Honorees

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Year Honored
2011
Honoree
John Sutter
Agency
Southwest Med Evac
Agency City
Las Cruces
Agency State
NM
Last Call
2/5/10
Cause of Death
Medical Aviation Accident
Biography
When John received his certification, he became the youngest paramedic in the state of New Mexico. His coworkers called him "Baby Doc" because of his age, and he was even asked, on more than one occasion, if he was old enough to fly in helicopters. However, John was the consummate professional. Patients and coworkers quickly learned that he took his profession quite seriously and had the abilities and knowledge of more senior caregivers. Not only was he a CCEMT-P, the highest certification for a paramedic, he also taught up-and-coming EMS professionals. John was also an active volunteer fire captain and reserve police officer.<br /> <br /> John was very devoted to his family and friends and enjoyed motorcycling. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word. As a family man, John was very excited about the upcoming birth of his son. When in conversation it would usually turn from whatever subject to that of his wife, Stephanie, and soon-to-be-born son. Outside of work he was a Mason, holding the sublime degree of Master Mason.<br /> <br /> John, along with pilot William Montgomery and paramedic Anthony Archuleta, was killed while on a two-day training mission at Fort Bliss just outside El Paso, Texas. The Med Evac helicopter they were operating in was on approach to land when it is believed the craft caught fire and crashed.<br /> <br /> Honored 2011