"It was the first funeral for an emergency medical team killed in the town's history," said the agency's chief. Many hundreds turned out to show their respect for Mr. Stone of Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc.<br />
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William Anthony Stone, 30, lost his life in the line of duty on May 3, 2005. He and his partner had responded to an emergency call and were transporting their patient to the hospital when the accident occurred. While he and his partner were in the back compartment attending a potential stoke victim, the driver of the ambulance swerved to miss a stopped vehicle, lost control and smashed into a tree. The impact of the crash left medical equipment strewn all over the road. It reminded all that the two rescue workers were involved in something very important, that of trying to save a life. His partner was killed in the accident, however the driver and their patient survived.<br />
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Mr. Stone, a paramedic, had worked at Riverhead Ambulance for only three months. He was part of a support team that took the place of volunteers during daytime hours. He had previously worked with the North Shore First Responder's Program, and was a volunteer with Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance Corps located in New York.<br />
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"He was a such a nice guy, very quiet and very dedicated," said friend Ray Bonner. "They will never be forgotten because this is the first accident for this ambulance service," he said. "Bill was engaged to be married, which makes it even harder," he said.<br />
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Honored 2006 |