Honorees

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Year Honored
2002
Honoree
Joseph N Sherman
Agency
Loudoun-Fairfax Ambulance Service
Agency City
Sterling
Agency State
VA
Last Call
3/16/01
Cause of Death
Ambulance Involved MVC
Biography
Neal, instead of securing himself at the onset of the crash, threw his body on that of his patient in an attempt to ensure the man's safety. What more can you ask of any person, what more could you expect from a very unselfish emergency medical technician?<br /> <br /> Joseph "Neal" Sherman, 25, of Loudoun-Fairfax Ambulance Service of Sterling, Virginia died as a result of an ambulance crash on March 16, 2001. He and his crew were on a routine patient transport when the accident occurred. The ambulance struck a guardrail, which sent it catapulting through the air, rolling four times, and coming to rest on its roof. Neal sustained injuries from an oxygen tank that broke loose and hit against him during the rollovers. The young EMT died instantly from multiple skull fractures and brain trauma.<br /> <br /> Mr. Sherman began his career as a volunteer for Tower 2 Fire Department. He later moved to Stafford County and served as an EMT for Aquia Harbour Rescue Squad and Firefighter for Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, Company 2. In 1999, he became a full-time EMT with Professional Ambulance Service in Annandale, Virginia. He advanced his EMS goals and obtained his EMT-CT certification in August of 2000. In January of the following year he began his career with Loudoun-Fairfax Service; during this time Neal kept his part-time volunteer positions.<br /> <br /> Neal dedicated his entire adult life to serving others while seeking his EMS education. He made the supreme sacrifice by safeguarding the life of his patient. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and daughter, Ashleigh Neale Sherman.<br /> <br /> Honored 2002