charity bike ride in West Cork Ireland. I was conscripted.

For two friends lost in line of duty. For awareness.

In support of my fellows EMS family

Stephanie Waters and the PHI flight crews lost in 2 aviation accidents last year. Continued support of this event and its mission to honor those lost in the line of duty.

I am supporting this event because I feel there should be a system in place to keep track of the fallen EMS personel like there is with Police Officers, Fire Fighters and Military Members.

For Matt Lamb

For my bud felix.

In tribute of fellow EMS and those killed in the line of duty

I have wanted to particpate for several years but in 2008 I had a good friend pass. She was a retired paramedic who had made EMS a good part of her life. She was both a mentor and an expectational paramedic/supervisor.

For the honor of being associated with this unselfish profession and its people.

To support these dedicated public servants.

To support the NEMSMBR and to honor Mark Schwartz who died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. I also feel it will be a very rewarding experience.

To support the NEMSMBR, to support my wife who will be riding and also in honor of my friend, Mark Schwartz, who died at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

In support of the fire/rescue community

I`ve been asked by Steve Berry. I`m a safey trainer, national presenter, EMSResponder.com contributor,speaker on emergency driving and freeway responder safety.

To support the cause and for myself for coming back from a severe back injury caused from lifting a patient.

Return Rider, For my Fallen Brothers and Sisters, We lost two in Delaware this year..

To honor the memory of a friend that was killed in the Line of Duty this past year.

My wife is a paramedic who will be riding as well. . . To support EMS community and remember paramedic friend killed in line of duty.

I`m a paramedic, want to support community and have fun!

To support my brothers and sisters of the EMS community

Have been involved with the NEMSMS since 1994. Helped with the NEMS Bike ride with the team from Boston EMS in the early years and rode the NY/LI portion of the ride a few times. Decided it was time to ride the whole thing. I will be riding to Honor EMTs David Mangaran and Jason Ruiz who were killed in 2008. Both EMTs worked at FDNY EMS Station 35 which was under my command at the times of their deaths.

I work for Lifeguard Ambulance and I am doing it to support my community and for fun.

3rd year, GREAT cause

Hi My name is Garry Minihane and live in a small town in the south west of Ireland. The town is called Skibbereen. Over the last 5 years i hav organised an Emergency services cycle atound our area. We have raised a lot of money for various charities. I am a paramedic with the Irish Ambulance Service and also served as a retained fire fighter in Skibereen for 10 years. Last year one of your muddy angels Greg Castello travelled from the states to participate in our cycle and i am thinking of travelling over to participate in your wonderful event. I am just wondering where would be the best place to stay prior to the beginning of the cycle. I hope to travel two days before the cycle begins and fly into JFK Airport. I will register when i have all my plans in place. Regards Garry

Honor Guard for New Castle County DE EMS. Would like to participate in everything. Working the ceremony in Roanoke at the end of the ride too.

My partner LODD Michelle Newton Smith 15-107

Riding for a recent death in our service this past December. K.C. Chessire was an EMT with our service. Also riding to create awareness of a healthy lifestyle in the EMS in our region.

Because it is the world`s greatest bicycle ride

It’s a great cause.

I`m participating to support the EMS community. I met Steve Berry at Bismarck this week and was informed about the ride. I`m a full-time paramedic and want to show my support to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In Memory of Michelle Smith, EMT-B and Stephanie Calloway, NREMT-P who were both killed in the line of duty in Delaware. I am also a veteran EMS Memorial Ride partcipant from 2002 and 2003.

Past partner and my EMS brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty.

Rider in 2008…also riding to raise awareness of need for improvements in HEMS safety/operations.

For Fun and to Honor Fallen EMTs and Paramedics

Support all EMS providers, past and present.

I am riding for Gina Vechionne, who died this year of a heart attack. Gina lived with some post surgical limitations, continuing to be a paramedic for 23 years. I am also riding to be a part of a group of EMS professionals and supporters who taught me life lessons last year on the ride.

To support the EMS community and for all the Canadian Medics who are waiting for a memorial.

It seems like a good experience to meet other people of the EMS community and it is a great cause.

To support the families and bring attention to the importance of LODD in EMS!

I know Dave Page. Need I say more?? I will be supporting and assisting the Inver Hills students.

For support and recognition of fallen co-workers.

To support the community

return rider from last year; riding for those who are no longer with us or unable to participate.

To support my husband who will be riding.

I had an amazing time last year, supporting the riders, the cause, and the families!

For a partner (Boston Fire)

WORK FOR FDNY EMS

To honor all those killed or injured in EMS

I have never experienced the line of duty death of an EMS provider close to me. I have been involved in EMS for 28 years. I am unable to ride for the full week, but the least I can do to honor the memory of our EMS fallen is ride for a weekend.

For Gina Vecchione, I knew her for 17 years, when you thought of old timer in EMS in South Carolina she is one of the names you always came up with. I knew Gina also through our dogs which was her other passion. Alot of time people forget that EMS people have lives outside of EMS. Dogs was Gina`s and mine, I now have her canine friends Angel, Dumpster, and the boys… Forrest Gump and Geico and I would like to ride for her and them.

I am doing this for all of the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting and saving people all around the US and so that when I get to where some of those people were in the career field that there will be more things in place to keep track of LODD and for better benefits.

Stephanie Calloway and Michelle Smith, two EMS workers from Delaware killed in 2008

Meet fellow ems providers and help them. fun…support

Fellow medic talked me into it.

For military medics lost in the line of duty.

I think the ride is a great cause and I wanted the western region to be represented!!!

I have been involved in Delaware EMS for 20 ears and 2008 Delaware lost 2 EMS providers (Michele Smith and Stephanie Calloway) I was on Michele`s call and had the opportunity to get to know Stephanie as she was in the FTO process.

Increase awareness of EMS & its importance to the community.

Austin-Travis County EMS Honor Guard Member who rode motorcycle safety and support last year. Riding again this year in honor of Stephanie Waters, PHI Flight Paramedic killed in an aeromedical accident. End Of Watch: June 8, 2008. Stephanie was the spouse of a brother A/TCEMS Honor Guard, Chris Waters.

Two partner and to support the community

It has been a goal of mine for a long time to ride, but recently one of my best friends died, so I am riding in memory of Ryan S. McCormick, Ryan was featured on your home page for L.D.D. Ryan had created 2 non-profit organizations to help support other emergency services personel, and cancer patients, One is www.njheroes.org, and www.projectturtlepods.com. Project turtle pods donates ipods to cancer patients to help them through their treatments, I will also be trying to raise some donations for project turtle pods.

I am participating for a variety of reasons….to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Also to represent WA state as well as the entire West Coast as no one from this side of the nation has participated in the event before. And most of all…..for some reason when I heard Steve Berry talk about this ride at a conference in WA state in Feb 2009, it just called to me and I felt compelled to participate. Even though I have no experience whatsoever in bicycling.

I fell in love with the ride after my first in 2006. I love the people, the camraderie and the experience. I will be riding for Greg “Borat” Castillo. A 2008 rider who recently passed away.

Oilville, Virginia – The National EMS Memorial Service today released the names of the 91 individuals from 26 states to be honored at the 2009 National EMS Memorial Service to be held Saturday, May 23 in Roanoke Virginia.

The National EMS Memorial Service has, since 1992, been honoring America’s EMS providers who have given their lives in the line of duty. The 91 individuals being honored this year join 423 others previously honored by the National EMS Memorial Service.

Each year, at a service held in Roanoke, members of the honoree’s families are presented with a medallion, symbolizing eternal memory; a U.S. Flag which has flown over the Nation’s Capital, symbolizing service to the country; and a White Rose, symbolizing their undying love.

The 2009 National EMS Memorial Service will be conducted at the First Baptist Church of Roanoke, Roanoke, Virginia.

In addition to the presentations made during the Service, each honoree’s name is engraved on a bronze oak leaf which is added to the “Tree of Life,” the National EMS Memorial.

Additional information on the National EMS Memorial Service is available from its web site at http://nemsms.org.

National EMS Memorial Service 2009 Honorees

David A. Ashburn, 35, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Charles “Mac” Atteberry, 32, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.

Kelly Bates, 38, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.

Kathy Batterman, 44, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.

Ronald C. Battiato, 41, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.

Darren B. Bean, 37, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.

Barry M. Bennett, 49, of Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge, MA, who died in the line of duty of complications from an on-duty exposure to an infectious disease on November 2, 2003.

Jana Eileen Bishop, 28, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on June 8, 2008.

James Bond, Jr., 46, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.

Connie C. Bornman, 57, of Middle River Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Company, Middle River, MD, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 17, 2004.

Ronald H. Bruneau, 61, of Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association, Wolcott, CT, who died in the line of duty of complications from an on-duty exposure to an infectious disease on August 17, 2007.

Stephen H. Bunker, 59, of Maryland State Police, Baltimore, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on September 28, 2008.

Marshall Butler, 46, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.

Thomas C. Caldwell, 54, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.

Stephanie Callaway, 31, of Sussex County EMS, Georgetown, DE, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on June 17, 2008.

Merlin Casey, 66, of Mount Horeb Fire/EMS, Mount Horeb, WI, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 10, 2008.

Richard Chenault, II, 44, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Tom Clausing, 36, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.

Ana Coburn, 30, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.

Diane Codding, 39, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.

Mark Coyne, 53, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.

Kline DeWire, 44, of Susquehanna Health System EMS, Williamsport, PA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on December 17, 2007.

James Dodridge, 52, of Old Bridge First Aid and Rescue Squad, Old Bridge, NJ, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on March 15, 2004.

Lynn Ethridge, 35, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.

Bruce S. Fletcher, 50, of Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, Ashford, CT, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on November 18, 2002.

Rupert Allen Fuller, 76, of Darlington-Gaskins Fire/EMS, Westville, FL, who died in the line of duty of a ruptured aneurysm while at the scene of a call on October 24, 2002.

Raul Garcia, Jr., 38, of Valley AirCare, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on February 5, 2008.

Michael “Boz” Garvin, 39, of Second Alarmers Association and Rescue Squad, Willow Grove, PA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on October 19, 2008.

Bob Giard, 41, of Regional One Air Medical, Spartanburg, SC, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 13, 2004.

Robert Gilmore, 60, of Polk County EMS, Bartow, FL, who died in the line of duty an on-duty cerebral vascular accident on July 5, 2003.

Robert Lamar Goss, 54, of Valley AirCare, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on February 5, 2008.

Arthur Gotisar, 48, of Reach Air Medical Services, Santa Rosa, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on December 23, 2003.

Patrick J. Graham, 51, of Guardian Air, Flagstaff, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.

Terry A. Griffith, 35, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar, Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.

Chris Hall, 34, of Garrard County EMS, Lancaster, KY, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on June 21, 2008.

Bruce W. Harrolle, 36, of Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix, AZ, who died in the line of duty when struck by aircraft rotor on the scene of a rescue on October 13, 2008.

Gail Ann Hauck, 40, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.

Harold Bradley “Brad” Haugh, 54, of Clinton Kickman County EMS, Clinton, KY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on March 23, 2008.

Ronald Homes, 43, of North Platte Fire Department, North Platte, NE, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on August 6, 2003.

Dennis Hoyes, 65, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Dan M. Hunter, 49, of Hunter Ambulance Service, Inc., Meriden, CT, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on October 29, 2008.

Kalaya Jarbsunthie, 31, of Mercy Air Ambulance, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 7, 2002.

Chuck Jerpe, 47, of Mountain LifeFlight, Susanville, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on January 27, 2003.

James Just, 61, of Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles, CA, who died in the line of duty of an on duty aortic aneurysm on September 12, 2008.

Charles Wayne Kirby, 63, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 8, 2008.

Bruce Kosanke, 58, of Klum Ambulance Service, Kulm, ND, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on November 12, 2006.

Lisa M. LaBrusciano, 29, of DVA EMS/GCEMS, Flint, MI, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on September 16, 2008.

Benjamin Matthew Lang, 22, of Polk County EMS, Bartow, FL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on August 24, 2004.

Ricky LaPensee, 48, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Steven H. Lipperer, 39, of University of Wisconsin Med Flight, Madison, WI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on May 10, 2008.

Mickey C. Lippy, 34, of Maryland State Police, Baltimore, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 28, 2008.

Tonya Michelle Mallard, 39, of Waldorf Volunteer Fire Dept., Waldorf, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 28, 2008.

William “Bill” Mann, 31, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.

Mark E. Marvel, 46, of Seal Ambulance District, Indianapolis, IN, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on July 25, 2008.

Donna Lee Miller, 39, of Sun Star Paramedics, Largo, FL, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on December 29, 2004.

Edward P, Mueller, 50, of West Islip Fire/EMS, West Islip, NY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on February 2, 2008.

Brain Neville, 32, of Baltimore County Fire Department, Towson, MD, who died in the line of duty of an on-duty cardiac event on October 16, 2008.

Michelle L. Newton-Smith, 29, of Delaware City Fire Company, Delaware City, DE, who died in the line of duty after being struck at the scene of a call on December 22, 2008.

Sandra Pearson, 38, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.

Chester Ray Pierce, 27, of Medic One Ambulance, San Dimas, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on January 1, 2000.

John Pittman, 58, of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Houston, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 17, 1999.

Jose Luis Ramirez, 36, of Far South Fire Department, Chapparral, NM, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on April 15, 2006.

Jeanette Roseberry, 27, of Mid Maryland Transports, Hagerstown, MD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on October 24, 2004.

Michael Russell, 52, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on January 28, 2003.

Michael Sanchez, 39, of Valley AirCare EMS, Harlingen, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on February 5, 2008.

Edward C. Sanneman, 33, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar, Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.

Gregory Serena, 51, of New York City Fire Department/EMS, Brooklyn, NY, who died in the line of duty of complications from toxic exposure at World Trade Center on June 27, 2006.

Bill Serra, 59, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Leroy C. Shelton, 37, of Flight for Life, Pahrump, NV, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on April 4, 1999.

David Sherfick, 40, of Brown Township Fire/EMS, Mooresville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on February 4, 2008.

Vania Shields, 33, of Wayne Township Fire Department, Indianapolis, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on September 25, 2008.

Clyde Shawn Shreeve, Jr., 36, of Guardian Air, Flagstaff, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 29, 2008.

Martinus “Martin” Spoor, 37, of University of Michigan Health System Transplant Team, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 4, 2007.

Dixie Steckelberg, 60, of Lovilia Fire Department, Lovilia, IA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on December 18, 2003.

Lauren Eileen Stone, 30, of Northwest Texas Healthcare Lifestar, Amarillo, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 10, 2000.

Gary L. Studer, 61, of Whitehouse Fire Department, Whitehouse, OH, who died in the line of duty of an on duty cerebral vascular accident on June 28, 2008.

Masaaki Suzuki, 39, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.

James W Taylor, Jr., 36, of Classic LifeGuard, Page, AZ, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 4, 2008.

James Edward Taylor, 28, of Bonham Fire/EMS, Bonham, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on January 19, 2003.

Glenda F. Tessnear, 42, of Regional One Air Medical, Spartanburg, SC, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on July 13, 2004.

Rico Torres, 37, of Middle Island Fire Department, Middle Island, NY, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on July 4, 2008.

Sekou Turner, 28, of Alameda County Fire Department, San Leandro, CA, who died in the line of duty of a duty related cardiac event on May 22, 2002.

Rafael Vazquez, 42, of Palm Beach Fire/EMS, West Palm Beach, FL, who died in the line of duty after being shot on duty on March 3, 2008.

Roger Warren, 43, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.

Stephanie Suzzane Waters, 27, of PHI Air Medical Inc MED 12, Bryan, TX, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on June 8, 2008.

Raymond Watson, 50, of Mountain LifeFlight, Susanville, CA, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on March 21, 2002.

Dell Waugh, 69, of Air Angels Inc, Bolingbrook, IL, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on October 15, 2008.

Wade B. Weston, 38, of Air Evac Life Team, Rushville, IN, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on August 31, 2008.

David J. Wetter, 22, of Marthasville Community Ambulance District, Marthasville, MO, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on March 2, 2008.

Andrew J. Willey, 23, of Avera St. Lukes CareFlight, Aberdeen, SD, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in a medical aviation accident on September 9, 2002.

Kyle Robert Wilson, 24, of Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue, Prince William, VA, who died in the line of duty of burns received while attempting a rescue on April 16, 2007.

Greg Castillo, dubbed ‘Borat’ during the 08 ride, gives us a synopsis of an EMS memorial ride recently held in Ireland.

I just got all my pictures posted from my trip to Ireland. Doug was kind enough to post my account and a few pics to the Muddy Angels website, but you’ll find all of them except for one on the picasa website. There is still one more picture, and it is of Gary’s Fairy. Everybody bug him to send that picture out, his email is parkygaz@hotmail.com.

Ireland was absolutely beautiful. I’ve never been there, and it is a wonderful country. Kieran was a great host, inviting me into his house, and I can’t thank him enough for this. My first night there I was able to do a ride along with Health Services Executive (HSE) in Cork City. I was able to ride on both an ambulance and in a fly car with a medical doctor. Let me tell you, SAFETY is their motto. Take a look at the pictures of their vehicles. Additionally, THEY DON’T LIFT AT ALL! Using ramps, lifts, and special equipment, they are able to avoid lifting altogether. What we view as an unavoidable activity, they have been able to almost eliminate, preventing back and other injuries and loss of duty. Very Safe!

The next day, Gary came down, and we three Muddy Angels were able to reunite. A short bike ride around Cork, and we then went out on the town. Cork is a great little city, full of great bars and beautiful women. If you like Guinness, then you need to move there! As I’ve said, their expression is ‘craic.’ This means good times or to party hard/party hearty. We went out and found some great craic, staying out til after 2 AM.

The next day, we left for the southwest part of the county, to the coastal town of Skibbereen. Along the way, we stopped at an HSE station were there was a Memorial to John O’Mahony. For those of you that don’t know, John was a paramedic with HSE for a long time. In 2002, he came over to New York City, to honor those that died in the 9/11 attacks. Sadly, a few weeks after participating in the first annual bike ride, he died in the line of duty in an ambulance crash. If he was still around, it is certain that he would be one of us. Also, when we got to Skibbereen, I was able to meet Chris Grant. He followed the ride online, and was able to order a jersey in support of us. This future Muddy Angel plans on riding, so please welcome him when you see him next year.

He was also representing two people from Belfast that couldn’t make it. Billy Carlisle also supported the ride from afar, but was unable to come to America. Sadly, his son Neil, a fire cadet, suffered a severe injury resulting in the loss of his leg. Presented to Chris to pass on was a jersey, pin, unit coin, and also a fire plaque. From my local fire department, I was able to acquire three plaques to award. It features the Lawrence Pumper, a piece of apparatus that is over 150 years old, and still in service today. It is a hand drawn pumper that was pulled to Boston and fought in the city fire of 1872. The other two of these were presented to Kieran, my host, and to Gary, one of the organizers of the ride.

You really can’t describe 240 bikers on the same road. It was just a mass of people, often three, four, and even five abreast on back country roads. Neither can I describe the beauty of the area we rode through. Think of a postcard, it was just rolling hills full of fields, farms, forests, and pretty houses. But it kept going and going and going. The closest I’ve seen is the parts of Virginia we rode through, although this was far better (Sorry to DJ and all the other Virginians, but it truly was.) The hills weren’t nearly as bad as Virginia either, more on par with our trip across Marylands Eastern Shore. And the weather was beautiful! If anybody from Ireland tells you they have bad weather, tell them they are a liar. It may have been overcast every day, but it never rained. The temperature was mild, the winds stayed down, and the skies never opened up; in short perfect cycling weather. If you want sun, go to Florida, if you want good all around weather, go to Ireland.

After the ride, I was able to meet Eleanor O’Mahony, the wife of John. She was also presented with T-shirts, a pin, and a unit coin on behalf of Muddy Angels everywhere. Unfortunately, I was unable to enjoy the barbecue, as after this I was mobbed by people there. When I brought out my suitcase full of goodies, everybody wanted to get a piece of memorabilia. Between T-shirts, pins, coins, and other stuff brought over, I was able to raise $424 for the ride in a short amount of time. After that, it was out to Skibb to find some more craic. I don’t know if there is no last call or they just ignore it, but we were all out till very late- or rather, very early.

Sunday we went outside Cork to where they are having a biannual sailing regatta. Again, a beautiful coastal town with lots of sailboats collecting, and lots of good times. Apparently in Ireland they don’t allow you to sleep, as between travel and partying I hadn’t gotten more than four consecutive hours of sleep in nearly a week. Fortunately, I was allowed to retire early this night, as I was quite spent. My last full day in country, I was able to explore Cork and the surrounding area. Set along a river, the City Centre is full of shops, restaurants, and old buildings. After spending time getting gifts, I then went up to the Blarney Stone and Castle. Beautiful, as was the return journey. Cork is a great city, especially to bike around.

I had a truly great time, and fully plan on going back next year. Hopefully as many of you can make it as well. With the length of the bike ride, it can actually be a good family vacation. Or, if you wanted to go the other route, that’s a great idea too. The Guinness flows like water over there. If you think you’re up to the challenge of Irish craic, then make your way over there! Let’s just try to bring over as many people as we can. With our recruiting efforts, there will be plenty of people joining us in May next year. In fact, I mentioned to Jennifer that we may have to call it the Irish-American Memorial Bike Ride!

If you have any questions, please let me know. I know I’ve talked to many of you, but I wanted to let everybody know how well the ride went. Again, many many thanks to Kieran Henry, my Irish half-brother. I wouldn’t have had as good a time without him, and I can’t express how much I owe him. I hope to see you all next May (or sooner) and I wish that all of you stay safe out there.

-Greg Castillo
Amherst, NH

I worked very closely with Joe Murawski, who you honored this past year. I was just on your site and I read the note Joe’s wife Debbie wrote you.
I spoke to Debbie after she attended the services and meeting you all. She could not sing the praises of you all load enough. She could not stop talking about Blaine Rackliff from Maine who “carried” Joe to VA.

You all do a great job and I would like to thank you also for honoring my friend and colleague.

Mark Heller

Thank YOU, Mark, and everyone else who gave us the honor of helping to ensure our friends and family aren’t forgotten!

Greetings to all the riders and our thanks to all who rode to honor our fallen Heroes. Our son, Jeremy, was one honored in 2007. His best friend\’s son, Kaleb Basey, is starting in the morning on a cross country bike ride from Markleville, Indiana to Oregon. He\’s got a GPS tracker on him so that we (and anyone interested) can follow him as he rides.
He’s interested in doing the Memorial Ride next year. He and Jeremy were good friends as well.

Tracking information is at

https://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?&glId=1G7ndYtMLAnA72pzdDNVXDzDeEk0faE5I&linkPwd=kalebbasey

and his trip routing is under his MySpace account.

If anyone along his route happens to see him riding, please give him a word of encouragement, and if possible, let us know where he is.

Thanks

Al Rodecap
Father of Jeremy Rodecap
Middletown/Fall Creek EMS
Last Call December 3, 2005

It is hard for me to express how meaningful it is for me to be involved with this dedicated group of professionals both on the Board and the Ride. The work you all do and the way you ride are inspiring. I know that great things are coming as a result of your efforts. With your continued dedication the ride and its impact will be even more substantial in the years to come. I promise to make the route even better and the logistics more coordinated than 2008.
I am proud to be a member of this brother/sisterhood. May the coming year bring you all good health and prosperity and I pray the list of inductees is empty next year. See you in May 2009. My heartfelt thanks to all of you.

-Ted LaRochelle