Honorees

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Year Honored
2003
Honoree
Andre R Lahens
Agency
New York City Fire Department - Bureau of EMS
Agency City
New York
Agency State
NY
Last Call
4/26/03
Cause of Death
Ambulance Involved MVC
Biography
One must ponder the question why a good person, great EMT, good father to four children, a devoted husband, who gave so much to the community, had to die early in life. To be cut down by a drunk driver while en route to help save a life makes one question. However, because of his commitment to his faith, all were called on to celebrate this man's life. Andre had lived a life worth celebrating.<br /> <br /> Andre Robert Lahens, 47, of Roselawn, lost his life on April 26, 2002 as the result of injuries he received on April 18, 2002 when a drunk driver hit his rescue vehicle. Lahens and his partner were on their way to a call of a police officer down because of a bullet wound. The driver of the van ran a stop sign and plowed broadside into the ambulance. Andre was ejected from the rescue vehicle, receiving massive head and stomach injuries. He was transported to Brookdale Hospital where he remained unconscious and on a respirator until he surrendered to his injuries and died.<br /> <br /> EMT Lahens was a decorated 25-year veteran of the NYFD in the Emergency Medical Services Division of Battalion 39 located in Brooklyn. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for the ?pre-hospital saves' he performed. Lahens served as a provisional Lieutenant from 1994-1995. His wife is also a member of the department.<br /> <br /> He loved tennis and he loved to teach it to others who wanted to learn how to play. In his spare time, he ran a free tennis program at Springfield Park for the community. He taught tennis skills at York College City Park Foundation and at the New York Tennis League. He loved baseball and was a die-hard Yankee fan. This led him to a job as umpire for the Latin League. You could make sure Andre was always doing something, always something good.<br /> <br /> Honored 2003