May 13, 2009 MR 09-06 [Georgetown, DE]- According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, “National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's front line.” This year, Sussex County EMS will celebrate National EMS Week from May 17-23 with several events honoring the EMS providers of Sussex County.
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, an event to honor those EMS providers lost in the line of duty during 2008, will travel from Terrytown, New York to the National EMS Memorial in Roanoke, Virginia. On May 18, 2009, EMS Memorial Bike Ride will travel through Delaware for the first time, passing through New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County. Two ceremonies are planned along the bike route that day to recognize Stephanie L. Callaway and Michelle Newton Smith, who were both killed in the line of duty in 2008. At 2 p.m., there will be a brief ceremony on Legislative Mall in Dover. Speakers will include Lt. Governor Matt Denn and Steven Blessing, Director of the Delaware Office of EMS. The second ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the historic Georgetown Circle at 5:30 PM. The featured speakers include David Page from the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Glenn Luedtke, Director of Sussex County EMS, and David Baker, Sussex County Administrator.
During the ceremony in Georgetown, traffic will be re-routed around the circle, which will be closed from 4 PM to 7 PM on May 18, 2009.
On Tuesday May 19, 2009, the Sussex County Council will celebrate EMS week by proclaiming May 17-23, 2009 EMS Week in Sussex County recognizing the Paramedics of Sussex County EMS and the Fire Department and Rescue Squad EMT’s who serve our community every day.
On Saturday May 23, 2009, representatives of Sussex County EMS, including the Sussex County EMS Honor Guard and County Administrator David Baker, will travel to Roanoke, Virginia to participate in the National EMS Memorial Service which will honor all EMS providers lost in the line of duty during 2008, including Stephanie and Michelle.
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