By Laura French
PIEDMONT, S.C. — A young South Carolina EMT has died due to COVID-19.
Vital Care EMS EMT John Paul “JP” Alonzo Granger, 22, died May 26 due to the virus, the agency confirmed, according to FOX Carolina.
Granger started his EMS career shortly after graduating from high school, driving ambulances until he became certified as an EMT.
“Vital Care EMS has lost a dear friend and valued colleague. John Paul Granger was an exceptional employee who was dedicated and committed to the profession of being a first responder,” Vital Care EMS President and CEO Jennifer Springer said in a statement. “John Paul was a remarkable young man who was highly respected by all of our Vital Care family. He will be deeply missed.”
Two online fundraisers have been started in Granger’s honor: one to set up a fund in his name to help others pursue careers as first responders, and another to support his family after his death.
“John Paul cared about the patients ... He uplifted so many that had given up hope and many days would be the only one that would talk to them,” a fellow first responder said in a statement on one of the GoFundMe pages. “Many, many times notes would come into us saying, ‘thank you for sending the kind man to transport me.’ In each note, the words, ‘He Cared’ came through loud and clear.”
The organizer of the fundraiser to support Granger’s family plans to perform a memorial bike ride in June to encourage donations.