Reeder’s Riders: EMS crews honor late boss
Memorial bike ride remembers Crozer EMS chief
UPLAND >> Seventy-five bike riders bumped their legs up the hill of Seminary Avenue, under the giant American flag and onto the campus of Crozer-Chester Medical Center Wednesday as paramedics, doctors, nurses , firefighters and cops cheered them on. They were taking part in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride to honor the lives of EMS providers who have died in the line of service. including Crozer’s own Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert “Bob” Reeder, who died in October.
Reeder, a 61-year-old married father of four and grandfather of three from Cochranville, was on duty during a cystic fibrosis fundraiser at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester when he collapsed, suffering what was determined to be cardiac arrest. He had been a part of CrozerKeystone for more than 37 years as well as service at Springfield, Taylor and Delaware County Memorial hospitals.
Reeder’s turnout gear sat at a place of honor with a plaque describing his service, reading in part: “Bob was known for his kind, gentle nature and for representing Crozer-Keystone with spirit and pride. His leadership efforts in Delaware County were remarkable.”
“The ride honors the lives of providers we lost too soon,” said Brian Shaw, president of the event, during a brief ceremony where a bell was rung for 26 emergency personnel who died trying to help others.”
Shaw said the 550-mile ride, which began on Saturday in Boston, had been difficult with heavy rain and low temperatures that saw the bikers at times riding in sleet.
“The ride is not easy but if it was everyone would do it, just like as with EMS, if it was easy everyone would do it.”
One of those taking part in the ride was Brad Blackman, a volunteer at Swarthmore Fire and Protective Association. Blackman worked with Reeder for 10 years as a paramedic at Crozer.
Blackman carried a pair of dog tags to honor the memory of Reeder, which he presented to the family.
Blackman said the ride, his ninth, had been arduous but it was worth it to honor Reeder.
“Thank you for your continuing support,” said Jennifer Kauffman, Reeder’s daughter. “It means so much to us.”
The riders were continuing on to National Harbor in suburban Washington for the annual Emergency Services Memorial service.
“This was a beautiful remembrance for Bob,” said Joe O’Leary, administrative director at CrozerKeystone.