Paramedics finish final leg of memorial ride

Jun 12, 2017 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — B.C. paramedics were wrapping up the inaugural BC Paramedic Memorial Ride this evening (Jun 12).

Paramedics rode from Osoyoos to the Honour Ranch near Heffley Creek over four days. 

Today was the final stretch of the nearly 400 km journey, with the cyclists aiming to raise money for a national paramedic monument in Ottawa honouring those who have died in the line of duty. 

“I’d say we still (have a) long way to go,” said paramedic and ride organizer Lindsay Kellosalma. “I believe it’s a couple million dollars just to get the monument built, so it’s a big number. We have to cycle a lot to get that fundraising goal.”    

The ride started five years ago in Ontario, but it’s the first time this province has been involved. 

While the paramedics are riding for the construction of a monument located far from home, the cause is close to their hearts. 

“Paramedics are people and humans at the end of the day,” Kellosalma said, “and paramedics or any first responders deserve to go home at the end of the day to their families. Seeing our brothers and sisters that don’t make it home is really emotional, and (we) never want to see one more person or one more family have go through that.”