After a lengthy battle with cancer, the first man to hold the title of chief of the Essex-Windsor EMS has died.
Brian Bildfell passed away yesterday, surrounded by family and friends at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.
Bildfell is credited with bringing the former provincial EMS service together with local volunteer and private services to create the system that currently serves Windsor-Essex.
"It was through his leadership that Essex-Windsor EMS developed into what it is today," says EMS Chiefs of Canada President Randy Mellow. "Brian spoke from the heart and when he did it was generally for first his patients and his staff, then it was the nuts and bolts of what he had to do."
Mellow is the man who took over from Bildfell when he retired in 2011, and says he has lots of hilarious memories of the late chief, but says he will always be remembered for his dedication.
"If there is anything I take away from Brian's leadership it is his dedication to his staff and family," says Mellow.
Current Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter began working with Bildfell over 30 years ago.
"I lost my dad years ago and Brian was there for me. I lost my mom as well to the same tragic disease that Brian succumbed to and Brian was there for me. Now, I'm going to do the same thing for his family," says Krauter.
Funeral arrangements for Bildfell are still being finalized.
After news of Bildfell's passing, support began pouring in for the local EMS service.
Sending thoughts and prayers to our colleagues @EssexWindsorEMS with the passing of Retired Chief Bildfell pic.twitter.com/0x2hfACTGU
— Chatham-Kent EMS (@CK_EMS) October 30, 2015
Our condolences to our EMS family @EssexWindsorEMS on the passing of Retired Chief Bildfell pic.twitter.com/8ulxYtCXwQ — Niagara EMS (@NiagaraEMS) October 30, 2015
Our thoughts are with the Bildfell & @EssexWindsorEMS families Rest in peace retired Chief & @_OAPC Senator Bildfell pic.twitter.com/MEaKZ6WVXv
— Ptbo Paramedics (@PtboParamedics) October 29, 2015
@fireems148 @EssexWindsorEMS so sad. He was an amazing man, we will definitely miss him ???? — Duchess Robson (@dee_dubyoo) October 29, 2015
