By Ron Musselman
The Tribune-Democrat
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The flag was flying at half-staff Monday afternoon and a black sash hung from the West End Ambulance Service building in Johnstown.
It was in remembrance of 38-year-old paramedic Janice Livingston, who was killed earlier in the day when she was struck by a coal truck while assisting at an accident scene in Upper Yoder Township.
Livingston died in the last of a sequence of three crashes that took place on an icy part of Route 271 near Fender Lane in Upper Yoder Township.
“It seems as if there was a school bus loading some children on and because of the icy roadway there was an additional fender-bender,” Cambria County Coroner Dennis Kwiatkowski said. “Then after that, another car came down and took out a telephone pole, which caused the telephone pole to fall onto the FedEx truck.
“During the work they were doing on the scene, a coal bucket came down on the icy roadway and basically plowed through the emergency scene, hitting one of the emergency people.”
Kwiatkowski said the time of death was 10:35 a.m. and the cause was multiple traumatic injuries.
Livingston’s friends offered their condolences on her Facebook page.
- “Rest in Peace. May God hold your family in the palm of His hand,” Nancy Smith Gilbert wrote.
- “My dear friend, working with you was a blast. I have many, many fond memories of our time together. you made me laugh and cry. I will miss you dearly. your smile could light the world. We did have great times that will live on. I love you, and will miss you. Thanks for everything,” Denny Crossen wrote.
- “No words can express, so heartbroken. I’ll never forget some of our times together. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time. RIP, Jan,” Caula Rolley-Barley wrote.
- “Well girl I have no idea what to say or think ... I always loved working with you. Watch over all of us will you ... One last thing ... Thanks for giving the ultimate sacrifice!” Derek Crook said.
West End Ambulance Service, located at 175 Garfield St., Johnstown, posted a message on its Facebook page:
“As many of you know we lost one of our own today. The outpouring of support from friends, family and colleagues has been overwhelming. Yes we lost a friend and a coworker but out of respect for the family that lost a mother, a daughter and a sister, we ask that you respect their privacy at this time.”
The Windber Fire Department also posted a statement of support:
“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy go out to all those effected by this terrible tragedy. We ask that you keep West End EMS, the employees, the friends, and the family of the fallen in your thoughts and prayers as well,” the message read.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but there will be a noon news conference on Tuesday at the West End Ambulance Service building.
“It’s tough.” Kwiatkowski said. “These (people) are out in all kinds of weather responding to accidents. Being a firefighter for years, you never know what’s going to happen when you are on scene.”
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©2015 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.)