CO Gov: 'Paul Cary Served His Community Heroically For Years'

DENVER, CO—Colorado Gov. Jared Polis began his news conference Monday by remembering Colorado paramedic Paul Cary. Last month, Cary traveled to New York City to help fight the coronavirus. Thirty days after arriving at the epicenter of the pandemic, the veteran paramedic died of COVID-19.

“He knew that he was putting his own life at risk. He knew that he might contract the virus. He knew that he was high risk at age 66," Gov. Polis said during the news conference.

Cary worked as a paramedic for Ambulnz, an ambulance service provider, in its Colorado division.He was part of the its State of New York COVID Response team, the company said in a recent statement.

"When one of the greatest crises of our lifetime struck, he didn’t hesitate to raise his hand, volunteer and travel thousands of miles from his home to help his fellow Americans in need," the governor said. "Paul dedicated his life to the service of others, and he will be greatly missed and his legacy will be remembered."

Cary's body was returned to Colorado Sunday. The plane carrying his body was greeted at Denver International Airport by an honor guard of first responders. A procession of emergency vehicles then escorted his body to a funeral home. The long-time first responder spent 30 years with the Aurora fire department before joining Ambulanz.

"He was a leader, a steady hand, in stormy seas. He would often use his wisdom in his and patience to guide younger medics, helping to train the next generation of EMTs and paramedics and other first responders," Gov. Polis said. "Paul Cary served his community heroically for years, and he still worked as an ambulance medic even after retiring from the fire department."

On Friday, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio promised Cary's family a "special memorial" to honor his sacrifice following a weeks-long battle with COVID-19.

"We needed all hands on deck and Paul Cary is one of the people who came," de Blasio said. "Paul gave his life for us and we're going to honor him."

During his news conference, Gov. Polis asked Coloradans to honor Cary's memory by continuing to take the coronavirus outbreak seriously.

"Wear masks when you’re in public, when you’re going to stores. Continue to social distance. You need to stay at least six feet away from others. This is what we owe to those who are risking their lives every day on the front lines of this crisis," the governor stressed.

Cary is survived by two sons and four grandchildren.

An Ambulnz Memorial Fund has been organized to provide college tuition for Paul's four grandchildren. Those who wish to contribute should email Ari Matityahu at Ari.M@ambulnz.com for more information.

VIDEO: Gov. Jared Polis Remembers Paramedic Paul Cary

SEE ALSO:

• NYC Will Memorialize Volunteer Colorado EMT Killed By Coronavirus

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