Final Words

Now we are on our way back to Maine. Last night’s memorial service was again a very moving one. To see each of the inductee’s photographs, to read how they died, and to see the young families that were affected was tough. To each of their families I would like to say thank you! God appointed your father, mother, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandfather, grandmother, cousin or friend to the most honorable calling on this earth. To save lives, comfort another, encourage another, touch another, and heal their pain is a privilege that we sometimes take for granted. After seeing the effects of the loss of your loved one, I will never view EMS the same. I am honored to be a part of your extended family.

To Debbie, Jamie, and Ed Murawski…Your positive outlook, your sense of humor, and kind words toward Joe are heartfelt and encouraging. If a tragedy like this ever happened to one of my family members, I would want to influence others the way you have influenced me. It is obvious that you loved Joe very much and you have made it very clear that Joe was a servant with a big heart. Joe will live on in you, and because of you, his memory will remain within me and the other EMS memorial bike riders.

Jamie, in the short period of time that I have known you, I can’t help but to think how proud your Dad must be of you. You are a beautiful, intelligent, strong, caring person. He and your Mom have obviously raised you right. I can’t help but to think how things would be for my daughter if I were to be killed in the line of duty some day. I have no idea of what it will be like in Heaven, but I know that if I had any control, I would plead with God to allow me to watch my children grow up.

On the flip side, it is obvious how proud you are of your Dad. I too am proud of him. Your Dad was having a heart attack and still cared for his patient until his backup arrived. If I were that patient, or that patient were one of my family members, I would be forever grateful. Your Dad gave, so that patient could live. He is a role model for all of us emergency medical technicians. I will never forget your family. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

To Amy, Adam, and Josh Parsons…I am proud of you for your courage this weekend. You were a great example for other sons and daughters who lost a parent in the line of duty. Your strength, courage, and love and admiration for your Dad are evident. Your love and admiration for each other is also evident. You are blessed to have each other.

I look forward to getting to know you and your family better. I wish I would’ve had the opportunity to get to know your Dad face to face, but because of this Memorial Bike Ride and the Memorial Service, I feel as if I know him now. What Allan accomplished on this earth and what he has taught you and others will live on. God bless you all!

To John and Sally Parsons…We feel for your loss, but we are honored to celebrate Allan’s life with you. I can see where Allan got his sense of humor and his kind heart. You are wonderful people and I am honored to know you. Thank you for all the good that you have contributed to this world. You have made it a better place for me and my family to live.

To the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride board…Great job! Thank you for keeping us safe on the ride and for your efforts to make sure the inductees were honored appropriately. Your hard work, sleepless nights, and dedication did not go unnoticed. I would also like to echo these comments to all of the support staff.

To Rod, Ben, and Carl…It was a privilege to ride with you and to stand beside you while honoring our fallen brothers and sisters. Great job! Lets do it again next year.

I will miss all of the riders, but I know this year will fly by and we’ll be meeting in NYC to do it again soon. To the family of Police Officer Ken Baribalt (sp?)…Ken is in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to believe that God is going to heal him. (For those of you that don’t know, Ken was struck by a drunk driver in the line of duty during the week of our ride. He apparently suffered a traumatic brain injury. Ken, his wife and young children are from New Jersey).

Stay safe everyone! - Blaine Rackliff

Memorial Service Day – Day 8

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This day is probably the most somber day of the week. Although along the way the group shared individual stories about their lost friends, tonight we sat in the church and saw 73 EMS providers receive recognition for the ultimate sacrifice they all made. There will 73 representatives, either family members, co-workers or an EMS figure walk to the podium and receive a US flag that has flown over the Capitol, a white rose and a oak leaf medallion (the oak leaf represents strength). We saw wives, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends in there sadness, for they have lost someone so close to them.

The church was filled with 400-500 people – all to take time to remember. At the end of the service, all uniformed EMS providers were asked to leave the church and line up outside to receive the family and friends. What a sight to see over 200 EMS providers lined up in their different uniforms – there to share the sorrow and loss. Then the rest of the church filled out and stood in front of these providers – seeing there new friends, seeing the appreciation of for allowing them to share a moment with them and there lost one.

The day is over, but no one will be forgotten. Unfortunately, we will be back next year to ride again – to ride to remember …..

To all my riding friends – thank you – you are all the best, you are all my friends, you will not be forgotten …. And I will see you next year ….

Day 7 – Lexington to Roanoke, Virginia

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Wow – we get to sleep in an extra hour this AM – on the rode at 8am. It was a nice ride through the rolling hills of Virginia – touring style. Most of the trip was a different route than last year – except for today. The biggest problem for me was knowing I had to bike up this one big hill coming into the Natural Bridge. I made it – not without talking to Allen (even using a few choice words) – Thanks for the help Allen – I hope you got a kick out it. Yes – I had to sag out for a few miles due some mechanical issues, but after a few adjustments from Dr Ted, I continued on. We all rode into Salem, VA to wait for the Kentucky riders. About 24 of us rode out a couple of miles to meet them and we all rode back into Salem. There we all rested and got ready for the final leg into Roanoke.

We all lined up at 5:30 pm for an escorted final ride. We were 60+ strong, lined up 2x2 parade format with police, ambulance and fire escort – lights and sirens a blasting. We had great escort coverage so we didn’t have to stop for any of the lights or intersections – what a sight – all those blue biking shirts lined up, moving in unison.

I thought I could handle the emotion of riding into Roanoke. As we rounded the corner and rode into the Roanoke Hotel parking lot, we were greeted by a couple of hundred people, including inductee family members, EMS providers, fire fighters and friends. All was well until I met up with the Parson’s family – yup – tears rolled down my face with the memories of working with Allen ---- Allen – I hope we did you well.

The end of the ride is both happy and sad. I can get off my bike and not have a sore rear end for a while, but it means the end of being with old and new friends. It’s odd – you look for the end of the ride but then you look forward for next year’s ride. All that I spoke to say they’ll be back – they’ll be back to honor their friends and co-workers – even the one’s they personally don’t know. I’ll be back …..

The 600-mile ride was shorten to 550 miles – twice we were pulled off the course due to rain and safety issues. I figured I rode about 320 of those miles – I rode up the hills, down the hills, along the straights, in the rain, most of into 20-30 mph winds (never a tail wind). We saw some awesome country, we spent time with each other, telling and hearing stories about our places of work, the people we work with and mostly the people we are riding for. I am the fortunate one – because I can ride … and I will ride again … to remember …

To my team mates – thank you. To all my rider friends – you all rock. I consider you my family and I will always have the memories of riding with you and not forget how you all have touched me -- see you next year. Be safe - Carl

Day 6 – Skyland to Lexington

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What a beautiful morning. Up at 5:30 am (again) – it’s a pretty morning here at the top of Skyland Drive in the Shenandoah National Park at 3510 feet elevation– it’s a mere 42 degrees with a little 30 mph breeze. Today’s ride is 107 miles to Lexington, VA. We all decide to bundle up in our winter clothes for the long descent from the top of Skyland Drive (Blue Ridge Mountains). We start the ride, which is supposed to be a 2,500 ft descent – warnings about keeping speed in check, watch the switch backs, watch the gravel, keep your knees in & tight, don’t over heat your breaks and watch for animals. Oh, ya – we had a bear/car collision last night. So we start in groups of 25 for the descent – of course they forget to tell us about the few (?) climbs we have to make also. What a beautiful ride down the mountain. It was cold going downhill but warm when we had to climb. I saw one bear cross the road in front of me and a couple of deer standing at the side of the road – probably trying to figure out what I was doing. The descent went smoothly – no accidents – no one off the road. Clothes come off in Elkton and the ride continues. We all sagged out for a time or two – my ride was 74 miles. I wish I could have made the whole ride but my ass was just to damn sore to continue on.

We had a wonderful dinner from the Fairfield Rescue Squad – mmmm – Southern Fried Chicken. WE are all getting ready for the final push to Roanoke – just a short 70 miles away. We will be meeting the Kentucky group about 8 miles out of Roanoke. We all join up and ride in together – there should be bout 80 bikers riding in with heavy escort from EMS units (local & away), Fire and Police. We will ride the last 8 miles in 2x2 parade format and will not stop for anything on the way in – all intersections will be blocked – and there will be heavy media coverage. It’s a site to see and especially experience.

I have reacquainted with many friends from last year’s ride and met many more from the new riders of this year. I consider all these people to be close friends – we have ridden together, we have consoled each other through the remembrances of fallen friends/co-workers, we have helped each other with the pains and struggles of the ride and we have laughed and cried as we get to know each other better.

I’ve asked fellow riders of how they found out about the ride – and there are varied answers – but the one thing that is constant is they all love the ride (pain and all) and all say they will be back next year.

My friends – we ride one more time tomorrow – for each other and to remember those that are no longer with us …. Thank you all for your friendship and encouragement ….

Day 5 - Manassas to Skyland

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Virginia presented us with some familiar terrain (except for the frost heaves). The rolling hills and open pasture land not only tried my legs and stamina but give me the time to reflect on what this ride and EMS week. You get to think a lot when you’re at the back of the pack. I’m feeling so lucky to have the opportunity to participate. To be able to honor our brethren and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice while selfishly providing life saving aid - most of the time to complete strangers and to know that all who read this support us in our endeavors.

As I rode today my mind wanders to my EMS family. Did I tell them how proud I am to work along side of them? Was I there for them as much as they were for me in times of hardship? For you are all my family. Some times you are the annoying little sister/brother. I just want to yell that (but will stand by your side through the worse call). Some time you’re the older wiser one whose respect you have as much as any father to son relationship and of course every EMS family has a MOM who keeps us on the straight and narrow should we feel the urge to wander (yes - Cynthia you will always be MOM). We fight like children at times but when the tone is alarmed we work as well oiled machines in the interest of our patients. So my EMS family, I carry you in my thoughts on this adventure and I hope I am in your thoughts as well.

I rode past cow and horses (yes Jennie, I scored a horse picture for you). Although I have to admit the lama farm brought a smile to my face, I was thinking Oh god don’t let MAKK see this. I’ll have lama in the back yard at home. Another mile, Dave Matthews and I ride on (except that minute I took for a slipped chain) with the wind to my back and the sun to my face - I wonder if Allen is questioning my sanity from above or is he honored as I ride in his name. I wear his name proudly on my bike for even though I knew him only briefly - he is still my EMS brother and I miss him very much, as I’m sure we all do.

Tomorrow is another day but they tell me it’s all down hill (they tell me that everyday). I carry all of you in my heart and know you will help push me over the hills to Roanoke. I love you all (even though I don’t say it as much as I should)

Michaela - I love you for without your believing in me I am nothing.

Kilroy was here

Way to go Blaine and Ben - awesome mountain climbing

Day 4 - Annapolis, MD to Manassas, VA

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Today did not start off to well. I woke up to rain … and … I received a phone call at 5:45am from one of our support people. NorthStar EMS-1 was broken into during the night. Someone smashed out the passenger front window and took the GPS (Gretta) and the cell phone. It also happened to the Blacksburg unit. So we spent the better part of the morning figuring out how to get things fixed and get back into the ride. Also, because of the morning rain and safety issues, everyone was bussed to the first rest stop. The local media caught wind of the vandalism and was at the first rest stop to cover the story. Included are several links regarding our misfortune:

News Clip-1
News Clip-2
News Clip-3
News Clip-4 with Video
New Clip-5 with Awesome Video Report

We had another Memorial Service at the Capitol Heights FD for one of their own. You can’t imagine the emotion at each of these memorial services. We are 60+ riders from 23 states and Ireland that ride to member those that have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving up their gives servicing the people from their local communities. Most of us have never met these folks, but we stand and listen with the deepest sorrow as the family, friends and co-workers speak of the life of one of their own. And when you look around, we are shedding a tear and consoling each other – because we also feel the loss.

Team Maine leaves EMS-1 in the hand of the Support Staff to continue the ride. We do the window fixed – and a local glass company donates the windows and labor – as his way of thanking us for what we are doing.

On the way to Washington, DC under police escort, we ride in parade format. All the intersections are blocked as we ride to Senate Park, across from the Capitol Building. There had to be legislature passed to allow us to be in Senate Park for a Memorial Service. Team Maine had the opportunity (pre-arranged) to visit with Senator Snowe. We received a mini tour of the Capitol Building, rode the underground subway and met With Senator Snowe – photo op and all. We stressed to Senator Snowe the importance of legislation HR-3822 that set up death benefits for EMS providers (hospital base & volunteer services), similar to what’s in pale for fire departments. Senator Snowe was presented with a National EMS Memorial Bike Ride wrist bracelet. A staff photographer was on hand for a photo op – signed pictures to be forwarded at a later date.

When we came out of the Capitol Building our group was gone (we have to keep to the schedule) – so with a few phone calls and some logistical planning, we rejoined the group for the rest of the day – some of us sagging out for a stretch or two to rest the sore muscles.

But, no matter what obstacles we face, not mater what road blocks we come to (vandalism), no matter the weather, no what pain we are in ... we ride to remember ....

Day 3 - Wilimington, DE to Annapolis, MD

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Tough day today for the NorthStar Team. The ride was supposed to be a 85 mile ride from Wilmington, DE, to Annapolis, MD. The morning ride to the Chesapeake City FD went well – Carl, Blaine, Rod rode the ride without problems – Ben sagged out and drove EMS-1. The first leg was in parade format (2x2 in a tight (?) group peddling at about 10-12 mph. It’s tough to ride in parade format due to being held back – and with a lot of stop and go. PD escorted us and had all the intersections blocked for our travels. There is a lot of backing from the EMS community down here and they are proud to pave the way for our travels and show their support for our cause and goals, which are:

Raising public awareness about line of duty deaths and disabilities in the EMS profession is a primary goal of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, but there are additional objectives, which focus on preventing such tragedies from occurring in the first place.

What are those objectives for injury and accidental death prevention?

• We believe all EMS professionals are entitled to work in an environment in which their safety and health are a top operational priority.
• We believe all EMS providers should receive disability and death benefits on par with police officers and firefighters.
• We believe volunteer EMS personnel should receive insurance that will cover them in the event of injury, illness or disability while providing EMS services.
• We believe the occupation risks to EMS personnel must be protected through investment in research of occupational hazards and increased safety training and equipment.
• We believe there is a need for a national tracking of injuries, near misses and line a line of deaths of EMS providers.

Additionally, EMS is a physically demanding profession and the bike ride is a good way to promote healthy lifestyles for EMS providers. (From PIO Steve Berry)

The rest of the ride was tough due to the 20-30 mph head winds (and sometimes side winds). This got us behind schedule so it was decided to drop a leg and get bused to Annapolis for Memorial Service and State recognition of the Bike Ride’s goal. It’s amazing to se the outpouring of support form the local EMS & Fire Stations, the local and State government to recognize and support the EMS community and to bring attentions to those EMS providers that have died in the line of duty.

We will keep on moving south to Roanoke, maybe not peddling every mile – but no matter how we cover the miles – we will be remembering those that we are riding for and support each other through all the pain, whether it’s from memories or the body aches.

We meet new and old friends – and we will keep on riding - Today 46 miles

PS - Why do we need an escape hatch on the Bike Trailer (Blaine ??) ??