By Greg Fry

Paramedics cycling their way to Kamloops

Jun 7, 2018 | 2:19 PM

KAMLOOPS — Forty paramedics from around the province are busy cycling their way to Kamloops to help raise money to build a monument in Ottawa.

The four-day Paramedic Ride is one of several across Canada and the goal is to raise money for a monument that would commemorate those paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Over the past 30 years, 10 paramedics in B.C. have given their lives while at work.

“Currently there’s a fallen firefighters, a fallen police officers and a fallen law enforcement memorial in Ottawa but there currently isn’t one for paramedics and of course we thought that wasn’t right,” says Dave Deines, ride spokesperson and provincial VP of the Ambulance Paramedics of BC. “And in order to change that we need to raise about a million to two million dollars to get that monument built and that’s what this ride is doing.”

He says the monument will provide a place where family, friends and colleagues can remember their loved ones and honour the dedication and sacrifice of all paramedics who have lost their lives.

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The ride — which started this morning in Osoyoos — wraps up at around 4:00 p.m. this Sunday at Riverside Park. Following the finish, a ceremony and buffet dinner will be held featuring an address by Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian.

Deines says they’re hoping to raise enough money to build the monument by 2023. If you’d like to donate to the cause, click here.