Author: Press

Gregory Wentzel, 51, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, died March 7, 2017, from a cardiac event a few hours after working a cardiac arrest in the line-of-duty.

Greg was a long time public servant with roots in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Hailing from a close-knit community with an enormous family creating a web of support, he could only have been poised for success.

Greg became an Eagle Scout with Troop 11 of the Boy Scouts of America. After graduating from Lebanon Catholic High School in 1985, Greg became a paramedic at the University of Kansas.

In 1986, Greg became one of the first paramedics serving Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

He served in multiple areas including First Aid and Safety Patrol in Lebanon as well as an agency in San Diego, California.

Greg was not just known for his service in Emergency Medical Services. He was both a supportive family man and avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish, camp, hike and bike with his family. He was also a skilled gardener and woodworker. He and his wife, Jen, were known in their community for rescuing huskies.

As a lifelong public servant, Greg will be sorely missed both in Lebanon and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Michael “Mike” Collums, 54, died in the line-of-duty on February 21, 2017, after his ambulance was involved in a head-on collision with an 18-wheel semi-truck in Van Vleet, Mississippi.

Collums had served the EMS Community for more than 22 years. He also worked as the Safety Coordinator and in accounts receivable for Orman’s Welding in West Point. He was a member of Vibrant Church in Columbus, Mississippi.

His two greatest passions in life were his grandsons and his work in Emergency Medical Services.

The following is a live recording of the 2018 National EMS Memorial Service that took place at National Habor, Maryland on May 19, 2018.

Rose Scott died February 15, 2017, after she succumbed to a certified World Trade Center illness she sustained in the line-of-duty.

Rose developed cancer as a result of serving this Nation in response to the rescue and recovery of the thousands of Americans who fell at the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York City, New York, Tuesday, September 11, 2001, after four coordinated terrorist attacks on the United States.

Rose was a new Emergency Medical Technician on the morning of Sept 11, 2001, and retired years later due to the World Trade Center illness.

Rose was known for her strength, sense of humor and her helpfulness.

Edith Elida Torres, 46, of Brooklyn, New York City, New York, died February 8, 2017, after she succumbed to a certified World Trade Center illness she sustained in the line-of-duty.

Edith developed cancer as a result of serving this Nation in response to the rescue and recovery of the thousands of Americans who fell at the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York City, New York, Tuesday, September 11, 2001, after four coordinated terrorist attacks on the United States.

On September 11, 2001, FDNY Lieutenant Paramedic Edith Torres was off duty but answered the call when the tragedy unfolded at The World Trade Center. She responded from home having been off that day only to find her partner, Carlos Lillo, had perished in the collapse of the towers. Lieutenant Torres worked tirelessly during the rescue and recovery during the months to follow.

Edith had been with FDNY since 1993.

Not only was Edith a skilled paramedic but she held a Masters of Nursing degree.

Frank Haffner was 87 years old and died on June 8, 2015, of an apparent heart attack after responding to several emergency calls with the First Aid Squad.

He was a resident of Hackettstown and had served as a member of the Squad since 2007.

Frank was the third-generation owner of Hafner Labs, Inc., Stanhope, NJ. He was one of the founding members of the Allamuchy No. 91 Fire Department and served there for 32 years.

Frank served as the Association Treasurer and Fire Chief from 2002-2003, as the Coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management from 2005-2013, and then as the Assistant Coordinator until his death.

Frank lived a long life of devoted public service and enjoyed it.

David J. Blausen, 32, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, died in the line-of-duty August 5, 1971, from burn injuries sustained from an oxygen explosion July 5, 1971, while he was driving an ambulance with the Wilkins-Churchill Ambulance Service.

The ambulance that David was driving was having issues with its oxygen system. He stopped at the Churchill Borough Building to collect a portable oxygen tank to continue emergency medical efforts during transport to West Penn Hospital.

David attempted to get the oxygen system to work in the driver’s compartment. There was an explosion and subsequent fire causing the ambulance to crash.

David became trapped by his melted seatbelt buckle. The fire burned through the seat belt and he was able to escape. He was transported to West Pennsylvania’s Burn Unit. It was there he succumbed to his injuries a month later.

Peter J. Kelly, 29, died February 11, 1953, after suffering a stroke in the line-of-duty while driving the ambulance February 6, 1953.

The ambulance intern noticed Peter’s distress and had to steer the ambulance to a stop.

Peter soon lost consciousness from the cerebral hemorrhage and was rushed to Methodist Hospital, where emergency surgery was unsuccessful.

Peter was a World War II Navy veteran stationed in Newfoundland.

John F. Houy died in the line-of-duty on August 13, 1944, when his ambulance was involved in a multi-car crash at the intersection of 64th Street & 24th Avenue in Brooklyn.

The crash also killed the driver of one of the other vehicles and injured 26-year old Ambulance Driver Private James Neal along with at least six other individuals.

PFC Huoy was an Army veteran, serving two years in the South Pacific theatre. He was buried in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, with military honors.

Roger W. Ogburn, MD, 28, of Manhattan, New York City, New York, died in the line-of-duty July 24, 1927, when the ambulance he was aboard collided with a taxi.

According to the New York Times, Roger was thrown free from the ambulance that had overturned but crushed underneath. With the help of bystanders, they were able to get him out from under the ambulance. Residents that witnessed the crash had volunteered to donate blood.

Although his sister lived in NYC, the rest of his family had to be flown in from North Carolina, where he was from and where he was later laid to rest, to be by his side.

Roger graduated from the University of North Carolina and had graduated from Medical College at Cornell University the year before.