The Province of British Columbia has unveiled the Fallen Paramedics Memorial on the south lawn of the legislature.
The memorial was funded by BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the Ambulance Paramedics of BC (CUPE 873). It serves as a tangible reminder of the ultimate sacrifice paid by paramedics who dedicate themselves to helping others. The Fallen Paramedics Memorial joins the law enforcement and fire services memorials, which together honour our emergency responders and remind the public of the danger these men and women face as they work to help save lives.
The granite monument is engraved with the names of the 10 men and women who have died in the line of duty since the inception of the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) in 1974. The memorial is a small token of appreciation from all British Columbians who have benefited from the life-saving expertise of paramedics and dispatchers.
BCEHS governs the emergency medical services system in BC and provides residents, visitors and health care professionals with pre-hospital emergency and inter-facility patient transfer services. BCEHS oversees the BC Ambulance Service and the BC Patient Transfer Network and is supported by the Provincial Health Services Authority.
“I hope this memorial provides some comfort to the families of the 10 paramedics who died in the line of duty in BC. We honour these heroic men and women, and their selfless contributions are never forgotten.” – Health Minister Terry Lake
“While most people avoid danger, paramedics and other emergency responders confront it in order to help the public and save lives. This memorial is a tribute to the sacrifice and heroism that resides within every man and woman that chooses a career in pre-hospital care.” – PHSA President and CEO, Carl Roy
“Our paramedics are dedicated to helping save lives and tragically some have lost their own lives while helping others. This memorial is a place all British Columbians can visit and pay their respects to the paramedics and dispatchers that care for us all every day and those we lost too soon.” – PHSA/BCEHS Executive Vice President, Linda Lupini
“Paramedics make life and death decisions every day. This memorial is a sad but important reminder of the real hazards we face as we respond to medical emergencies throughout the province.” – Ambulance Paramedics Union of BC (CUPE 873) President, Bronwyn Barter
The Fallen Paramedics
- Ivan Polivka died in the line of duty on October 19, 2010.
- Jo-Ann Fuller died in the line of duty on October 19, 2010.
- Michael Gray died in the line of duty on April 8, 2008.
- Kim Weitzel died in the line of duty on May 17, 2006.
- Shawn Currier died in the line of duty on May 17, 2006.
- Andreas (Andy) Goedicke died in the line of duty on January 11, 1995.
- Wendy Thompson died in the line of duty on January 11, 1995.
- Carol Schlamp died in the line of duty on January 26, 1993.
- Theresa Bond died in the line of duty on May 4, 1990.
- Tony Sunderland died in the line of duty on June 4, 1988.