David Alan McCollum

David Alan "Al" McCollum

Although Al died in a rescue attempt on September 16, 1989, he had already worked more volunteer hours than any other squad member that year. Such was the dedication the 27-year-old felt for his work as a paramedic with Bradley County EMS. He always wanted to do more for others. Additionally, Al was a lieutenant with the Bradley County Rescue Squad, deputy chief of the Hazardous Materials Team, a diver with the rescue dive team, and a deputy sheriff paramedic with the Bradley County Sheriff's Department Tactical team. He served as an advisor with the explorer group sponsored by the rescue squad and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland. The Cleveland, Tennessee, Sertoma Club posthumously named Al the 1989 Service to Mankind Award winner, which was accepted by his wife Barbara. Also, the Cleveland-Bradley EMS Award of Valor was awarded for the first time posthumously to Al. Al was the first squad member to answer the call to two men trapped in a well. The men had lowered a gasoline pump into the well to pump out water, unknowingly releasing carbon monoxide. Al was lowered into the 45-foot well by rope to determine the patients' conditions, believing them to be victims of falls. After confirming their deaths, he was overcome by the carbon monoxide. He suffered a fatal seizure three minutes from the hospital as he was being flown to Erlander Medical Center in Chattanooga by Life Force.

National EMS Memorial Service