Honorees

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Year Honored
2008
Honoree
Tim McKeown
Agency
Mat Su Medical Transport
Agency City
Wasilla
Agency State
AK
Last Call
9/1/06
Cause of Death
On-duty Cardiac
Biography
He was a medic to the end. McKeown was administering oxygen to the patient in the ambulance when he collapsed. He loved life and took it very seriously, he had a real knack for helping people in need. Everyone at Mat-Su Borough feels the loss; his shoes are big ones to fill, "stated Vardeman, deputy director of emergency services for the Mat-Su Borough EMs. .<br /> <br /> Tim McKeown, 67, of Wasilla, Alaska, died in the line of duty on September 1, 2006. He was en route to Talkeethna to help a person with a malfunctioning pacemaker when he passed out. Medics on the scene gave McKeown CPR but could not revive him. He died of natural causes.<br /> <br /> Mr. McKeown had been an active responder since 1998 for Mat-Su Borough EMS. He was a strong advocate of new technologies and techniques for the borough's medics. McKeown was the supply officer for District 5 and took the job seriously, making sure the ambulances were well stocked.<br /> <br /> He is a fixture in this department, he will be missed, he was a good man," said Carol Johnston, ambulance chief for District 5.<br /> <br /> His wife, Virgie, along with his son and daughter, are all Emergency Medical Responders.<br /> <br /> Honored 2008