05/21/2026
On behalf of the Sterling Fire Department and Logan County Ambulance Service, thank you for celebrating EMS Week 2026. This week is about recognizing the people who answer the call—day or night, holidays and weekends, in moments of fear, tragedy, uncertainty, and hope.
This year’s EMS Week theme reminds us that emergency medical services are far more than lights and sirens. EMS is compassion in chaos. It is calm during crisis. It is the bridge between illness or injury and recovery. It is the human connection that begins long before a patient ever reaches a hospital.
Every paramedic, EMT, firefighter, dispatcher, nurse, physician, first responder, and support staff member plays a role in that mission. Whether responding to cardiac arrests, traumatic injuries, strokes, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, or helping a citizen through one of the worst days of their life, our EMS professionals continue to demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the communities they serve.
Here in Sterling and throughout Logan County, we are proud of the level of care provided every single day. Our personnel respond not only with clinical skill, but with heart. Rural EMS comes with unique challenges—long transport times, limited resources, workforce shortages, and growing demands on emergency services. Yet despite those challenges, our crews continue to rise to the occasion with professionalism, innovation, and commitment.
As we look toward the future of EMS in Sterling, Colorado, we recognize that the needs of our community are evolving, and so must we.
The future of EMS in our region is not simply about ambulances responding to emergencies. It is about building a stronger, more connected healthcare system for rural Colorado. It is about expanding access to care through innovative programs and partnerships. It is about ensuring that 911 emergency response remains strong while also developing services that better support our hospitals, our patients, and our community.
We envision a future where Sterling continues to lead rural EMS advancement through expanded interfacility transport capabilities, critical care paramedic services, community paramedicine initiatives, improved technology integration, enhanced workforce development, and stronger collaboration with healthcare and regional partners. We envision ambulances equipped not only to transport patients, but to function as mobile healthcare platforms connected through advanced communications and patient care technology. We envision EMS professionals who are empowered through education, leadership opportunities, and specialized training to provide the highest level of care possible close to home.
Most importantly, we envision a system that remains centered on people—our patients, our families, and the dedicated providers who serve this community.
And as we speak about the future tonight, it is impossible not to recognize someone who helped build the foundation that future stands upon.
This week also marks the retirement of Chief Ritter.
Chief Ritter’s dedication to the fire service and emergency medical services has left a lasting impact on Sterling, Logan County, and the many people who have had the privilege to work alongside him. Throughout his career, he understood that EMS is not secondary to public safety—it is an essential and vital component of protecting the community. His support for EMS personnel, system development, training, equipment modernization, and service growth has helped shape where we are today.
Leadership in emergency services is often measured not by recognition, but by sacrifice—long hours, difficult decisions, sleepless nights, and a constant commitment to others. Chief Ritter carried those responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, and dedication to this department and community.
As he retires, we want to sincerely thank him for his years of service, his mentorship, and his belief in the future of emergency medical services. The work being done today, and the vision for where Sterling EMS is headed tomorrow, is built in part because of the foundation he helped create.
Chief, on behalf of the Sterling Fire Department, Logan County Ambulance Service, and the citizens you have faithfully served—thank you. We wish you and your family nothing but the very best in retirement.
To all EMS professionals : THANK YOU for your commitment, your compassion, and your sacrifice. Thank you for answering the call when people need you most.
Happy EMS Week 2026.
Lonnie Knudsen, NRP
EMS Commander / Battalion Chief
Sterling Fire Department
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