Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and Marion Fire/EMS issued the following tribute to the life and service of Marion Emergency Medical Services founder and town volunteer Joan Wing following her passing on July 13 at age 93.
Wing was active in the Marion community, serving as an EMT for the town for 37 years. She was one of the original founders of Marion EMS, a group of police officers, firefighters and civilians that began operating the town ambulance in 1977. Marion EMS merged with the Fire Department to become Marion Fire/EMS in 2011.
Wing was also a founding member of the Marion EMT Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in 1980. The charity was established to help improve the pre-hospital care of Marion residents using funds that may not be available through the town budget.
In 1998, Wing proposed supplying the town’s ambulances and police cruisers with automated external defibrillators (AED’s). Within 18 months of having the devices, they saved three lives.
In addition to AED’s, the Marion EMT Association has purchased dozens of pieces of equipment to assist Marion ambulance crews in their on-scene treatment of patients. Donated equipment has included heart monitors, defibrillators, stretchers, radios and stair-chairs. The most recent purchase was an all-terrain vehicle capable of accessing areas where ambulances are unable to travel.
Wing was the past vice chairman of Marion EMS. At the time of her passing, she was the long-standing and current treasurer of the Marion EMT Association. She was also a long-term member of the Marion Fireworks Committee.
“We are deeply saddened by Joan’s loss, and on behalf of our department I would like to express our condolences to the Wing family. Without Joan’s tireless efforts, Marion Fire/EMS would not be what it is today,” said Jackvony in a press release. “She was a driving force behind acquiring essential equipment for our department, which allows us to provide the best possible service to our residents. Joan was wonderful to work with in my capacity as fire chief, and she was a true figure in our community. She leaves behind an incredible legacy, and we are so grateful for all that she did.”
In honor of Wing’s contributions, the town’s flags were lowered to half-mast on July 26, in conjunction with her memorial service.
Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the Marion EMT Association, a 501 (c)(3) public charity, in care of Cornelia R. Dougall, PO Box 6, Marion, MA 02738.