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Toledo Council honors first Fire & Rescue paramedics on 50th anniversary
Summary
Council adopted a resolution recognizing the 24 pioneers who began Toledo's advanced life-support paramedic program in 1975; speakers included surviving members and council leaders who recounted the program’s origins and legacy.
TOLEDO, Ohio — The Toledo City Council on May 20 adopted a resolution honoring the first 24 Toledo firefighters who were trained as paramedics in 1975, marking the 50th anniversary of the city’s advanced life-support program.
Council President Hartman and other members praised the pioneers for establishing a program that now provides advanced life support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The council adopted Resolution 199-25 to recognize the group’s contribution.
A surviving representative of the original cohort told the council, “There are 24 of us that started, and there are 11 of us still alive,” and thanked the Toledo Fire Division and Chief Armstrong for support in planning a three-day reunion. He also said members were grateful to see colleagues they had not seen in years.
Councilwoman Morris thanked the group for their service and invoked the long-term impact of their work: “You may just think you answered the call, but you answered a really big call.” Councilman Cerrantes described improvements in station facilities and praised the pioneers’ courage working “under very difficult conditions.”
The resolution was adopted by roll call; councilmembers invited attendees to a photo after the formal proceedings.
Ending: The council’s recognition commemorated the program’s 480 hours of training at its origin and the ongoing role of paramedics in city emergency response.
