Local EMS service honors 15 fallen heroes

Families of emergency medical providers who died in the line of duty last year were reminded of how dangerous and stressful the profession can be.

“Sometimes it’s from helicopter or vehicle crashes, or a medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke,” Kevin Dillard, an event organizer, said.

Dillard said about 800 paramedics, emergency medical technicians, flight nurses and related personnel have died since the National EMS Memorial Service began 23 years ago.

Fifteen fallen heroes were honored in a ceremony Saturday at the Pikes Peak Center in downtown Colorado Springs.

Among the fallen are Rebecca Serkey, 29, of New Mexico, who died in a plane crash; and Benjamin Finney, 36, of Kansas, who had a heart attack after a stressful shift in 2004 and was added to the honoree list this year.

“She just loved her work and it fueled her existence,” said Serkey’s father, Bob Serkey. “It gave satisfaction and meaning to her life.”

“He loved to serve the community,” said Finney’s son, B.J. Finney. “There wasn’t anything he would do for anybody.”

Each family of honorees received a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol, a white rose and a medallion.

The ceremony formerly was held on the East Coast and moved to Colorado several years ago. However, the ceremony moves back to the East Coast next year. The organization still does not have a permanent home for the event.