EAST WINDSOR: Fallen rescuer earns national service award

Victoria Hurley-Schubert, The Packet Group
   Former East Windsor resident Michael Kenwood, the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad member who lost his life during a swift water rescue attempt during Hurricane Irene, will be honored at the 2012 National EMS Memorial Service.
   Sheila Lobel, Mr. Kenwood’s mother, said it is an honor that her son was being recognized posthumously.
   "My son’s accomplishments through the years have always been significant to me,” said Ms. Lobel. “I think it is fitting that he is honored. We do feel that it is fitting to be honored nationally. It’s very sad that he had to give his life doing something he felt was very important. We’re honored he is being honored.”
   Mr. Kenwood was attempting to reach a submerged car off of Rosedale Road in Princeton Township on Aug. 28, 2011, early in the morning at the height of the storm to check if any occupants were trapped inside. It turned out the car had been abandoned.
   The national award recognizes EMS personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
   "It’s very difficult to know that the standard of selecting the awardees is that they have all given their lives, but we know the families and friends, as well as their family of fellow EMS workers, all want to have their fallen brothers and sisters acknowledged, so we understand the significance of the awards,” she said.
   The service will be held on June 23 in Colorado Springs.
   "We are probably going to be attending,” said Ms. Lobel. “I’m compelled to.”
   Other members of the family may attend as well, she added.
   The Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad is “very appreciative” that the National EMS Memorial Service recognizing Mr. Kenwood’s effort.
   "The Princeton squad, the Princeton community and even New Jersey community knew Michael’s ultimate sacrifice and it’s important to have recognition on the national level,” said Peter Simon, president of the squad.
   The squad is investigating the cost to make the trip to see if it is in the squad’s budget to be able to send representation.
   "It is something we want to do and we are going to see if we can make that happen,” said Mr. Simon.
   Mr. Simon hopes to attend himself as Mr. Kenwood’s closest friend. The two had been friends since meeting in college and Mr. Simon was with Mr. Kenwood during the rescue attempt.
   Locally, Mr. Kenwood was honored at the squad’s installation dinner this past January. An award in his honor has been established. Mr. Simon was the first recipient.
   "The committee kept that one a surprise,” he said. “In my mind we were going to be establishing the award and presenting it to his wife. The committee made the decision to award it to me (without my knowledge).”
   "It recognizes Michael’s committed devotion to he squad. He took membership to heart and the squad was part of his life. He gave administratively and operationally,” said Mr. Simon, who was on the committee that helped establish the award. “(Mr. Kenwood) was a pillar of the organization. It’s hard to find people like that and when we find (them) we want to recognize that.”
   Mr. Kenwood’s squad number was retired and his rescue helmet was presented to the family at the dinner.
   The National EMS Memorial Service has, since 1992, been honoring America’s EMS providers who have given their lives in the line of duty. The 20 individuals being honored this year join 581 others previously honored by the National EMS Memorial Service.
   Each year, at a service held in Colorado Springs, members of the honoree’s families are presented with a medallion, symbolizing eternal memory; a U.S. flag that is flown over the nation’s Capitol, symbolizing service to the country; and a white rose, symbolizing his or her undying love.
   In addition, each honoree’s name is engraved on a bronze oak leaf that is added to the “Tree of Life,” the National EMS Memorial.