Move to take down memorials upsets BC paramedics
Posted September 26, 2012 12:29 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Some paramedics are so upset, they’re in tears over word photo memorials to honor their fallen colleagues are being removed from some BC Ambulance offices.
The plan is to instead have one memorial at the Victoria headquarters.
“There are 10 photos on the wall, and I’ve marched with five of them,” says one paramedic, wiping back tears.
At the Vancouver office, a plaque and framed photos of paramedics who have lost their lives in the field since 1988 are set to be taken down. Pictures will also be removed in Prince George and Kamloops.
Josh is also a first responder. “I think it’s always important to remind ourselves we are emergency workers.”
“We put ourselves at risk every day. We go on an ambulance call and there are opportunities for things to go bad and bad things to happen; this wall is a testament to that,” he tells us.
Dozens showed up along with Josh at the Vancouver office this morning in protest. They held a moment of silence.
Hughie Nelson has been on the job for 35 years. “Many of us knew some of those people. The job has some difficulties and when we lose someone, it strikes home very closely and it reminds us that you’re here one minute and gone the next.”
Meanwhile, Les Fisher with BC Ambulance says the move is being done so its paramedics can move on.
“It’s to strike that balance between our proud history and remembering the fallen,” he tells News1130. “But it’s also about moving forward positively as a whole organization.”
When asked if that move is insensitive, he responded, “I believe it is the best way to go to help everybody move forward.”
Fisher admits they expected the decision would upset some people, but adds there has also been some positive feedback. He tells us BC Ambulance does not want its tragedies to define the organization.
