| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 1997 | |
| Honoree | |
| Robert A Burch | |
| Agency | |
| Southside Rescue Squad,Inc | |
| Agency City | |
| South Hill | |
| Agency State | |
| VA | |
| Last Call | |
| 6/22/96 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| On-duty Cardiac | |
| Biography | |
| The community at South Hill had worked hard to be on the route for the Olympic torch relay as it moved from Richmond, Virginia to Raleigh, North Carolina. So, despite the 95-degree weather, the mood was festive as the onlookers lined up along the relay route on June 22, 1996.<br /> <br /> Rescue Squad Chief Robert "Bobby" Burch was on dutyat Dogwood Triangle Park with a rescue unit to assist anyone who might develop a health problem. Bobby Burch ended up being that someone; he collapsed at the park while suffering a massive heart attack and was pronounced dead at Community Memorial Health Center. The retired Virginia State Police trooper was 41.<br /> <br /> "Bobby was so active; the town has really been affected," said Midge Shipley, president of the South Hill Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Burch volunteered in a number of capacities at the Southside Rescue Squad. He was a paramedic, EMT instructor and was acting as executive coordinator of the Squad at the time of his death.<br /> <br /> Bobby had been instrumental in developing the emergency 911 service for Mecklenburg County and was serving as chairman of the Mecklenburg County 911 Advisory Committee.<br /> <br /> He is survived by his wife, Debby, son Justin, sister Terri Palmer, brother Jimmy Burch and stepdaughter, Billie Jo Gwaltney.<br /> <br /> Honored 1997 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
