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FDNY EMT dies of COVID-19 same day as city’s vaccine rollout begins

Evelyn Ford, 58, served as a citywide dispatcher, coordinating emergency medical response to large-scale emergencies

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By Janelle Foskett

NEW YORK CITY – An FDNY EMT died from the coronavirus on Tuesday – the same day the city’s EMTs began getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Evelyn Ford, 58, served as citywide dispatcher, coordinating emergency medical response to large-scale emergencies, including major fires and mass casualty incidents, reported ABC7.

A 27-year member of FDNY EMS, Ford is the 12th member of the FDNY to die of coronavirus, according to FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro.

https://twitter.com/UEPI2507/status/1341783987438628866

“For nearly three decades, EMT Ford was a member of the busiest and best Emergency Medical Service in the world,” Nigro said. “She was a professional medical provider who responded to help those in need on countless calls, and she was a calm voice during major emergencies ensuring New Yorkers received the urgent care they needed. Our entire department mourns her loss.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio said of Ford’s death, “Very, very sad, just now, as we get to turn the corner, the vaccine has finally arrived, we lose a good woman who has served us so well for so long.”

Ford is survived by her four children.

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