First responders mourn the loss of 21-year-old EMT

Writer: Melissa Montoya
Published: Updated:
EMT Royland “Roy” Vidal. (Credit: Lee County Department of Public Safety)

The first responder community is mourning the death of a 21-year-old EMT.

Royland “Roy” Vidal died on Sunday at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in Sarasota, according to a Facebook post by Lee County’s Department of Public Safety.

The department said Vidal suffered a medical emergency at his home on Friday.

“EMT Vidal, who was just 21 years old, was loved and respected by his coworkers here in Lee County, where he worked at EMS Stations 4 and 14 in South Cape Coral,” the department wrote on Facebook. “He came to the Department of Public Safety in December 2019 and, during his time with us, was committed to emergency medicine and to serving Lee County.”

Vidal was credentialed as an emergency medical technician.

“Today, we are deeply saddened,” the department said. “Most of all, our hearts go out to Roy’s loved ones.”

Vidal was an organ donor. The department said his “final act was to give the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation.”

The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1826, which represents Southwest Florida firefighters and paramedics, also posted about Vidal.

“It is with such a heavy heart that I share with you that our union brother passed away today,” the union wrote. “Roy was full of life and always wanting to help others.”

Vidal will be greatly missed by his EMS family, the union wrote: “The loss will be felt for quite a long time.”

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