Ricardo Quinn, Paramedic “Life Size Sand Sculptures” This Firefighter Hero WOD is dedicated to Ricardo Quinn, FDNY, Paramedic, Battalion 57, who was killed on September 11, 2001. After serving in the Coast Guard as a young man, he found his true calling as a Paramedic for the FDNY. On the night of September 11th, Ricardo’s wife believed that her husband had been stuck at Elmhurst Hospital Center all night working as a paramedic. The next morning she got a call from another paramedic who asked: “Did Rick make it home?”. As it turns out, Rick hadn’t gone to Elmhurst Hospital, but instead, he had rushed to the World Trade Center to help treat the injured. Ricardo Quinn had been assigned to light duty at Elmhurst due to shoulder surgery earlier in the summer and was still recovering. Despite this, he still rushed to the towers to help. He was one of eight paramedics and emergency medical technicians who ran into the burning towers and did not make it out. Ricardo was last seen heading into Tower 2 to help treat and evacuate those who had been injured. He first stopped to bandage a fellow medic who had been hit by falling debris. He then helped load someone into an ambulance, went inside tower 2, and never came out. One of Rick’s favorite spots to relax was Jones Beach. That’s where he met his wife, Virginia. He made life-size sand sculptures that drew crowds. His wife followed his wishes and spread his ashes on the waters he loved. Ricardo Quinn gave his life helping the victims of the World Trade Center attack. As long as we remember heroes like Ricardo, their legacy will live on.
