Annual EMS memorial ceremony in Albany will honor the lives of fallen emergency medical professionals

Albany, New York – On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Empire State Plaza in Albany will become a place of solemn remembrance as state officials, emergency responders, families, and community members gather to honor the ultimate sacrifice of New York’s Emergency Medical Services professionals. The Annual EMS Memorial Dedication Ceremony, set to begin at 11 a.m., will recognize five brave EMS workers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024.

The event will take place between the Capitol and The Egg, where the symbolic Tree of Life memorial stands—etched with the names of fallen EMS professionals. Since its establishment in May 2004, the memorial has recognized 125 EMS providers who died while serving others.

State leaders and members of the EMS community will come together to remember these individuals whose daily work often involves confronting life-threatening emergencies with courage and compassion. Among those speaking will be Johanne Morne, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health. She will be joined by David Violante, Chair of the New York State EMS Council, as the two lead the wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial.

Read also: RIT takes a bold step in international education by launching a new academic location in Tirana, Albania

“This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of our EMS providers,” said Morne. “Their commitment to saving lives, often at great personal risk, deserves our deepest respect and continued recognition.”

The event will include a formal presentation of colors by the New York City Fire Department Color Guard, and a moving musical tribute performed by the department’s Medical Services Pipes & Drum Band. These ceremonial traditions have become a hallmark of the memorial event, offering both dignity and reflection as loved ones and colleagues pay tribute.

The ceremony is not only for those in uniform. Families, friends, and members of the public are encouraged to attend, offering their gratitude to the individuals who rushed toward danger to help others.

Read also: State Police respond to evening two-vehicle crash that caused traffic delays in the town of Colonie

“For every name on the Tree of Life, there is a family, a station, and a community that still feels the loss,” said Violante. “This memorial is our promise that they will never be forgotten.”

This year’s ceremony also continues the tradition of livestreaming the event to allow those who cannot attend in person to participate in honoring these fallen heroes. The livestream is available through the New York State Department of Health.

As EMS Week is observed nationwide, the Albany memorial serves as a reminder of the real and selfless risks taken every day by emergency medical professionals. On Tuesday, the state will pause, reflect, and give thanks to five more names added to a legacy of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.