| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2012 | |
| Honoree | |
| Matthew Pellettere | |
| Title | |
| EMT | |
| Agency | |
| River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service | |
| Agency City | |
| River Edge | |
| Agency State | |
| NJ | |
| Last Call | |
| 1/16/11 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| On-duty Cardiac | |
| Biography | |
| He was always happy with a positive attitude and an infectious smile. Matt was employed as a teacher's aide who loved children. People would describe him as dedicated and inspirational not only as a teacher but, as a coach, father, husband, and friend. His abilities as a basketball coach were legendary according to the people of Paterson, where he grew up and worked. His drive was his children, his students, the players he coached in basketball and football, the athletes in the Special Olympics, and he had a love for children that everyone could see.<br /> Matthew had another love that drove him too. That love was a love for his community and the people in it. He gave up coaching basketball to become a volunteer EMT with the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service. Being a probationary member, the ambulance corps was a family affair. His in-laws also serve in EMS. Like in everything else he did, Matthew went beyond the call of duty all the time.<br /> <br /> On the morning of January 16, 2011 the River Edge Volunteers were activated and Matthew responded to the ambulance corps. Not knowing that Pellettere was on the way, members responded to the call without him. When they returned from the call, members tragically discovered 37-year-old Matthew unresponsive in the driveway. Immediately the crew began resuscitative efforts and transported him to an area hospital. Matthew was later pronounced dead despite the efforts of the crew and the hospital staff.<br /> <br /> Matthew devoted his life to helping others, and his legacy will live on as the members of his ambulance corps have organized a group fitness program that anyone in the emergency services in the area can participate in. At a memorial service a speaker said; "A child needs a positive influence. Parents try to be that. Teachers try to be that. The cop on the corner tries to be that," he said afterward. "Mr. Pellettere was that, and kids can learn from it."<br /> <br /> Honored 2012 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
