BETHESDA, Md. — Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad EMT Ed Levien, 76, appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” where the host announced a $10,000 donation to the department in his honor.
Levien retired in April after 12 years and more than 13,000 volunteer hours with the squad. He now helps train new EMTs, Bethesda Today reported.
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The attention led to Levien’s appearance on Kelly Clarkson’s Emmy-winning daytime show in a “Never Too Late” episode on Oct. 1. The episode also featured EMT Ella Edwards, who said Levien’s training helped her save a man’s life.
“I think there is a great advantage to being older,” Levien said. “We have life experience. In my particular case, I’m the same age as a lot of those old people that I have to help.”
Levien was surprised as Clarkson announced a $10,000 ADT “Everyday Heroes” donation to his rescue squad, praising his “selfless” service.
Squad President Christopher Jennison called the surprise gift “fantastic,” noting the Bethesda nonprofit relies on philanthropy and receives no county operating funds despite being part of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
