Monday, January 17, 2011

** BC artist to dedicate print to memory of medics killed in October ambulance crash

** Former New Jersey EMT/firefighter killed in Afghanistan

CANADA NEWS

** A well known BC artist has decided to dedicate one of his prints to the memory of two provincial paramedics killed in a n October 19th ambulance crash near Tofino. The Westcoaster (January 14) said Roy Henry Vickers will officially unveil ‘Frank Island’ on January 22. Members of the BC Ambulance Service will be present to pay tribute to the memory of Ivan Polivka, 65, and Jo-Anne Fuller, 59. The two died after their EMS unit plunged over a cliff and into Lake Kennedy. The print, which shows a setting sun highlighted by flocks of geese, is intended to show the change of seasons. A one time medic himself, Vickers said he was acquainted with both Polivka and Fuller, the latter of whom strongly supported the Eagle Aerie Gallery.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Flags in Bordentown, New Jersey have been ordered lowered to half mast after a former EMT/firefighter died in Afghanistan last Wednesday. The Bucks County Currier Times (David Levinsky/Matt Chiappardi/January 14) said Army Private First Class Ben Moore, 23, was killed after the vehicle he was riding in hit an improvised explosive device (IED). According to the newspaper, several other soldiers from his Fort Drum, New York based unit perished with Moore. Called an outstanding citizen by the town’s mayor, Moore began working Fire/EMS as a 16-year-old volunteer just after 9/11. Known as a jokester, he had been elected lieutenant by the time he enlisted. Funeral services are pending.