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Wilkes-Barre Fire Department commemorates National EMS Week

May 20—WILKES-BARRE — Members of the Wilkes-Barre Fire Department, along with city officials and members of the public, gathered at the department's headquarters Tuesday for a ceremony to commemorate National EMS Week, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the department's Emergency Medical Service. Fire Chief Jay Delaney during his remarks explained the theme of this year — "We care. For everyone." — and what it means to him. "Whether it's saving a young victim of a motor vehicle crash, helping an elderly patient who's forgotten to take her medication, stabilizing a construction worker experiencing chest pain on the job site, or treating an overdose on a city street, we're trained and ready to deliver a range of medical interventions and support because We care for everyone," he said. Also at the ceremony, Mayor George Brown presented a proclamation recognizing National EMS Week as well as the WBFD EMS's 50th Anniversary. In honor of that milestone, it was also revealed that the department will be selling a limited edition 50th Anniversary WBFD-EMS t-shirt, with profits benefiting two charities: the Wilkes-Barre Special Needs Playground Committee and the Peyton Walker Foundation. Delaney, who was hired as a WBFD EMS paramedic in 1981, further discussed the history of Wilkes-Barre's EMS and touted the progress the department has made over the past half-century. "Since the WBFD EMS started in 1975, we have responded to nearly 250,000 calls for service," Delaney said. There were challenges along the way, of course, including the COVID-19 pandemic. "It took a tremendous toll on our firefighters and paramedics," the chief said. "It was mentally and physically exhausting." Although he said technology has changed drastically in the last five decades, some things have remained the same. "What has not changed are paramedics and firefighters/EMS's commitment to patient care and dedication to providing the highest level of service," he said. "Our staff save lives every single day." T-shirts in support of the two charities can be purchased at The store will remain open for the next ten days.