Sammy was always the first guy to show up, whether it was a fire, a detail or a fund raiser. It didn't make any difference what it was. He didn't hunt or fish. His hobby was helping people and he loved it. "It?s not hard to make a difference," he used to say, "what is hard for me to understand is that people choose not to help others". Helping others was his standard, and he sat the bar high.<br />
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Sammy Ray Smith, 64, of Antwerp, Ohio, died in the line of duty on July 20, 2007. The ambulance, with four Antwerp EMS members aboard, was transporting two victims from a previous car crash to a hospital. While en route to the hospital, they were slammed into by a semi-truck. Upon impact, the rig's fuel tank was ruptured and the ambulance burst into flames.<br />
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Smith was a volunteer with Antwerp EMS. He also worked with the Antwerp Fire Department, and served both agencies for over 25 years. Sammy was always first at the monthly rescue meetings and had the popcorn made, waiting for the other members. He would give the leftovers to the birds and cats in his barn.<br />
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He loved playing cards, and he loved attending football games while pulling rescue duty. Every Christmas he played Santa Claus, getting him the nickname Sammy Claus.<br />
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Honored 2008 |