Working Heaven's Streets

Well, the last 2 weeks have been full of anger and sadness. On May 22, my co-worker and friend was hit by a drunk driver while he was on his way to work. It sent a shockwave through the company. What a surreal event, to have one of your own be on the other side of the call. He was stopped at a light at 0600 when a drunk driver slammed into him at 80 mph, catapulting him into the cars in front of him causing severe head trauma. From the beginning we knew his recovery was questionable at best. There was just so much damage done, so fast, that it's amazing he even was alive when EMS arrived on scene. It's disgusting to me that someone could do this. Especially someone that had 3 previous DUI charges and a suspended license. The guy even tried to run! Fortunately there was an off duty officer that witnessed the accident and chased the guy down.

I've known Jon Bowers for almost 6 years now. We were never good friends by any means, but we were co-workers doing the same thankless job we all know and love. He was a good man, doing all the right things, and he lost his life at the young age of 31. The last time I saw him was just 3 days before the accident. He was my relief at work and was so kind to me. He offered to restock my ambulance from the calls that day so I could go home and see Sydney before bedtime. Who knew that would be the last time I would see him? Well, not the last. I visited him in the hospital the day after the accident. Unconscious, on a vent, drainage tube sticking out of his head. My parnter and I could barely keep the tears back. That was hard.

After fighting a long battle, Jon never regained consciousness and passed away on Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. Today was his funeral. He's working Heaven's streets now. God speed friend.



EMT-I Jonathan McKay Bowers
September 29, 1979- May 30, 2011

Last Call
* * Tones * *

Gold Cross Dispatch to EMT- Intermediate Jonathan Bowers.....
Gold Cross Dispatch to EMT- Intermediate Jonathan Bowers.....
Attention all Gold Cross personnel and other listening agencies. There is no response from EMT-Intermediate Jonathan Bowers....
EMT Intermediate Jonathan McKay Bowers answered his last call on May 30th 2011, and has been reassigned to The Lord's Unit of Heroes.
Jon, we thank you for your service, selflessly working to better the lives of the sick and injured, your compassion, dedication and professionalism will not be forgotten.
Your new duties will be to watch over your family, EMS community, and mankind.
You have been released to make your final journey home.
Gold Cross Ambulance clear 1347.

 



THE FINAL INSPECTION

The paramedic stood to face their God, which must always come to pass.
They hoped their boots were shining, just as brightly as their brass.

"Step forward now, Paramedic. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?"

The paramedic squared their shoulders and said, "No Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who save mens' lives can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough.
Sometimes it seems I'm heartless, because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep.

I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept so many tears.

I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.

If you've got a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much, so if you don't...I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the saints often trod.
As the paramedic waited quietly, for the judgment of their God.

"Step forward now, Paramedic. You've borne your burdens well.
Come work a shift on Heaven's streets - you've done your time in Hell."

Author Unknown