National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

I just wanted to offer a sincere thank you to all the riders and support staff of the muddyangels. My husband Joe Murawski was one of this years honorees, and my family had the honor of meeting a good number of you in Perth Amboy NJ at the service there, and were there to welcome you all to Roanoke. You are all such caring and honorable people…the emotion and love I felt was unbelievable. I am so proud of each and every one of you….To all I got to meet personally, you touched my life. To Blaine Rackliff from Maine…thank you for taking Joe on the ride of his lfe…I am glad that you told us of the inspiration he gave you for all the hard climbs. Thank you for giving the bracelet to our daughter Jamie.
My humble thanks to all of my new friends
Debbie Murawski

Need we say more? Thank YOU Debbie, for allowing us the honor to ride in Joe’s memory.

In an all-inclusive effort to recognize every person who gave the ultimate sacrifice while performing duties for the benefit of another, the National EMS Memorial Bike, Inc. (a separate, independent organization from the National EMS Memorial Service), researched and recognized as many known Line of Duty Deaths as possible. The lack of a required registry at the federal level of this information left us to rely on news articles, EMS informative journals, EMS list-serves, websites, and word of mouth. We will continue to work diligently on better collaboration and accurate data collection with all entities possible for future years, and actively educate our legislators on the need for mandatory registries for our EMS personnel’s injuries and loss of life.

Volunteers from Inver Hills College in Minnesota concentrated on the years 2005-2008. These students created documents, posters, and bracelets for each person identified prior to our ride’s start. On May 1, 2008 the National EMS Memorial Service, who accepts applications for inductees to their service, released the 2008 Inductee list. As shown below, many of our names overlapped, several did not. Due to the lack of time, we were unable to fully recognize by poster and family contact all of the inductees. We did what we could including creating and distributing bracelets with the names of the individuals and the inclusion on our list of names that were read at all of our formal services, in Perth Amboy, NJ, Bucks County, PA, Philadelphia, PA, Annapolis, MD and our Nation’s Capitol, Washington, DC.

The National EMS Memorial Bike ride extends our sincere apologies to the families that did not have posters of their loved ones. We wish to assure you that your family member was ridden for by a rider and remembered in each ceremony we held along the way. We would be happy and honored to create a poster for each individual, but we really need help locating pictures and accurate information about them.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Frenette – President

DATA
59 people were on our original list. Of the 28 people on our list were not on this year’s Memorial Service inductee list, 11 were previous inductees, leaving 17 providers who were not on Memorial Service inductee list:

• Charles D Allen
• Charles “Mac” Atteberry
• Dana Dedman
• Kline Dewire
• Jarrett Dixon
• Craig Dorsey, II
• Lynn Ethridge
• Cruze Fernandez
• Jeffrey Lynn Jeans
• Timothy Keller
• Kimberly Madison
• Jerome C Marion
• Paul Patterson
• John Pittman
• Wayne Topping
• Neal Sherman
• Carl Weiss

These 43 providers were on the National EMS Memorial Service’s list, but were not on the bike ride’s list:

• James C Archer of North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, MS, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on January 5, 2005.
• Michael Baker of Air Evac Lifeteam, West Plains, MO, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on December 30, 2007.
• Louis Berra of West County EMS & Fire Protection District, Ballwin, MO, who died in the line of duty of an on duty cardiac arrest on January 18, 2008.
• Lee W Bothwell of Airlift Northwest, Seattle, WA, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on September 11, 1995.
• Lance Brabham of Lifeguard Alaska, Anchorage, AK, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on December 3, 2007.
• David Eric Spencer Brooks of Aeromed, Kennewick, WA, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on January 8, 1996.
• Michael Timothy Browne of Acme Delco Riegelwood Fire-Rescue, Riegelwood, NC, who died in the line of duty of injuries received in a tornado while responding to a call on November 16, 2006.
• Ricky Byers of Southwest Med Evac, Las Cruces, NM, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on August 5, 2007.
• Cameron Casey Carter of Lifeguard Alaska, Anchorage, AK, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on December 3, 2007.
• Janez Case of Clayton OK EMS, Oklahoma City, OK, who died in the line of duty of injuries sustained in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on January 22, 2007.
• Jack Chase of AIRHeart – Sacred Heart Health System, Pensacola, FL, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on October 20, 2004.
• Timothy H Clowers of Emergency Ambulance Service, White Hall, AR, who died in the line of duty in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on February 15, 2006.
• Vicki Collman of Aeromed, Kennewick, WA, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on January 8, 1996.
• Dana Dedman of Eagle Air Med, Blanding, UT, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on October 4, 2007.
• Craig Dorsey, II of Ghent Fire Department, Ghent, WV, who died in the line of duty when caught in a propane explosion while operating at the scene of a call on January 30, 2007.
• Marna Bloom Fleetwood of Airlift Northwest, Seattle, WA, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on September 11, 1995.
• James Earl Travis Fryman of Nicholas Co. EMS, Carlisle, KY, who died in the line of duty in an on duty motor vehicle collision on January 26, 2008.
• James Kent Goodman of Emergency Ambulance Service, White Hall, AR, who died in the line of duty in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on February 15, 2006.
• Albert Tracy Gunter, Sr of Williston Rescue Squad, Williston, SC, who died in the line of duty in an on duty motor vehicle collision on February 7, 2007.
• Robert D Heighton of South Walton Fire Department, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on October 20, 2004.
• Ronnie Helton, Jr of Eagle Air Med, Blanding, UT, who died in the line of duty in a medical aviation accident on October 4, 2007.
• Michael Hendricks of Southwest Ambulance, Mesa, AZ, who died in the line of duty in an ambulance involved motor vehicle collision on June 24, 1992.
• Cheryl Lynn Kiefer of Jackson Community Ambulance, Ann Arbor, MI, who died in the line of duty after being struck and pinned while operating at the scene of an MVC on January 26, 2008.

This is a tribute video that Steve Berry put together and showed the riders this year. Crank it up and enjoy the goosebumps baby!

Arriving home just about 5 hours ago, figured there is no time like the present to wrap up our experience of NEMSMBR 2008! I hope all of you made it home without incident and are taking some time for yourselves.

All I can say is, what a ride!

Starting May 10 in the streets of Louisiana, under the unprecedented and supreme guidance of Mr. Stuart Redfearn 31 riders completed a first-ever day-long journey in some hot weather to bring attention to our profession and those who have given their lives because of it.

The following Friday evening many of the NY to Roanoke riders gathered in the Laguardia Airport Hotel to be briefed and introduced by Mr. David Page and Ms. Susan Erwin to that leg of this momentus event. New friendships started to form, Muddy Angels and their Wingmen started to emerge. On Saturday morning, May 17, others joined in the group at Jacobi to kick-off that route’s start of a week not soon to be forgotten.

And on Sunday morning, May 18, several more Muddy Angels joined in on the trek from the west under the direction of Jeni and Kyle Phillips, to pedal their way towards Roanoke, VA via some significant hills and valleys of KY, WV, and VA.

Rolling hills were not our only ups and downs, to be sure…..we had some emotional roller coaster rides with scheduled events including family members of our fallen in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA – Perth Amboy, NJ, – Garden of Remembrance, Buck’s County, and Philadelphia PA – Paintsville, KY – Annapolis, MD. The external downs of the Blacksburg accident and then the break-ins were minimal compared to the internal ups of accomplishment of Skyline Drive and the completion of a CENTURY the very next day!!! 23 NY Riders meeting up with the 6 KY riders was a thrill, only more enhanced by EVERYONE cheering us back into Salem – it made this President so very proud that we were finally all together, having promised Kyle Phillips one year previously that we would all be Muddy Angels and we are!!

The arrival into Roanoke after a week of expectation, lived up to it with the largest reception I can recall. I hugged so many family members who were physically shaking in appreciation of our efforts.

Thanks to all of you who gave everything you had to make this a success, it doesn’t matter what your role, biker – support – sponsor, each was a vital part of the 2008 success story of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Think about it! There were a million moving parts, it took a miracle for them all to happen in sync as they did – and the very few parts that didn’t move right, weren’t the vital ones! PHEW!!!!

May every time you reach into your pocket and pull out your challenge coin may you remember this ride and all it meant….and should you forget the coin, be prepared for someone, somewhere to ask you to show it……hee hee.

-Jennifer

Sunday. Bags are packed and vehicles are being loaded. But there’s always time for another hug, another good-bye. Now I’ve ridden for the past three years and we’re always close by the end of the ride. But this year was different. This year the group gelled into a team so quickly, that it boggles the mind. It’s hard to believe that the majority of people didn’t know each other at all last Friday because at this point we feel like one big family.

At this time, I’d choose not to say good-bye, but “thanks”

• Thank you to our sponsors who allowed us to make this important journey.
• Thanks to all of the support team. The ‘Wingmen’ are the true heroes of the ride, ensuring our safety and that we are fed and hydrated. They got up earlier than the bikers to mark the routes and went to bed later as they finalized plans for the next day. The loaded and unloaded bikes and luggage and were always there with a smile, high-five or words of encouragement.
• Thanks to the other riders. You guys and gals looked out of each other on the road and pushed through wind, rain, and seemingly endless hills. Though your legs screamed with pain and you knew you could stop at any time, yet you didn’t. And for that each and every one of you should be proud.
• Thank you to all of the rescue squads along the way. You were all life savers, offering an oasis of Gatorade and Powerbars that would carry us to the next stop. Many of you even helped with repairs to vehicles! We certainly appreciate the help and support and it’s important that you all realize that you’re as much a part of the Muddy Angel team as anyone else.
• Thank you to the families who held us in Roanoke and told us their stories. We came to support you and are humbled by how much you supported us. We share your pain and promise that your loved ones will not be forgotten.
• Finally, thank you to the fallen. You selflessly gave your all to help others and you continue to help others through your legacies. Your families miss you but are also very proud of the way you lived your lives and I know that you’re just as proud of them. And thanks for having our back!

Stay Safe Everyone…

It’s Saturday and something is missing. It feels strange not to be waking up and hopping on a bike.

There a some members of the team down in the lobby, drinking coffee, while others a getting breakfast. Everyone I meet is in a great mood, but also shares the same sadness that we are not out abusing our bodies this morning. Of course others are doing just that and are riding their bikes up the long hill to visit the large star that overlooks Roanoke. Coffee and breakfast sound good to me.

Saturday is free time for the team to do as they please. Though not invited, I decide to sneak into the Memorial Service’s “Meet and Greet” so that I can hopefully meet a family member that I was unable to locate on Friday. Some partake of the art festival in town, while others decide to relax near the pool.

At 5:00pm, we start making our way to the church for the Memorial Service. As we’re getting ready to leave we find out that the mother of one of the honorees is stranded. Wheelchair bound, the bus hired by the Memorial Service is unable to take her and no other arrangements have been made–not cool. But, being EMTs and Paramedics, we’re programmed to help and we’ll be damned if we’re going to allow a family member to miss this service. Without hesitation, Steve Berry hops out of the car and gives the woman his seat. Her wheelchair is placed in a FDNY van and in minutes we’re off to the church. Once again I am reminded why I am so proud of this bike team.

The memorial service is a sea of uniforms, from class-As to flight suits. We move into the church and I am struck by the number of pews that have been reserved for family members. Logically I understand that 73 is a lot of people, but here I can actually get a physical sense of that number. In fact, almost the entire downstairs is for family, so the bike team files up to stadium-like seating on the right side of the sanctuary.

The ceremony gets underway with introductions followed by some singing and then a keynote speech. Then it’s on to the honorees. This is always an emotional time for me and everyone around me. It’s hard not to get choked up when you watch brave children or heartbroken parents step up on the platform to accept their flag. Our area is filled with “tough” EMS providers sniffing and unashamedly wiping away tears. After all, these are the people we rode for and, although we met many of the families just a day ago, the love and appreciation that they showed us on Friday makes us feel like a part of their family–and we are.