Ford Presidential Foundation honors retired police officer who served on E-Unit
In honor of last week’s National Emergency Medical Services Week, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation paid tribute to a retired Grand Rapids Police Department officer, Bob Wildman, one of the first officers assigned to the department’s E-Unit team in 1971, as a level three emergency medical technician. Wildman was honored for his dedicated service to the city of Grand Rapids during a virtual commemoration ceremony.
In 1974, President Gerald R. Ford signed a proclamation observing the work of the nation’s Emergency Medical Services and the need to increase EMS services.
During the virtual ceremony, Joseph Calvaruso, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, presented a framed copy of the original 1974 proclamation to Wildman, which in part stated, “Each week more than a thousand Americans die as a result of accidents, heart attacks, and other medical crises because emergency medical assistance is not available.”
“President Ford recognized the great lifesaving efforts of those who serve and protect, including police officers, EMTs and first responders,” said Calvaruso.
“We want to honor Mr. Wildman as one of the first law officers in the city of Grand Rapids who had a dual role as a medical technician.
“Thank you for your service, not only for your sacrifice and dedication as a patrol officer protecting our city, but also as a medic who served to save lives onsite of an incident.”
Wildman was part of the first team of GRPD officers who were the city’s first specially-trained medical technicians when the program launched.
In addition to his role as a police officer, Wildman drove an E-Unit patrol car that was specifically outfitted with medical equipment in order to provide onsite medical care.
“I am honored to receive this special commemoration,” said Wildman.
“I accept it on behalf of all of us who served at that time to provide emergency services to the city of Grand Rapids.”
The virtual commemoration honoring Wildman can be viewed at geraldrfordfoundation.org.
The 46th annual National EMS Week ran May 17-23 to honor the dedication of those who provide day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's frontline.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/subscriptions
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
