June 18, 2009 MR 09-09 [Rehoboth Beach, Del.] – A fallen paramedic lost in the line of duty is still a part of the Sussex County Emergency Medical Services family, even if in spirit – and now in name – only.
On Wednesday, June 17, 2009, family, friends, co-workers, and members of the emergency services community gathered near Rehoboth Beach, Del., to dedicate Sussex County EMS Paramedic Station 104 to the memory of Stephanie L. Callaway, who was killed in the line of duty in a 2008 ambulance crash. The brief ceremony at the Lewes-Rehoboth area station honored Paramedic Callaway on the one-year anniversary of her tragic death, the first line-of-duty loss in Sussex County EMS’s nearly 20-year history.
As part of the station dedication, a plaque memorializing Paramedic Callaway’s sacrifice and new sign displaying her name were unveiled. Station 104 is now formally named for Paramedic Callaway.
During the dedication, Sussex County EMS Director Glenn Luedtke spoke about how Stephanie brightened the lives of everyone she touched, whether they were patients, colleagues, friends or family. “In dedicating this station to her, we honor her memory and her legacy, so that those who will see this sign or work in this station will remember how very lucky we were to have known someone so very special,” Director Luedtke said.
Sussex County Administrator David B. Baker said naming the station in Paramedic Callaway’s honor will forever keep her spirit among those who follow in her footsteps and carry on her service to the community.
“Stephanie courageously served the county, saving the lives of others before hers was tragically taken on the job,” Mr. Baker said. “She displayed an excellent level of dedication and commitment to the community that all of our EMS staff demonstrate daily; for that she will always be remembered and deeply missed.”
###