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More than a dozen Paramedics from as far away as York Region cycled 100 kms across Essex County Saturday in honour of their fallen colleagues and to raise money for a national memorial commemorating those who have died in the line of duty.
They spent more than four hours in the saddle, but the journey took longer than that since they stopped at ambulance bases along the way and also at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Amherstburg, where a ceremony was held for Paramedic Russ Ransome, who was killed in a plane crash while transporting a patient off Pelee Island in 1989.
“It was a moving experience and it was an honour,” said Essex Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter, who knew Ransome and who took part in the ride.
“It was a great tribute to Russ and the rest of the fallen and for their families to understand that we haven’t forgotten, that they are still in our memories.”
Saturday’s ride was one of 32 Paramedic Ride events being held across the country this year to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation.
Sixteen cyclists, including eight from Essex-Windsor EMS along with Paramedics from York and London-Middlesex, departed from Windsor’s Festival Plaza about 8:45 a.m. and finished their journey about 5 p.m. at Point Pelee Park in Leamington. There, they scattered 52 roses on Lake Erie, one for each Paramedic whose name is etched on the memorial bell that accompanied the cyclists on their ride.
“It meant a lot to finish in Point Pelee, the southernmost point of mainland Canada,” said Krauter. “From coast to coast to coast, we remembered the fallen.”
The support from Windsor and Essex County residents who saw the Paramedics cycle by and honked and waved was humbling, said Krauter, adding that the visiting paramedics were impressed with the trails, pathways and stunning waterfront views along the cycling route.
“They commended Essex County on the bike routes and CWAT trails,” said Krauter. “We should be proud of what we have for active transportation here in Essex County.”
The hope is to make the local ride an annual tradition, said Krauter, cycling the north shore next year and eventually the north and south shores on one epic memorial ride.
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