EMS Memorial 

In 1998, the United States Congress, through concurrent resolutions of the Senate and House of Representatives, designated the National EMS Memorial Service be held annually, as the Official EMS Memorial Service in the United States.

The purpose of the National EMS Memorial Service is to honor those emergency medical services personnel who have died in the line of duty and to recognize the ultimate sacrifice they have made for their fellow man. During the service, a family member or agency representative will be presented with a United States flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol denoting the honoree’s service to their country, a white rose representing their undying love, along with a medallion signifying their eternal memory. As part of the service, each person being recognized will be represented by their state flag that is carried by an Honor Guard.  After the last name has been read there will be a moment of silence, followed by a last call and the playing of taps. 

The names of those who are honored appear at the National EMS Memorial “Tree of Life".

Pre-hospital providers are killed every year in the performance of their duties.  An oak “Tree of Life” honors the memory of these emergency medical service personnel.  On this tree are bronze leaves with the individual names of those who have died in the line of duty.  The oak leaf has historically been accepted as a symbol of strength, valor and solid character.  All are common characteristics of these honored men and women.  

In 2011, the Pennsylvania EMS Provider Foundation (Foundation) held the first annual EMS Memorial Service to honor Pennsylvania's brothers and sisters.  The name of each honoree is read followed by the ringing of the bell every year.  The honorees date back as far as the National EMS Memorial Service records have provided and are not limited to the current year.

The Foundation will host an Annual EMS Memorial Service at the Capitol building on September 10, 11, or 12, whichever date fall on the Monday following the PA EMS Memorial Bike Ride.

We honor the following Pennsylvania EMS providers who have lost their life in the line of duty and service to the residents of this Commonwealth.