National EMS Memorial Foundation Celebrates Signing of Legislation Extending Authorization for National EMS Memorial 

Source: National EMS Memorial Foundation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National EMS Memorial Foundation today celebrates the signing of federal legislation extending the Foundation’s authorization to establish a permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

President Donald J. Trump signed The National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act into Public Law 119-107 on September 11, 2026, extending the Foundation’s authorization through 2032 and allowing the effort to continue toward completion of a permanent national memorial honoring EMS professionals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. 

The date of the signing carries profound significance for the EMS community. President Trump signed the legislation on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, when eight EMTs and paramedics were killed while responding to the attacks on our nation. 

“The signing of this legislation is an extraordinary moment for the EMS community and for every family who has lost a loved one in the line of duty,” said Bob Morley, President and Co-Founder of the National EMS Memorial Foundation. “The National EMS Memorial will ensure that their sacrifice is permanently recognized at the national level. We are deeply grateful to President Trump, Senator Eric Schmitt, Senator Chris Coons, Representative Richard Hudson, Representative Stephen Lynch, and every member of Congress who supported this bipartisan effort.” 

The legislation received unanimous bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and Senate before being signed into law by President Trump. 

The National EMS Memorial Foundation was established by EMS providers with a mission to create a permanent national memorial honoring the commitment, service and sacrifice of America's EMS professionals. The memorial will provide a place where EMS professionals, their families, colleagues and the public can gather to remember those who lost their lives while serving their communities, and to acknowledge the commitment and service of those who have, or continue to serve. 

The Foundation has made significant progress toward that goal. Of the 24 federal approval and development steps required for the memorial project, 15 have been completed, bringing the project substantially closer to construction. The Foundation has also identified a preferred location at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building complex in Washington, D.C., subject to completion of the remaining federal review and approval process. 

“This legislation gives us something incredibly important: time to finish what we started,” said Katie Orsino, Executive Director of the National EMS Memorial Foundation. “Nineteen years ago we made a commitment that the men and women of EMS who gave their lives protecting and caring for others would never be forgotten. This law allows us to continue that commitment and bring the National EMS Memorial closer to reality.” 

The Foundation emphasizes that the project is being advanced through private fundraising and philanthropic support, with the extension providing additional time to complete the federal process and raise the resources necessary to establish the memorial. 

Hundreds of EMS providers who have died in the line of duty will be memorialized by the National EMS Memorial, including those who died responding to the September 11 attacks or from the associated rescue efforts. 

The Foundation now enters the next phase of the project with a renewed commitment to completing the National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

“The passage and signing of The National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act is not the end of this effort,” said Morley. “It is the beginning of the final chapter. We have more work to do, and we invite the entire EMS community, our supporters and the American people to help us complete this national tribute.” 

About the National EMS Memorial Foundation 

The National EMS Memorial Foundation is dedicated to establishing a permanent national memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring EMS professionals who have died in the line of duty. The Foundation's mission is to ensure that the sacrifice, commitment and service of America's EMS professionals are remembered by generations to come. Visit www.emsmemorial.org for more information.