National EMS Memorial Service Releases Names of 2003 Honorees

Oilville, Virginia - The National EMS Memorial Service today released the names of the 31 individuals to be honored at the 2003 National EMS Memorial Service to be held Saturday, May 24, 2003 in Roanoke Virginia.

The National EMS Memorial Service has, since 1992, been honoring those EMS providers who have given their lives in the line of duty. The 17 individuals being honored this year join 252 others, honored by the National EMS Memorial Service in previous years.

Each year, at a service held in Roanoke, members of the honoree's families are presented with a medallion, symbolizing eternal memory; a U.S. Flag which has flown over the Nation's Capital, symbolizing service to the country; and a White Rose, symbolizing their undying love.

The 2003 National EMS Memorial Service will be conducted at the Calvary Baptist Church, Roanoke, Virginia.

In addition to the presentations made during the Service, each honoree's name is engraved on a bronze oak leaf which is added to the "Tree of Life", the Permanent Memorial on exhibit at the "To the Rescue" Museum in Roanoke.

Maurice V. Barry of Port Authority Police Department of NY and NJ of New York City, NY, who died in the line of duty in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

James Kirby Blanchard of Hennepin County Medical Center EMS of Minneapolis, MN, who died in the line of duty of a heart attack while treating a patient on December 11, 2002.

Kelly A. Conti of University Hospital Medevac/STAT Medevac of West Mifflin, PA, who died in the line of duty in an EMS helicopter crash on January 18, 2002.

Robert Shawn Ervin of Jefferson County EMS of Madras, OR, who died in the line of duty when struck at the scene of a motor vehicle crash by a truck on January 1, 2002.

James D. Geiger of Defiance Fire and Rescue Division of Defiance, OH, who died in the line of duty of a heart attack returning from an EMS call on February 19, 2000.

George G. Howard of Port Authority Police Department of NY and NJ of New York City, NY, who died in the line of duty in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Stephen Huczko Jr. of Port Authority Police Department of NY and NJ of New York City, NY, who died in the line of duty in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

John Farley Hunter of Allen