National EMS Memorial Service Honoree

	Allan W Bragwell Air Evac Lifeteam West Plains, MO

The procession made its way down the street, the song "I Believe I Can Fly" radiated from speakers for all to hear. The streets were lined with people standing silent, honoring the lead ambulance as it passed. One of the community's most respected men had lost his life trying to save another. He often made the comment "the faster we get to the patient and get needed help, the more likely we are to save a life.".

Allan Bragwell, 40, of Florence, Alabama, lost his life in the Line of Duty on December 30, 2007. Bragwell and two team members of Air Evac Lifeteam were killed when the helicopter they were riding crashed and caught fire in the thick woods of the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management area in Colbert County, Alabama. The helicopter crew was on a search mission for a hunter who had become lost after dark. The team had located the man, and was hovering over the location when the accident occurred.

Mr. Bragwell was a paramedic for 18 years, employed by Helen Keller Hospital for 17 years and a part-time flight medic for Air Evac Lifeteam for the past five years. He also served as a volunteer paramedic for the Underwood-Petersville Volunteer Fire Department and was the interim director of Helen Keller EMs. "It was a privilege to know Allan Bragwell, his drive and willingness to help others was unmatched by anyone. He leaves a tremendous legacy," said David Gardner, area manager for Air Evac Lifeteam. "He was a super nice guy," stated police officer Lee Smith. "I grew up with the guy, he was always laughing, joking and cutting up," said Smith. He seemed to always have a good time, but when it came to work, he worked. He loved what he did and was good at it. "There are not enough words to describe him, he was a special person and a great father." stated Allan's son, Evan. Bragwell's mother stated her son was 7 years old when he told her he wanted to be "a healer.".

"Allan was a unique person. He set the bar high for the rest of us, he will be missed, they all will be missed," stated Gardner.

Honored 2008