SMFPA members visit LA Squad 51

SMFPA and NMFD members recently journeyed to Long Island to see Squad 51 from the TV series "EMERGENCY!". Actor Randolph Mantooth, who plays Firefighter/Paramedic John Gage was on hand to greet the visitors.

Project 51 was organized to celebrate the impact the "EMERGENCY!" television series had on advancing rescue and emergency medical services in North America and the world. Many of today's EMTs, paramedics and firefighters were inspired by "EMERGENCY!" to choose their profession or avocation. Thousands of communities improved and updated their rescue and emergency services because of the examples presented by "EMERGENCY!" For more information, visit www.squad51.org.

The year 2000 is the 30th anniversary of paramedics providing advanced life support in the U.S. As part of the celebration, the original "Squad 51" vehicle that was used in the TV series has been completely restored by the County of L.A. Fire Museum Assn. It is equipped with the original medical equipment and wardrobe items used in episodes of "EMERGENCY!"

In May 2000, Squad 51, accompanied by Randolph Mantooth ("Johnny Gage"), was transported from Los Angeles to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., with stops throughout the country like this one in Long Island, along the way. In Washington, the equipment and wardrobe items are to be accepted into the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. There, the amazing history and impact of "EMERGENCY!" will be preserved.