Starke County EMT Mike Wilcox, Jr. was one of 36 fallen first responders honored and remembered during the 32nd Annual National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service Saturday, July 20 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.
Mike Wilcox, Jr.’s last call was August 5, 2023 when the ambulance he was driving was responding to a call when a vehicle entered the intersection at 800 S. and 700 E. in Starke County and hit the ambulance. The accident claimed his life.
Starke County EMS Director James Garner asked the commissioners for permission to travel to attend the service during their meeting Monday, July 15 which was unanimously approved. Garner said it was a very humbling, somber service.
Garner noted that the Supporting Heroes organization has taken care of all involved after the accident occurred and made sure the families could attend the service. According to their website, the organization members respond as quickly as possible to line-of-duty deaths in the service area which includes Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri and provide emergency funds and other assistance to the family as needed. They also provide essential information to the family and offer guidance to agency leaders.
Mike’s name has been added to a traveling memorial called the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life is a representation of an oak tree, symbolizing strength. The name, agency and date of loss of each National EMS Memorial Service honoree is engraved on a bronze oak leaf, which is then added to the Tree of Life.
A bicycle ride was held prior to the memorial service from Boston to Washington, D.C. where volunteers carried the names of the fallen first responders on dog tags to be presented to the families.
With the first anniversary of Wilcox’s last call Monday, August 5, a public candlelight vigil is planned at dusk that evening at the Starke County EMS base on Main Street in Knox. Donations have been given toward the installation of a concrete slab for a memorial, a bench, and a plaque at the site. Bianca Rose and the Northern Indiana Community Foundation have also been instrumental in providing funds and more toward the effort. The public is welcome to attend the evening service and tell stories and have a moment of remembrance. A private service will be held earlier in the day.
