Retired Aurora firefighter paramedic dies battling COVID-19 in NYC
A retired medic with the Aurora Fire Department has died in New York of COVID-19.
Paul Cary, 66, a paramedic with Ambulnz who volunteered for assignment to New York, died in the line of duty, said Stan Vashovsky, CEO of the ambulance services provider, in a statement.
Heartbreaking news. Today we learned of the passing of retired Fire Medic Paul Cary. He spent more than 30 years with our department serving his community as a firefighter and a paramedic. He will be remembered as an EMS provider who gave his all to care for others.
— Aurora Fire Rescue (@AuroraFireDpt) May 1, 2020
Cary had served with Aurora Fire Rescue for 32 years, said Sherri-Jo Stowell, a fire department spokeswoman.
“Paul’s career is best defined by his kindness and service to others during his time as a paramedic … and before that as a Firefighter/Paramedic” in Aurora, the Ambulnz statement said.
“The Ambulnz family is devastated by the loss,” Vashovsky said. “Paul made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and will forever be remembered as extremely dependable and completely devoted to his work.”
Cary had been in ICU on a ventilator at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx when he died.
“I mourn the passing of Paul Cary along with our AFR family. I did not have the honor to serve along with him, as he retired before my arrival in 2017, but I can assure you that his sacrifice and service will not be soon forgotten and his family is in my thoughts and prayers,” said Aurora Fire Chief Fernando Gray.
Cary is survived by two sons and four grandchildren. His family has requested privacy during their time of grief.
Details on a memorial service are forthcoming.
The #DenverFireDepartment sends our thoughts & prayers to the family & friends of Paul Cary who passed away from the effects of #COVID19 after volunteering to help others in NYC. Brother Cary was a firefighter & paramedic of more than 30 years with the @AuroraFireDpt. #RIPPaul pic.twitter.com/9agGihdxXK
— Denver Fire Dept. (@Denver_Fire) May 1, 2020