"Michael was hooked the minute the ambulance sped by our house with its lights flashing," stated his sister. "He knew he wanted to do something to help people, and that's when he became serious about his life and career," she said. "Michael was an incredible person. He was a good Emergency Medical Technician and would have made a great paramedic," said program coordinator Jane MacArthur, of Essex Community College.<br />
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Michael J. Latta, 21, of North Andover, Massachusetts lost his life in the line of duty on April 26, 2007. He died of an apparent heart attack while driving a patient to the hospital. Michael and his partner had loaded their patient and were in en route to Lawrence General Hospital when he veered off the road, and drove into a house. .<br />
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Latta worked for Patriot Ambulance, Incorporated in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. At Northern Essex Community College he was an assistant in the EMT program. Michael had planned to start paramedic classes in the fall of 2007.<br />
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Michael was a very active person. He was a lifeguard and an instructor in tae kwon do; however his rescue work took most of his time, and he loved every minute of it. His sister stated, "I never saw anyone so in love with what they did."<br />
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Honored 2008 |