| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2012 | |
| Honoree | |
| Alan L. Unger | |
| Title | |
| EMT | |
| Agency | |
| Inwood Township EMS | |
| Agency City | |
| Cooks | |
| Agency State | |
| MI | |
| Last Call | |
| 3/6/11 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| On-duty Cardiac | |
| Biography | |
| Alan was a man who lived his life helping his neighbors. It didn't matter if it was restoring power to someone's home, shutting off power for the fire departments at a structure fire, working for the residents of his township, fighting a fire, Red Cross or Good Neighbors work, or working in the ambulance, he was delighted when he could help people in need. He always asked, "Can I do anything else?"<br /> He was born March 12, 1947 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He graduated from Weyauwega High School in Weyauwega, Wisconsin and later served in the Wisconsin National Guard. Al was employed by the Wisconsin Electric Company and later the Edison Sault Electric Company as a lineman. He retired in 2009 after 42 years of service.<br /> <br /> When the Township of Inwood needed fire and EMS services, Alan was instrumental in organizing both the Inwood Township Volunteer Fire Department and Inwood Township EMS. He served as the town's fire chief and as an EMT. As well as being a volunteer firefighter and EMT, Alan also volunteered with the American Red Cross, the Schoolcraft CERT and MRC, and the Good Neighbor Services. He served on the Schoolcraft County Medical Control Board and worked with the Schoolcraft Emergency Operations Center as well.<br /> <br /> Al was always busy and had a zest for life. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, trapping, and going to camp. He also enjoyed skiing, racing outhouses (yes, outhouses), gardening, and camping. Most important to him was the time he was able to spend with family.<br /> <br /> On March 6, 2011, Alan, along with his wife, Janice, and a driver, responded to a call for a person having a stroke. They treated and loaded the patient for transport and continued care on the way to the hospital. While en route, Mr. Unger collapsed unresponsive between the captain's chair and the stretcher. Janice made numerous attempts to free Alan and the crew radioed for assistance. Upon arrival at the hospital, numerous EMS crews and hospital staff met the ambulance. Resuscitation efforts began immediately, and Alan was moved to the ER where care continued unsuccessfully.<br /> <br /> Honored 2012 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
