This year, the tenth anniversary of the (Tour) Paramedic Ride was marked by a special ceremony in Arnprior.
About twenty Paramedic cyclists started the local journey Wednesday (September 20th) at the Paramedic Base in Arnprior, heading to Burnstown Beach, Pakenham, Fitzroy Harbour and back to Arnprior for the closing ceremony at the Park some 93 kilometres later.
The ride holds a very special place in the heart County of Renfrew Paramedic Service Chief Mike Nolan as he was instrumental in helping start the ride 13 years ago when he was the president of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada.
Nolan spoke to the group at the afternoon ceremony where the Ontario Paramedic Memorial Bell rang 50 times followed by a moment in silence for colleagues who have died in the line of duty.
He also noted that while the event mourns the loss of colleagues, but is “also a commemoration, as it relates to mental health and the challenges that paramedics who are working today face every day.”
The ride raises money toward the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Foundation, which has a goal of $5 million to construct a monument in Ottawa.
The Tour Paramedic Ride is a not-for-profit organization and more information can be found on its website: www.tourparamedicride.ca.
By Rick Stow
