By EMS1 Staff
MONROE, Wash. — Friends, family and colleagues are mourning the death of a veteran paramedic who died earlier this week.
HeraldNet.com reported that Erik Shouse, 40, a Mill Creek paramedic and Camano Island fire commissioner, died of cardiac arrest at home Sunday. He spent the majority of his 15-year career at Mill Creek’s Station 76 with the medic unit.
Shouse was elected fire commissioner for Camano Island Fire and Rescue in 2013.
“I greatly respected his ability to see both sides of an issue,” Camano Island Fire Chief Michael Schick said. “I will always remember him as a champion for our firefighters and our citizens, as well as a devoted father and husband.”
Fire District 7 Chief Gary Meek said crews will miss Shouse’s humor and professionalism.
“We can train these guys on technical aspects, but we can’t train attitude and demeanor. That’s something that’s born and raised in you,” said his friend and former ambulance partner Lt. James Hammeren.
A private service will take place Sunday, and a memorial fund was created in Shouse’s name to help his family.
Shouse leaves behind his wife and two children.