The Detroit EMS (DEMS) Legacy site was created by the son of a over 20 year veteran of DEMS who passed away from complications of an accident in 2014. 

After his death, I was invited the fold by his coworkers and came to realize that DEMS is a second family, included in reunions and hearing stories about him and about the job

I was invited to a Facebook group of the same name for former and current medics and began posting things about my father and hearing more about him, connecting to him more.  

As I started posting things, I came across a photo taken by my mother in 1989. It was of me and my sister on my father’s lap wearing the tans and greens.

 

DEMS veterans asked if I had any of the early patches and I had only one. I jumped into action and had them reproduced as well as other products with the early DEMS logo. 

I realized that DEMS really didn’t have dedicated products and so I created this page not only to fill the gap, but to have a place for people to learn about the history, the struggles, and successes of a small band of men and women who did the impossible and to honor the life of my father and other medics. 

“The General”

Paramedic Gerard Pittman started at DEMS in late 1988, starting at Medic 5 located at Southfield and Joy and Medic 4 at Trinity and Grand River for the majority of his career. 

Known as a by the book medic, He strived for excellence and professionalism, rarely ever seen without a tie around his neck and a “crusher” or baseball cap on his head.

He was also not known to slow down, always going back into service after a run and often going out of his service area when the dreaded “No units available” call was heard and running headlong into scenes before police many times. 

His resolve and selfless attitude earned him multiple commendations including the Eugene Holmes Medal of Valor in 2002. 

It wasn’t until 2023 that I found out about them. Not even my mother knew and we think he just kept them to himself because he only cared about the job and not the recognition.

He was also quiet, just wanting to do the job but telling his partners about the chickens he kept at home. 

After running the streets for 21 years, he would transfer to desk duty in 2009 at the age of 68 and retire two years later. 

He spent his retirement fishing, riding motorcycles, working in the church as a deacon, and babysitting his grandson.

                                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On August 20th, 2013, less than 1000 feet from home, he was run off the road on his motorcycle. He was transported to Botsford (also known as “Botchford”) where he was stabilized from a brain bleed, but due to hospital neglect, he suffered brain damage and passed away from complications from it at home hospice on February 7th, 2014 

 

He led a life of integrity, honor, and respect, treating patients with dignity, and earning the respect of his co-workers, earning the nickname “The General”.

I’m proud to be your son and I miss you Dad,