An ambulance has been donated to Radisson’s first responders in memory of a young boy killed in a tragic accident in Radisson last year.
The ambulance is being donated by Crestline Coach Ltd. out of Saskatoon. It is being donated in memory of Ethan Manson, who was killed in March 2015 in a train accident. Ethan was the son of one of Crestline’s employees.
Crestline Coach Ltd. is involved in ambulance and specialty vehicle manufacturing and supplies small to mid-sized buses.
In their news release issued June 28, the company indicated they felt they had to do something.
“The tragic loss of a young life profoundly impacts all those who were touched by the family's loss including the tight-knit work family here at Crestline,” said Steve Hoffrogge, president and CEO of Crestline Coach, in a statement.
“The decision to donate the ambulance has allowed all those involved an avenue to do something positive that will in some small way keep the memories of Ethan present as the ambulance plays a key role in helping those at times when they are most vulnerable.”
The ambulance is much needed for the town of Radisson, which has a fire department with firefighters and first responders, but no ambulance.
According to Crestline, they and M.D. Ambulance saw an opportunity to get involved and do something positive for the community.
Their plans were kept quiet from the Manson family until last week when they were informed the donation was taking place.
A plaque with the inscription “Vehicle donated by M.D. Ambulance and Crestline Coach in memory of Ethan Manson” is being mounted on the interior of the ambulance, and the words are decaled on the outside. Ferno Canada donated a stretcher.
“MD Ambulance was honoured to partner on this project with Crestline in memory of Ethan Manson. Rural first responder groups are an important link in the Chain of Survival in pre-hospital care in the surrounding communities that MD Ambulance responds to,” said Gerry Schriemer, chief of EMS, M.D. Ambulance.
“We continue to look for ways to support these groups and felt that donating this ambulance in memory of Ethan will help Radisson first responders provide the essential pre-hospital care needed prior to our arrival.”
“There are not enough words to explain all the benefits this unit will provide for our department, community and passersby on the highway with respect to safety, reliability and efficiency,” said Radisson fire chief Jack Werezef in a statement.
“As a volunteer department, to fundraise for something as wonderful as this would take us years. This gift and the meaning behind it is greatly appreciated and like our memories of Ethan will never be forgotten.”
