Antwerp EMS Regroups after Tragic Crash

ANTWERP, OHIO -- Nearly 3,000 people -- including EMS and fire personnel from around the country -- turned out in this small village on Friday to honor three EMTs killed in a fiery crash that also claimed the lives of two patients.

Sammy R. Smith, 64, Heidi McDougall, 31, and Kelly J. Rager, 25, volunteers with Antwerp EMS, were killed July 20 in the collision with a semi that also claimed the lives of their patients, Robert R. Wells, 64, and Armelda Wells, 60, of Hicksville.

Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the ambulance crashed into the rig, rupturing its fuel tank. The emergency vehicle then burst into flames.

Matt McDougall, 31, the acting president of Antwerp EMS, was hurt in the crash that claimed his wife's life. He was released after treatment at a local hospital.

The funeral for the fallen heroes was held in the gym at the community school. "We've never seen anything like it," said Randy Shaffer, who is taking over McDougall's job for the next few months.

"There were pipers, and honor guards from everywhere. The FDNY EMS pipers were here. The Allen County (Ind.) sheriff's office provided a motorcycle escort. Three helicopters did flyovers. The procession stretched for more than four miles."

Shaffer, who also is the emergency management director in Paulding County, said the turnout and overwhelming offers of support showed the community just how tight the brotherhood of emergency services is.

The volunteers took only a few days off, and went back to answering calls last Tuesday. A few have said they need some more time before they climb back into an ambulance, Shaffer said.

The group met nightly for several days after the crash to prepare for the memorial service and grieve. Counselors are still available to help members cope with their loss.

Shaffer has assumed McDougall's duties as acting EMS coordinator. "This is just a temporary thing. I said I'd help out for about 90 days or so."

Since he took over, he's been busy coordinating with the insurance agents and compiling a list of supplies.

The New Haven Adams Township Fire and EMS in nearby Indiana has offered to loan Antwerp an ambulance. "We have three, one of which is a reserve. We called them, and made the offer," said EMS Chief Ed Lytal. "We're only 15 minutes away. All brothers and sisters in the fire/EMS service are close."

Lytal said the BLS-equipped rig should be parked in Antwerp's station by Thursday afternoon.

Shaffer said he's still working on a list of supplies needed to stock a new ambulance. "Right now, I'm up to $29,000, and that doesn't include a cot. We also want to replace the monitor defibrillator with a new 12-lead."

Local hospitals in Ohio and Indiana have indicated they may help Antwerp purchase an ambulance. However, Shaffer said no formal talks were underway.

Lytal also was impressed by the large turnout for the funeral service. In addition to EMS and firefighters, there were many law enforcement agencies represented including troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and deputies from many jurisdictions in and out-of-state.

"It was a fitting tribute. I hear the pipers from different groups were tight even though they practiced together for only 10 minutes prior to the service."

Shaffer added that the community is still reeling from the tragedy.

A special team trained by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sent members to assist with various tasks including helping to plan the memorial service.

The Local Assistance State Team (LAST) operates through the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, said Bill Wilkins, the coordinator.

"We don't go in to take over. We offer our assistance, and they invited us to participate," he said, adding there are many details to tend to when a line-of-duty death occurs.

The team operates under the incident command system, and assigned people various tasks prior to and during the service. They included someone to handle honor guards, pipers, apparatus and personnel.

Wilkins, who also is fire chief in Oregon, Ohio, said the LAST members also help the families with the paperwork involved to apply for benefits.

So far this year, the Ohio LAST crew has assisted with seven line-of-duty funerals, four more than during 2006.

The NFFF received a Department of Justice grant to establish LAST response units in every state.

The LAST team has been instrumental in Charleston following the deaths of nine firefighters. They remain involved in coordinating counseling services for survivors.