Honorees

← Back to directory

Year Honored
2010
Honoree
Christopher Ritz
Agency
Mountain Lifeflight
Agency City
Susanville
Agency State
CA
Last Call
11/14/09
Cause of Death
Medical Aviation Accident
Biography
Chris treated people like he had known them all his life; he really made everyone comfortable. He was a true professional and one of the best paramedics. "He was at the top, a truly amazing person, with knowledge that made him well ?equipped to serve his patients," stated a friend. He has a loving passion for his son, Kenton, and he was a good gentle dad. His whole demeanor changed when he talked about his son. Chris loved ITUNES, which made it possible to always listen to the music he liked. He cheered his San Diego Chargers every season. He was a Christian and lived by its standards. This paramedic and family man will be missed.<br /> <br /> Chris was active in his community as a Cub Scout Den Leader, a member of the School Board, a volunteer for the Every 15 Minutes program, and taught CPR to all the freshmen each year for the past nine years.<br /> <br /> Christopher Ritz, 38, of Susanville, California, was killed in the line of duty on November 14, 2009. He was part of a 3-man team taking part in transport of a patient to the Renown Medical Center in Reno, Nevada. The team had completed their job and were headed back to their base in Susanville when the helicopter crashed into a hilly mountainside with all lives lost.<br /> <br /> Ritz was a Chief flight paramedic for Mountain Lifeflight. He also served as a trustee on the Susanville School District Board of Trustees.<br /> <br /> Honored 2010