Category: Honoree

“Carol gave her life doing what she loved to do and, out of this tragedy, there comes a painful recognition of the tremendous hazards an EMT faces each time a call is answered,” Mayor Dominique Thornton wrote in her proclamation. “We, the people, acknowledge the dedication and commitment of Emergency Medical Technicians in an honorable profession whereby life and death decisions are made in the course of a day’s work”.

“Carol Gillooly, 30, of Rockfall, Connecticut was killed by a drunk driver on September 2, 1989. Carol and another emergency worker were on a call to transport an elderly patient back to his convalescent home in Colchester. The team was on their way from Middletown, when the ambulance was struck head-on by another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. On impact, both vehicles became engulfed in flames. All perished for the exception of emergency worker Jose Aguilar, who was disabled after a lengthy rehabilitation.

Mrs. Gillooly lost her life on her last day of orientation before starting regular duty as an EMT for Hunter’s Ambulance, located in Meriden, Connecticut. She was employed in the Physical Therapy Department at the Middlesex Memorial Hospital. Fourteen years later, Ms. Gillooly and EMT Bill Lawton were honored during the Hunter’s Ambulance 14th annual Golf Classic.

“In the City of Middletown, we honor her and remember this fallen comrade,” Mayor Thornton wrote, “On behalf of the citizens of Middletown, I wish to extend to her family our appreciation and gratitude for her services in her young and fair life.””The tournament sent an important message out about drunken driving,” said Carol’s brother, Rich Garboski, “and it keeps her memories alive.

Honored 2003