Paramedics proud to honour fallen soldier

DURHAM -- “It’s the least we could do,” said Dave Mokedanz of Durham EMS, as he followed behind other emergency vehicles in the procession from Trenton Air Base.
    
Durham EMS was just one of many paramedic services to travel to Trenton on Friday to pay respects to one of their own.
   
Cpl. Michael Starker was killed Tuesday when a Canadian foot patrol was ambushed in Zharey district outside of Kandahar.
   
Cpl. Starker was not only a reservist but also a paramedic for the City of Calgary.

25 vehicles lined the bridge leading to the Highway of Heroes as the procession from the repatriation ceremony at Trenton Air Base passed by en route to Toronto.
   
In total, 11 different emergency medical services from across the province were represented, including a member of Calgary EMS.
   
Joanna Pollock was in the Ottawa area when she heard that her co-worker had been killed.
   
“It definitely hits home,” Ms. Pollock said. “Back in Calgary, there’s a lot of people who are really broken up about it. We all really appreciate the show of support.”
   
As the procession passed through Durham region, it was clear the support from paramedics wasn’t just felt in Trenton.
   
There was an ambulance at almost every bridge over Hwy 401.
   
Advanced care paramedic Murray Martin waited at the Harwood Avenue overpass.
   
“We won’t forget,” Mr. Martin said. “We’re here to honour him.”
   
Mr. Mokedanz left the procession as it drove past Whites Road in Pickering.
   
It was important for him to have Durham EMS escort Cpl. Starker through Durham region, he said.
   
“Toronto will take care of him now,” Mr. Mokedanz said as he began to exit the highway. “We just wanted to make sure we could properly show support to the family of Cpl. Starker while they’re driving through.”