With Memorial Day just past I am going to take some space to pay tribute to a man who was both a veteran and first responder. For his 40 years of serving his fellow man Eric Merrill deserves our tributes and thanks.

As journalists we deal with a lot of tragic circumstances, and as writers we are allowed the therapy of the pen. It was soothing to me to write in 2015 when my wife passed away that “the angels had a new apprentice.”

When I arrived at the church for Linda’s funeral I fully expected to be among the first to arrive with family. I turned around, and there in the rear, off to one side sat Eric Merrill. I had known Eric for more than 20 years, but it was primarily a casual, mostly professional relationship based on exchanging information.

Sometimes I suppose it takes 20 years to realize how good a friend someone is. Eric was the kind of person who would do anything for someone and was there as support when misfortune came your way. His being at Linda’s funeral was no small feat. He came from his home west of Phoenix some 60 to 70 miles from the church in Chandler. After that he still had 40 miles to work in Rio Verde. It is a special person who will go literally 100 miles out of their way to show their support and pay their respects.

I am sure there are many similar stories people could tell about Eric, who died too soon this past week in a car crash less than a month into his retirement from emergency services.

Eric was a firefighter and command officer to be sure, but his roots were deep in emergency medical response dating back to 1980 in California. He became a paramedic when emergency services were still trying to figure out how to make the advanced medical treatment of patients in the field work effectively. He evolved with the profession, learning along the way with everyone else how to implement new technology and procedures in the field, and save lives. He was one of the best at the job.

Eric was a teacher as well, guiding younger emergency services personnel in how to treat trauma patients and use the tools of the trade. He has no doubt over the years saved countless lives by his direct treatment of patients and mentoring others.

While I doubt the angels have need for a paramedic, I have no doubt that Eric Merrill will be there looking over the shoulders of countless colleagues he has worked with and trained over the years as they continue to save lives.

When just weeks ago I talked with Eric about his retirement he noted that since he joined the Marines at age 17 he there had not been a work day pass when he did not get out of bed and put on a uniform. That by any standard is an impressive record of service to your fellow man.

A job well-done my friend, you may rest in peace.