Local Paramedic is Remembered Fondly

Local paramedic Ken Lee was a local part-timer with the who was among the thousands of first responders sent to New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. 

"[Ken] was a well known and respected part time medic," Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad Chief of Operations Jason Dowd said.

About three months ago, Lee began showing signs of rejection the second transplant. On Aug. 16, Lee went into cardiac arrest and lost his life at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Prior to the first transplant in June, 2004, Lee was a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department and an instructor at Jefferson University Hospital in the paramedic program. After the first one, he was no longer able to work as a paramedic full-time so he worked for the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office as a forensic investigator, Dowd wrote in an email.

"When I think of Ken, what I remember most was his positivity and optimism. He lived each day to the fullest. He was very patient and able to communicate on many levels which enabled him to be an excellent teacher. His passing was a tremendous loss but it was a blessing to have known him," Dowd wrote.   

Lee served mostly in the Lower Southampton station during his four-year service to the rescue squad. During his time with Tri-Hampton, he mentored many members and served as a sounding board for their problems, both personal and professional, Dowd wrote.

Ray George, one of Tri-Hampton's Battalion Chiefs who also worked with Ken as a paramedic during his time in the Philadelphia Fire Department, posted on Lee's Facebook page, "I can only wish that I touch as many hearts as you obviously have in your short life time! You have set an incredible example to all of us in many ways, one can only admire you."

After his most recent transplant, Lee had encountered some rejection issues, but appeared to have worked through them and was scheduled to return to his Medical Examiner duties as well as Tri-Hampton in the week he passed. His Facebook page indicated he was not feeling well on Aug. 15 and had called out sick. Lee passed away in the hospital the next day, Dowd wrote.

Before he worked for the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad, Lee lived in his hometown of Niagara Falls, NY and he began his work in EMS in that area. He worked for several ambulance companies in the Niagara Falls area before relocating down to Bucks County and Philadelphia, Dowd wrote. 

Lee graduated from Philadelphia University and received his Masters Degree in Forensic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He remained an avid Buffalo-area sports fan, he played Goalie for the Philadelphia Admirals, Dowd wrote.

He loved music and working as a DJ, photography and his pets, according to his obituary.

Visitation was held at the Lane Funeral Home, Niagara Falls, NY on Sunday, Aug. 21 and Monday, Aug. 22. Interment followed in the town where Lee was born at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

A delegation from Tri-Hampton attended his visitation and funeral services and a local memorial service for Lee's Pennsylvania friends is planned for 6 p.m. on Wed, Sept. 7 at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and Mütter Museum located at 19 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA.

Memorials may be made to the Gift of Life, 401 North 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA, 19103.