Robert Metzler joined SAVES in 1988 after he retired as a senior master sergeant with the New York Air National Guard. His death leaves a void hard to fill at the volunteer corps. Metzler's wife, Carol said, "He worked from six in the morning to six at night, some retirement, huh?" Robert touched a lot of lives and enjoyed giving back to the community. The corps chief of operations, Peg Porter said "Not having Bob is going to hurt, he gave us a lot of hours, he was a very sweet person, he's going to be greatly missed." Metzler had stepped in and worked extra shifts whenever needed.<br />
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Metzler worked as a certified first responder and became an EMT in 1990. In 1992 he was named "SAVES" member of the year. He also held the office of treasurer, and was the supervisor of vehicle maintenance.<br />
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Robert Metzler, 61, was driving a patient to a local Syracuse Hospital when he suffered a heart attack, and went into full arrest. The ambulance hit a utility pole on March 8, 1993. He was the first SAVES attendant to die in the line of duty.<br />
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He is survived by his wife, Carol Metzler, four sons, three daughters, ten grandchildren, and other family members.<br />
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Honored 1999 |