A beloved Island EMS paramedic, 56 years old, passed away following a tragic collision on Tuesday, leaving friends and colleagues mourning the loss of a compassionate and community-oriented individual. Mike MacKenzie was driving an ambulance that collided with a transport truck near the Confederation Bridge in New Brunswick.
Tim Jenkins, the interim chief of the Charlottetown Fire Department, spoke fondly of MacKenzie, describing him as a cherished friend who dedicated his life to helping others. Jenkins expressed the profound impact of losing a colleague within the close-knit emergency services community.
The accident, which occurred in Melrose, N.B., claimed the lives of another paramedic, 23-year-old Jenna Croucher from Nine Mile Creek, and a 77-year-old woman from Montague. The driver of the transport truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Cpl. Luc Picard of the Codiac Regional RCMP in New Brunswick confirmed that an investigation into the collision is underway, with various agencies working together to determine the cause of the tragic incident. Meanwhile, the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick has offered support, with paramedics volunteering to assist Island EMS during this challenging time.
Island EMS expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from emergency services in neighboring provinces and emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity within the paramedic profession. Chris Hood, executive director of the association, highlighted the profession’s resilience and dedication to supporting one another in times of need.
Jason Woodbury, president of the union representing Island paramedics, acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy on the first responder community, emphasizing the need for time to grieve and reflect on the loss. Woodbury underscored the tight-knit bond among first responders and the availability of resources to support those affected by the heartbreaking event.
The loss of these dedicated individuals has deeply affected not only Prince Edward Island but the entire country, as the first responder community mourns the tragic loss of their colleagues who dedicated their lives to serving others.