DEER LODGE — The flags were at half-staff outside Deer Lodge Medical Center as members of Powell County’s ambulance service mourned the loss of one of their own.
Darylynne Day died after being hit by a car that lost control during the demolition derby at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Deer Lodge on August 18th; the accident injured several other spectators.
She was an emergency medical technician who was on duty with Powell County EMS at the time of the incident, when one of the cars left the arena and crashed into the area where she was stationed.
“We’ve had several debriefings that have helped, but it’s going to be a long time. We were family, you know, it’s hard when you lose one of your own,” said Lori Schalk, president of Powell County Ambulance Service.
“We’ve had an outpouring of love and support from our other fellow EMS providers, firefighters, officers from around the state of Montana,” said Schalk.
Day was dedicated to her job.
“She helped with classes, she was funny, she was friendly, she was outgoing, loved taking care of her patients,” said Schalk.
The tragedy at the demolition derby is a grim reminder of the dangers that EMT personnel, like all first responders, can face at any given moment.
“Just sitting there watching a derby took the life of somebody and it can happen to any of us at any time. The most simplest call can turn out to be the most dangerous, we just never know,” said EMT John Carlbom.
A memorial procession will begin at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at the fairgrounds in Deer Lodge and continue into Anaconda, where a service will follow at the Washoe Theater.
PREVIOUSLY: Deer Lodge woman killed, six injured in demolition derby crash
Governor Steve Bullock on Friday ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff through Sunday to honor Day.
Here is the full text of his proclamation:
I hereby order all flags flown in the state of Montana to be flown at half-staff on Friday, August 23rd, 2019 until Sunday August 25th, 2019 to honor DaryLynne Day, a Powell County emergency medical technician, who lost her life in the line of duty on August 19th, 2019.
DaryLynne Day was a devoted mother, a courageous medical professional, and a selfless public servant who stood ready to perform her medical duty the night of this tragic event. The thoughts and prayers of my family and administration are with the family, friends, and colleagues of DaryLynne Day and Montana’s emergency medical professionals across the state.
