PAX Centurion - May / June 2013

Page 42 • PAX CENTURION • May/June 2013 617-989-BPPA (2772) Thank you Pittsburgh EMS! O n Sunday May 5 th the men and women of Pittsburgh EMS staffed the 24 th annual Pittsburgh Marathon. Just 20 days after the terrorist attack here at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Surely the Medics who showed up for work that day had the recent events in Boston weighing heavily on their minds. I know, having spoken to a few of them in the days leading up to the event, that they were all carrying extra tourniquets, Blood clotting agents and triage tags, just in case.You can bet each and every one of them gave their loved ones an extra special hug & kiss before they went off to work that day not knowing what they were going to be confronted with. Our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh not only went to work that day, ready to respond to whatever might happen….They did so for FREE. Each & every medic working the Pittsburgh Marathon this year donated their entire day’s pay to the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombings. In addition, Pittsburgh Medic units throughout the city and its neighborhoods while on duty were out in force collecting donations to fill sharps containers to benefit the victims of the Boston bombings. As a further show of support, all members of Pittsburgh EMS who worked the marathon did so wearing Boston EMS Ball Caps (see pics). The President of the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics (FAPP Local 1) TonyWeinmann said “Donating our wages to the victims of the bombing is a way for our members to show we support the people of Boston as they continue to recover and heal from this terrible incident. Wearing the Boston EMS Hat is a way for our members to show the men and women of Boston EMS that we stand with them during this difficult time.” The total amount raised and donated by the members of FAPP Local 1 was well over $10,000.00 The men and women of Pittsburgh EMS embody everything that is good in human nature. I cannot think of words worthy enough of the praise these good folks deserve. All I can say is THANKYOU! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of your brothers & sisters at Boston EMS, on behalf of the victims and their families and on behalf of the people of Boston. We will never forget your selfless acts of generosity. In Unity & Strength, Tony O’Brien