‘Rest easy sister’: P.E.I. first responder killed June 18 in highway collision

SUMMERVILLE, P.E.I. — One among P.E.I.’s first responders was killed in a motor-vehicle collision in Summerville on June 18. 

Annie MacPhee, a paramedic of greater than 30 years, was on her approach to work on the Montague base of Island EMS when the collision occurred round 7:30 a.m. on Route 3.

Her automobile crossed the centre line and collided with a industrial pumper truck. The motive force of that automobile is unhurt, mentioned an RCMP information launch. An RCMP visitors reconstructionist attended the scene and a medical examination is scheduled to find out the reason for the incident. 

Group help 

A Go Fund Me was established on June 19 to assist MacPhee’s household with funeral bills and inside an hour the objective was all however met. 

That doesn’t shock Jason Woodbury, president of the paramedics’ union and likewise a firefighter and paramedic. 

“We didn’t assume it might take too lengthy,” he mentioned, concerning the swift present of help. The Go Fund Me was organized collectively by Island EMS, Canadian Union of Public Staff (CUPE) Native 3324, and the Paramedics Affiliation of P.E.I. 

“Annie will definitely be missed within the EMS world right here on Prince Edward Island. She was definitely a legend,” mentioned Woodbury. “I’ve labored alongside her aspect for over 22 years and began working together with her at Royal Ambulance in Summerside.”

MacPhee was additionally the vice-president of CUPE native 3324. 

“The native is definitely hurting proper now, mourning,” mentioned Woodbury, with a catch in his voice as he acknowledged his grief. “She was an exceptional particular person. … She’ll definitely be missed.

She supplied phenomenal EMS look after her 32 years of serving P.E.I.”

MacPhee had not too long ago acquired a 30-year service medal from the lieutenant-governor in Might, mentioned Woodbury.

Broadly missed

Information of MacPhee’s dying circulated rapidly amongst P.E.I.’s first responder communities and social media lit up with black bands throughout the blue star of life image, as fellow first responders signalled their grief.

MacPhee, a lifelong resident of the Bonshaw space, had additionally been a member of the Crapaud Volunteer Fireplace Division since 2007.

The division posted a message to social media the afternoon of June 18. 

“This 12 months was Annie’s fifteenth 12 months as an energetic firefighter. She has introduced a lot knowledge, humour, fierce loyalty and data to our division,” learn the publish. 

“Annie was a buddy who you would at all times rely on. She was not solely a firefighter however one of many hardest. She was a instructor who handed alongside her data to her coworkers and fellow firefighters. She was a paramedic who has saved many lives in her 30-year profession. She was a spouse to Blaine, whom she cared for till the very finish. And most significantly, a mother, to her unimaginable kids whom she was so pleased with.” 

The hearth division supplied condolences and help for MacPhee’s household together with her father Chester, sister Shelley, kids Tiffany and Noelle, and her valuable pups. MacPhee was predeceased by her mom Norma, and her husband, fellow firefighter, Blaine. 

“To Annie. We’re ceaselessly grateful for all you may have carried out. In your data, your jokes, your compassion, your laborious work ethic and your camaraderie. 

“Relaxation straightforward sister, we’ll take it from right here.”