NYC Will Memorialize Volunteer Colorado EMT Killed By Coronavirus

NEW YORK CITY — New York will not forget Paul Cary, or any of the volunteer paramedics who rushed to the city at the novel coronavirus crisis's peak and lost their lives for it, Mayor Bill de Blasio vowed Friday.

“We needed all hands on deck and Paul Cary is one of the people who came,” de Blasio said Friday. “Paul gave his life for us and we’re going to honor him.”

De Blasio promised Cary’s family a “special memorial” to honor the 66-year-old Colorado man, who died after a weeks-long battle with COVID-19, during his daily press briefing.

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Cary, a father of two sons and grandfather of four, signed up for temporary reassignment to New York City in March after FEMA released its call to action, according to a statement from his employers.

Cary’s family, who have requested privacy, released a statement to The Denver Channel.

"Our family grieves his loss, and knows that all his friends and family will miss him greatly," Cary's family said.

"We are at peace knowing that Paul did what he loved and what he believed in, right up until the very end."

(Photos courtesy of Ambulanz, used with permission)

Cary spent 30 years with the Aurora fire department before joining Ambulanz, a private company that provides ambulatory services, the company said.

“Paul made the ultimate sacrifice for his country," the Ambulanz statement reads. "And will forever be remembered as extremely dependable and completely devoted to his work."

Cary was taken on April 21 to Montefiore Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, where he was put on a ventilator and later died, Ambulanz confirmed.

“It’s very painful, it’s heroic, it’s something we honor,” said de Blasio. “He clearly saved lives while he was here.”

More information about the memorial was not immediately available, but an Ambulanz spokesperson said, “We’re very humbled and honored that the city is planning to do that."

An Ambulnz Memorial Fund has been organized to provide college tuition for Paul’s four grandchildren.

Those who wish to contribute should email Ari Matityahu at Ari.M@ambulnz.com for more information.

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