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Colo. paramedic battalion chief dies after battle with COVID-19

Mark Smith served as a first responder for more than 30 years

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Photo/Platte Valley Ambulance Service

By Rachel Engel

BRIGHTON, Colo. — A veteran member of the Platte Valley Ambulance Service died on Sunday after a battle with COVID-19.

Mark Smith, paramedic battalion chief for the ambulance department of the Platte Valley Medical Center, died on Sunday, according to a statement by the agency.

“Our brother, teacher, mentor, coach and role model – Paramedic Battalion Chief Mark Smith – ended his watch at 02:39 hours on Sunday morning, November 7, after a fierce battle with COVID,” the agency wrote in a post on social media.

“Whether Mark was teaching, working on the ambulance, leading his team as the shift supervisor or any other countless tasks he would take on, he was always an inspiration and did what he could to put a smile on your face,” the post continued. “Mark was known for his sarcastic humor and personality, always teasing and making the workplace fun. To all who knew him, he was kind, compassionate, caring and an all-around hero.”

Prior to becoming a paramedic, Smith worked as a dispatcher for REED Ambulance, Rural Metro Ambulance and Adams County Communications.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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