By Laura French
ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md. — A Maryland EMT and field training officer died due to COVID-19 complications last Wednesday.
EMT Jerry S. Mercadante, 67, served for 18 years with LifeStar Response, which is owned by Falck, and died on Nov. 25 after a three week battle with the virus, according to a statement released Tuesday.
“Jerry was a caring, highly competent EMT who was a Field Training Officer and senior member in their Delaware station. He will be deeply missed,” said Michael Parker, Managing Director of LifeStar Response of Maryland. “Jerry will be remembered as [a] mentor and good friend to all. He touched countless lives as a dedicated EMT, and his legacy will live on through the many EMTs whose careers he helped shape.”
Mercadante was also a life member of the Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company in Delaware and received numerous honors during his career in emergency services. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Vanessa and his daughter Melody.
Private memorial services will be held in Mercadante’s honor, and his family asked that donations be made to the Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company in lieu of flowers.