The National EMS Memorial Service Moving Honors Procession is Coming to Montana
Pay Your Respects to the EMS Heroes Who Paid the Ultimate Price in Billings on Saturday, June 7
By Denise Rivette
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services announced today that American Medical Response Billings will host a ceremony for the National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS) and Weekend of Honor "Moving Honors" procession. The annual tribute pays respect to our EMS heroes across the nation who were tragically killed in the line of duty, giving their lives while helping others. They request that the community please join them as they honor the 29 fallen as the procession stops at the Freedom Memorial in Billings on the morning of June 7 on its multi-state journey to Arlington, Virginia.
There are seven Montanans listed in the NEMSMS Honoree Directory and a brief biography for each can be accessed by clicking on their names below.
Kenneth M. Lemanski, Cascade Farmer Ranger City Volunteer Fire Department, Cascade
Michael Ray Nordmark, Three Rivers EMS, Columbia Falls
Darylnne Day, Powell County EMS, Deer Lodge
Melissa Gerese Greenhagen, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital STAT Ambulance Services, Glasgow
Vince L Kirol, Benefis Healthcare Mercy Flight, Great Falls
Darcy L Dengel, Benefis Healthcare Mercy Flight, Great Falls
Paul J Erickson, Benefis Healthcare Mercy Flight, Great Falls
Excerpts from the biographies of the Benefis Mercy Flight crew from Great Falls who lost their lives on February 6, 2007
Vince had great faith; he stated that when you fly so close to the heavens, you are one with the skies. Even though Vince lost his life falling from the skies his faith was always with him, and those close to him know it was a comfort when he knew death was near.
Darcy was a person that lit up a room with her presence, and she was known for her laughter. She spent many hours working with Camp Francis, a camp for grieving children and was a medical educator for the Drug Endangered Program.
Paul loved his life, his work, and he had a true compassion for people. He knew early on what he wanted to do with his life, and went after it. He loved flying, even marrying his beloved wife in a helicopter.
The purpose of the National EMS Memorial Service is to remember and honor those emergency medical services providers who have died in the line of duty and to recognize the ultimate sacrifice each made. NEMSMS have requested agencies in the state submit the names of any members of their communities who should be added to the roll. To be considered to have died in the “line-of-duty” and eligible for recognition, an individual must have died as a direct result of his/her service as an EMS provider. For specific criteria, please visit RECOGNITION CRITERIA. EMS providers who have died in the line of duty can be nominated HERE.
Billings National EMS Memorial Service
When: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Where: Freedom Memorial, 10th Avenue N and N 25th Street, Billings
Arrival Time: 8:30 a.m.
Event Time: 9:00 a.m.
Please see the links below for more information on the National EMS Memorial Service and their stop in Montana.
The National EMS Memorial Service is an all-volunteer effort.
The executive body of the Memorial Service are its Board of Directors who direct the day-to -day operations. The Board is supported by a national network of regional coordinators and other dedicated volunteers who serve on various committees and journey each year to assist in the production of the Service.