National EMS Memorial Service Honoree

	Carter Dewitt Martin Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department Forest, Virginia

On June 22, 1995, heavy rains caused local stream flooding in the Lynchburg, Virginia area.

Volunteers from the Brookville-Timberlake Fire Department responded to reports of three cars on a local bridge in knee-to-waist-deep water with suspected victims trapped. Volunteer firefighter and EMT Carter Martin, 41, also a paid Lynchburg Fire Department firefighter, tied himself onto a rope and attempted to wade to the cars.

At the same time, Timberlake Dam failed a mile upstream, sending a wall of water downstream. The water suddenly rose on the bridge, washing Martin downstream and flipping a boat being used in the rescue attempt.

The two boat members made it safely to shore, but rescuers were unable to revive Martin when he was pulled out 15 minutes later. Devoting his life to fire and emergency medical services, Carter died while performing a heroic rescue.

The Campbell County community is indeed grateful to Carter for his dedicated and devoted service.

Carter is survived by his wife, Fonda and daughter Katlyn.

Honored 1996