Columbia News

U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Chris Coons (D-DE) have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at reauthorizing the National Emergency Services Memorial Foundation. The legislation would allow for the establishment of a national memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated to honoring emergency medical services (EMS) professionals for their work and sacrifices.

Senator Schmitt emphasized the dedication of EMS workers: “EMTs and paramedics in Missouri, and across the United States, work tirelessly during emergencies, often putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. Thanks to this legislation, our emergency medical service providers will have a well-deserved national memorial that reminds the public of their commitment to service and honors those who have died in the line-of-duty.”

Senator Coons highlighted the role of EMTs as first responders: “Every day, emergency medical technicians are the first line of support when lives in their communities are in danger, sometimes throwing themselves into dangerous and deadly situations to begin treatment. These first responders deserve to be commemorated in our nation’s capital, and I’ll continue to work to ensure that the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial is completed. This bipartisan bill would mean that EMS organizations have the time they need to build a memorial worthy of them, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it into law.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

Several organizations expressed support for the measure. NAEMT President Chief Chris Way said, “NAEMT commends Senator Schmitt and Senator Coons for introducing legislation to reauthorize the EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. The permanent creation and placement of the National EMS Memorial should remain a top priority for all of us, elected officials and EMS leaders alike. Much like our fire service and law enforcement colleagues, honoring those who died in the line of duty, in service to others and their communities, with a proper memorial is the least we can do to pay appropriate respect to these heroes. I urge you to join me and my fellow EMS professionals in supporting this incredibly important project. Let’s make sure we never forget the ultimate price paramedics, EMTs, and other EMS personnel have paid by honoring their ultimate sacrifice.”

Jamie Pafford-Gresham, president of the American Ambulance Association (AAA), stated: “The American Ambulance Association sincerely thank Senators Coons and Schmitt for reintroducing legislation to reauthorize the National EMS Memorial in our nation’s capital. Paramedics, EMTs and other EMS professionals provide vital and often lifesaving 9-1-1 emergency and interfacility medical care to our communities and we should properly acknowledge their profession.”

Scott Cormier, president of IAEMSC, commented on extending legislative authority through November 3, 2032: “The proposed extension of this legislative authority through November 3, 2032, represents both a timely and vital step toward ensuring that the courage, compassion, and sacrifice of our EMS professionals are permanently recognized in our nation’s capital. EMS clinicians—often the first to respond in times of crisis—have long stood as unsung heroes within the public safety community. Their commitment to saving lives in the face of disaster and danger merits a place of national remembrance alongside our fire and law enforcement counterparts.”