Memorial

Help us build Legends Park We Will Never Forget

Heroes

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

Every name has a story. Every story becomes a Legend!

Below are just a few of Montana’s EMS professionals who gave their lives in the line of duty. Their courage, dedication, and humanity continue to inspire everything we do.

Every Name has a story. Every Story became a Legend!

Michael Rich & Brian Rich

Our Executive staff is honored to announce our very first EMS Professionals to be named at Legends Park who gave their Lives to save another. These 2 brothers, EMT Michael Rich (on the left) and EMR Brian Rich (on the right) were part of the Twisted R Ranch's Public Safety Department. Each sacrificed his own life to save another. Michael was the Chief of the Twisted R Public Safety Department and had an extensive career in Law enforcement, Firefighting and EMS. His whole life was driven to protect others. He was 30 years old when he passed, leaving behind his Mother and 2 Sisters. Michael's last tour of duty was September 21, 2021. Brian was the Assistant Ranch Manager at the Twisted R as well as a member of the Twisted R Ranch Public Safety Department. Brian staffed the ranches EMS units many a time as well as being the Safety Director for all 3 of the Ranches facilities. Brian was 20 years old when he passed. He worked on the ranch since he was 5. Brian also leaves behind his Mother and 2 Sisters. Brian's last tour of duty was September 7, 2021. I am sure that they are both still working on Gods EMS crew watching out for their Brothers and Sisters who serve those of us in need here on earth.

Kenneth Lemanski Jr

Our Executive staff is honored to announce that Firefighter EMT Kenneth Lemanski Jr. will be named in Legends Park. Kenneth gave his life saving another person in the line of duty. Not only was Ken dedicated to serving his country in the United States Air Force but also his community and his family. He was a key volunteer for the Cascade Farmer Rancher City Volunteer Fire Department and active volunteer EMT with the Cascade Country I-15 Quick Response Unit. Ken was always ready to lend a helping hand in anyway he could. Ken left behind his wife of 15 years and 2 children. Ken’s last tour of duty was October 20, 2021. We are sure that Ken is working on God’s EMS crew watching out for his Brothers and Sisters who serve those of us in need here on earth.

Darcy Dengel

Our executive staff is honored to announce that Mercy Flight crew member from Great Falls, Flight Nurse Darcy Dengel, will be named in Legends Park. Darcy was a proud members of Benefis Health Care team and she is still remembered to this day as an outstanding RN who cared deeply about her patients. Darcy was a brave crewmember in a Beech 200 King Air air ambulance, N45MF and was on a EMS flight from Great Falls MT to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to pick up their Patient. Sadly, the flight ended prior to arrival at its destination. Darcy was known for always putting her patients, community and her hospital above all in everything that she did. Darcy set the example for those of us still here to be the BEST in the Emergency Medical Services field for our patients We Remember......... Darcy's tour of duty ended February 6, 2008.

Vince Kirol

Our executive staff is honored to announce that EMS Pilot Vince Kirol will be named in Legends Park. Vince was a Proud Metro Aviation/Benefis Mercy Flight Pilot. He is survived by his wife, Diane, two sons, Kip and Andrew, as well as his father, William and numerous other family members. This brave EMS Pilot was in a Beech 200 King Air air ambulance, tail number N45MF was on a EMS flight from Benefis Hospital in Great Falls MT to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to pick up their Patient. Sadly, the flight ended prior to arrival at Belgrade Montana. His love of flying became a reality when his father gave him his first flying lesson as a high school graduation gift. Vince always put aviation safety for his crew, patient, his community and for Metro Aviation above all in everything that he did. Vince set the example for other EMS pilots still here to be the BEST in the Emergency Medical Services Field. We Remember......... Vince's tour of duty ended February 6, 2008.

Paul Erickson

Our executive staff is honored to announce that Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Erickson from Great Falls, will be named in Legends Park. Paul was a proud members of The Benefis Health System, Great Falls Fire/Rescue as well as a S.W.A.T team Paramedic for the Great Falls Police Department. This brave EMS Flight Paramedic was a crew member in a Beech 200 King Air air ambulance, N45MF was on a EMS flight from Great Falls MT to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to pick up their Patient. Paul was known for always putting his patients, Community and hospital above all in everything that they did. No matter what uniform he was wearing, he always gave his best. Paul set the example for those of us still here to be the BEST in the Emergency Medical Services Field for our patients. We Remember.........Paul's tour of duty ended February 6, 2008.

Dori Berndt

Our executive staff is honored to announce that Flight Nurse Dori Berndt will be named in Legends Park. Dori was on a training mission with her crew in order to keep their skills at the highest plateau so that the patients that she cared for received the highest medical care there is. Dori put her patients and community above all in everything that she did. Dori was a proud members of the Benefis health system. Dori's tour of duty ended June 5th, 1987. Although we cannot see them; all of us in the healthcare field know that she is with us and guiding us to this day to provide the best of patient care. We have been unable to obtain a photo, should you have one please contact us.

Dr. Michael Grimes

Our executive staff is honored to announce that Flight Physician Michael Grimes will be named in Legends Park. Dr Grimes was on a training mission in order to keep his and his crews skills at the highest plateau so that the patients that they cared for received the highest medical care there is. Dr. Grimes put his patients and community above all in everything he did. Dr. Grimes was a proud members of the Benefis Health System in Great Falls Montana. Dr. Grimes tour of duty ended June 5, 1987 and although we cannot see him; all of us in the the EMS Flight field know that he is still with us and guiding us to provide the best of patient care. No photo has been found of Dr. Grimes, should you have one please contact us

James Meyer

Our executive staff is honored to announce that EMS Pilot James Meyer will be named in Legends Park. This brave EMS Pilot was on a training mission in order to keep his skills at the highest plateau so that the crew and patients that he piloted for received the highest medical care there is. James put his patients, community and crew above all in everything that he did. James was a proud members of the Benefis Health System. James tour of duty ended June 5, 1987. Although we cannot see him; all of us in the HEMS field know that he is looking out for us from above.

Dr. Gary Stoick

Our executive staff is honored to announce that Benefis Health Flight Director Dr. Gary Stoick will be named in Legends Park. Dr. Stoick was on a training mission with his HEMS crew in order to keep their skills at the highest plateau so that the patients that they cared for received the highest medical care there is. Dr. Stoick always put his patients, community and crews above all in everything that he did. Dr. Stock was proud to be a part of the Benefis Health system. Dr. Stoick's tour of duty ended June 5, 1987 and although we cannot see him; all of us in the HEMS field know that he is always with us and guiding us to this day to provide the best of patient care with the safest of flights. We have been unable to locate a photo of Gary, should you have one please contact us.