Last Updated: July 29, 2025
The National EMS Memorial Service recently honored 29 courageous EMS providers from across the nation who died in the line of duty while serving their community. Leadership and staff from the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) attended this ceremony to pay tribute to those who dedicated their life to service, including Virginia honoree Randolph Breton, Clinical Education Manager with AMR Physicians Transport Services.
VDH Chief Operating Officer Christopher Lindsay led the pledge of allegiance, and was joined by State EMS Advisory Board Chair and Founder of the National EMS Memorial Service Kevin Dillard, who lit the memorial candle. Additional OEMS staff in attendance included: OEMS Director Dr. Maria Beermann-Foat, EMS-C Project Director and EMS Systems Funding Michael Berg, Director of System Optimization and Central Shenandoah EMS Council Regional Director Daniel Linkins and Division Director of Emergency Operations and Rappahannock EMS Council Regional Director Wayne Perry.
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride is also hosted in collaboration with this special weekend of honor. The riders visited the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad, in the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System council region, where they were welcomed with a special lunch and recognition ceremony for the honorees. The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride’s mission is to honor EMS personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties and those who have died in the line of duty. Learn more at: www.nemsmbr.org.
The National EMS Memorial Service commemorates the ongoing commitment, service and sacrifice of the nation’s EMS providers killed, injured or disabled in the line of duty, and honors all who continue to serve. Learn more at: National EMS Memorial Service.
