Suffolk County Ambulance Family's 'Heavy Hearts' In Preparing Lieutenant's Funeral

BROOKHAVEN, NY — In his 16 years with the South Country Ambulance Company, Lt. Ed R. Smith responded to 911 calls for emergency medical services care, tackling every job thrown his way with grace and professionalism.

His experiences ran the gamut in a full circle from life to death.

"He did everything from being part of a team that's restored life to somebody who had died to delivering babies. Ed did it all," Chief of Department Gregory Miglino said Wednesday. "In 2014, he was actually named the Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year, which is the highest award that you can receive."

The 46-year-old Brookhaven resident, who specialized in critical care as an emergency medical technician, was recognized by not only South Country, but also Suffolk County with many accolades over the years of his career as a volunteer.

Miglino recalled Smith as a very easygoing, funny, and quick-witted man.

Unbeknownst to him, Smith was also somebody who was "very good at giving out advice."

"A lot of people since his passing have come forward to say that he helped him through some really tough times," Miglino added.

Smith was not only a great EMT, but also great at regular life.

"He was mentor to some people in EMS, and outside of that, he obviously was somebody who people felt they could confide in and get advice," Miglino said.

Family obligations prompted him to resign his post in 2009, but when he prematurely died this week, South Country Ambulance officials decided to return him to the rank of lieutenant after a posthumous review of his record, Miglino said.

Without the honor, Smith would not have been allowed the funeral of an officer. But his family, which includes a 20-year-old son, Edward Smith Jr., will now have a liaison officer to help guide them during the services.

Smith will also be given an honor guard, funeral escort from the funeral home, as well as the honor of being buried with other ambulance company members in the company's plot at Oaklawn Cemetery in Brookhaven.

In Smith's obituary, South Country officials described him as "a friend to all" who will be "deeply missed by everyone he served with."

"Ed was known for having a genuine, good heart, to be quick with a joke and someone that could be counted on to provide great advice when needed," the obituary stated.

Smith was born March 22, 1976, in Stamford, CT, to Charles Smith and Marilyn Branch, but he grew up in the community of Gordon Heights, before moving to Bellport, and then eventually settled in Brookhaven hamlet, according to his obituary.

He graduated in 1994 from Longwood High School and began his EMS career with Lifestar Ambulance and the Coram Fire Department, his obituary stated.

In addition to his EMS family, Smith is survived by his son, Edward Jr.; his sister, Desiree Smith, as well as his brothers, Derrick Branch, Charles Holmes, and Lindsey Smith; Cassandra Smith, and many friends.

A wake will be held for Smith on Feb. 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Robertaccio Funeral Home in Patchogue. EMS and fire department services will take place at 8 p.m. His interment will take place Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery.

If it one thing that should be known about Smith, it's that his loss is that of "a dedicated community servant, a person committed to making sure that they were safe at all times," Miglino said.