Pennsylvania Paramedic Stricken on Duty

Kline DeWire was one of those people who touched people beyond his Pennsylvania community.

The paramedic, who also made his mark as a veteran EMS and fire instructor, died Monday at Williamsport Hospital.

During shift change on Sunday, DeWire complained of chest pains. As the Susquehanna Regional EMS is based at the hospital, he was rushed into the emergency department, just feet away from his office.

Diagnosed with an aneurysm, he was rushed into surgery. He died early Monday morning.

"There are not enough words to describe him or the impact he had on people nationwide," said Donna Snyder, regional EMS training coordinator.

"He was just phenomenal, one of those people who lit up the room when he walked in," she said. "He loved life. He loved people."

DeWire traveled three times to areas damaged by Katrina to assist. His first assignment was as a member of a search and rescue team. Later, he returned with his church.

Snyder said in addition to the EMS and fire community, DeWire was dedicated to his family and church. He spent countless hours in the kitchen at the school.

DeWire had been a fire and rescue instructor with the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy since the '80s teaching everything from basic fire classes to rescue and Hazmat. He also taught a variety of EMS courses including basic and advanced trauma life support.

He was a founder of the Technical Rescue Task Force 80 and the Lycoming County Decon Task Force. DeWire also was an active member with the Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1.

DeWire has been a volunteer with Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department for the past 28 years, holding a variety of offices.

Chief Steve Stiger said personnel were meeting Wednesday afternoon to complete memorial service plans. More information will be posted from him when it becomes available.

A special viewing for fire and rescue personnel is being held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Watsontown Alliance Church, 1165 8th Street Drive, Watsontown, Pa.

Additional visitation will be held from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. Thursday, and from 9-11 a.m. on Friday.

Funeral services will be held at the church on Friday at 11 a.m. Departments planning to attend are asked to contact Lycoming County Department of Public Safety at (570) 433-4461.