Paul loved his life, his work, and he had a true compassion for people. He knew early on what he wanted to do with his life, and went after it. He loved flying, even marrying his beloved wife in a helicopter.<br />
<br />
Paul J. Erickson, 33, of Great Falls, was killed in the line of duty on February 6, 2007. Mr. Erickson died in a plane crash near Boseman, Montana while on a medical mission. The team was on a transport flight when it crashed into the mountains, the cause was due to "dark night meteorological conditions.".<br />
<br />
Paul had worked for Great Falls Fire and Rescue as a paramedic/fire-fighter since September 2000. He was a member of the Great Fall Police Departments S.W.A.T. Team as a paramedic, and worked as an emergency room and Mercy Flight Paramedic for Benefis Healthcare. He had previously worked as a paramedic for Montana Community Ambulance and as an EMT Basic for Belt Valley Volunteer Department, and for the Blue Star and Big Sky Paramedics Ambulance Service.<br />
<br />
Mr. Erickson was honored by having a stretch of U.S. Highway 89 named after him. During his early years with the Belt Valley Fire Department, he drove 18 miles of that highway many times. "It is a beautiful road most fitting to honor Paul," stated his father. He also has a scholarship named in his honor that will benefit EMTs pursuing a career as a paramedic.<br />
<br />
Honored 2008 |