The National EMS “Moving Honors” tribute made a meaningful stop in Knoxville today as part of its cross-country journey honoring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who have died in the line of duty.

Local and national leaders, community members, and first responders gathered for a solemn ceremony that included a presentation of colors by the Knoxville Fire Department Honor Guard, reflections from EMS leaders, and an opportunity to view the Tree of Life memorial —a visual tribute bearing the names of fallen EMS professionals.

“EMS professionals dedicate themselves to saving lives every day, often at great personal risk. Nearly 30 years ago, we founded the National EMS Memorial Service to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. It’s especially meaningful to bring this tribute to Knoxville, the corporate home of Priority Ambulance, and to honor the memory of EMS heroes. We lost a Priority member several years ago.  Supporting Moving Honors and remembering those we’ve lost is both our privilege and responsibility,” said Kevin Dillard, President of LifeCare Medical Transports, a member of the Priority Ambulance family of companies, and Founder of the National EMS Memorial Service.

Speakers included Kevin Dillard, founder of the National EMS Memorial Service, Reverand Middlebrook, City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, and Megan Haverkamp, the crew chief for the Moving Honors Memorial. The ceremony brought together representatives from fire, police, EMS, and local government, reinforcing the shared commitment to public safety and the value of remembrance.

The Moving Honors procession began in Riverside, California. It will conclude in Arlington, Virginia, on July 18, where the Tree of Life will be unveiled during the National EMS Weekend of Honor. The initiative highlights the ongoing efforts of the National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, and the National EMS Memorial Foundation to build awareness and establish a permanent EMS memorial in Washington, D.C.

To learn more about the Moving Honors program or to contribute to the memorial effort, visit:
www.national-ems-memorial.org
www.nemsmbr.org
www.emsmemorial.org