St. Charles County, MO, Medic Receives Final Salute
Hundreds filled the Cathedral Basilica to honor a St. Charles County paramedic who died of complications after suffering a heart attack while on duty.
Lt. Sarah McCarthy was lauded for her dedication to the community including her work on a dedicated team of paramedics who work closely with special needs pediatric patients and their family members, KSDK reported.
McCarthy suffered chest pains while on duty in November. She was taken to a hospital and suffered a setback on Dec. 4. As she did on a daily basis, she continued to save lives -- as an organ donor.
She died Dec. 9.
Dozens of ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles with their lights flashing escorted her to the Basilica.
"I've heard so many stories the last few days about things I I never knew she did. I thought I knew everything about her, but I learned I am only a part of her story. I knew I had an angel beside me every day. I didn't know how much of an angel," her husband, Chris, told the crowd at her funeral.
Fellow medic Shawn Buescher remarked: "The speech that I made is not really made for this building. And that's a shame, because it incorporates her absolute favorite word to use on duty," he said, looking up at the ceiling.
Some of the stories shared brought smiles and laughter.
Loss is always heartbreaking. But loss around Christmas seems especially painful.
Father Leo Spezia said: "When you hear Silent Night this Christmas and you hear the line 'sleep in heavenly peace,' know that's a miracle that has already happened for Sarah."
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.