VIDEO: Dozens gathered Sunday for a memorial service in Copake, honoring EMS professionals who have died in the line of duty across the country, including the first active EMT in Columbia County to pass away, Stephen Walsh. โCompassion is possibly one of the most admired qualities a human can have,โ said P.J. Keeler, EMS Coordinator of Columbia County. โIt means you care about people, you have empathy, you are selfless, and you want to help others. Steve was that kind of person.โ Stephen Walsh died on Nov. 16, 2024, in the line of duty. Claussen Raught Community Rescue Squad Operations Supervisor Peter J. Doty said Walsh was responding to a cardiac arrest call with his partner just moments before. โThey came back to the building and Steve wasnโt feeling well and Steve then in turn went into cardiac arrest himself,โ said Doty.
