WASHINGTON — The National EMS Memorial Service (NEMSMS) issued a statement regarding the FDNY union’s boycott of the memorial service following the omission of FDNY EMT Frederick Whiteside’s line-of-duty death nomination for the National EMS Memorial Service in Arlington, Virginia.
In the statement, the NEMSMS extended its deepest condolences and recognized Whiteside’s valiant service to his community. It added that Whiteside’s nomination remains under active review.
NEMSMS inclusion criteria are closely aligned with the Federal Public Safety Officer Benefit (PSOB) guidelines for EMS personnel. Nominations may remain under review if information is incomplete or if current criteria are not met. As new details emerge or as PSOB standards evolve, nominations are re-evaluated accordingly.
Based on the information received to date from the FDNY, Whiteside’s nomination does not currently meet the established criteria. The NEMSMS has requested additional information and continues to review his case.
The NEMSMC added that while emergency dispatchers play a vital role within the EMS community, current PSOB criteria do not include dispatchers unless they serve in a provider or deliverer capacity. The NEMSMS welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with Congress, PSOB, the FDNY union, and other stakeholders to explore how the sacrifices of all EMS personnel can be more fully recognized.
