It is with profound sadness I have to announce the death of Nicholas G. Panko. For those of us in upstate New York, Nick was our Jim Page.

One of the founders of Union EMS, Nick served as a provider, director, served on the board of directors and is a life member. He is one of the reasons we have the state of the art emergency services system that we have.

Nick was willing to stand toe to toe with councilman, mayor, congressman or even the governor of the state when right was on the line.

He wasn’t afraid to tell you his opinion (and what he thought of yours!). When I served as Director of that agency, he stood by my side many a time.

A core group of that agency shared a Friday tradition, having a good cigar out in the back of the station. It was friends, fellow providers de- compressing the brain after a week of what the world had to offer. We told stories and convinced each other of what great golfers we were.

It’s been far to long since we’ve shared stories.

On Friday April 3rd, I along with other friends will have the honor of carrying Nick to rest next to his Dad.

Nick, for all the years you had my back….

I will always remember…..

At least 30 years ago, I used to race motorcycles, ala enduro style. In the last couple of years, I have helped out one of the localhare scramble teams as a support person. Hare scrambles are racing throught he woods on a defines course against the clock.

During one of the races, I spent several hours with two of motorcycle racing top figures, one a five time world champion, one a current supercross rider.

They had me talked into in no time flat.

This year I thought, what the heck. I bought a Suzuki, am in the process of re-molding it into a hare scramble bike.

Why you say?

Why not. I mean if I can run into the burning building, crawl into the oveturned car or manage Friday night fights, this should be easy!

So if ever you are at a race in upstate New York look for #938.. I’ll be the crazy old coot!

Now, everyone at home thinks I’ll break a hip.

Ha..little do they know…titanium lasts forever!

I’ll keep you up on the progress!

Remember.. I got your back, I know you have mine!

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