*Passing of Long-time Member Louis Carl Jordan (Update)
 
By Assistant Chief Christopher Harris
November 25, 2017
 

The Union Bridge Fire Company, Inc., sadly announces the passing of Louis Carl Jordan, long-time member and well-known advocate of fire, rescue and EMS services.

Louis Carl Jordan, 74, of Union Bridge, MD passed away Saturday, November 25, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Born on January 1, 1943, he was the New Year's Baby of Quincy, MA. Son of the late Louis Joseph Jordan of Braintree, MA and the late Clair 'Bunny' Tenore Jordan Johnson of Abington, MA. Husband of Marion Vallone Jordan, his wife of 23 years. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are daughter Karen and husband James Hubbard, son Joseph and wife Kristine Jordan, daughter Jennifer and husband Barry Jordan, son Dale Jordan, and grandchildren Lisa, Megan, Nick, Kyle, Sara, Adam and Frank. Also survived by brothers Edward Jordan, Robert Jordan and wife MaryAnn, Kevin Jordan and companion Francine Diamond, sister Karen Cooper and husband Richard, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was known for his sense of humor and willingness to help anyone in need.

Starting his career in the 36th Evacuation Hospital with the US Army (1960-63), he then served as a Firefighter-EMT, EMS trainer for the Baltimore City Fire Department and the State of Maryland. Trained by the federal government as one of the original 116 EMS instructors in the 1960s, he moved to full-time State employment and worked with Dr. R Adams Cowley as a part of the original "Shock Trauma Unit" at the former University Hospital (now University of Maryland Medical Center) in 1974. He went on to work with numerous national emergency services organizations and committees. He helped develop the field provider programs for the statewide EMS System (MIEMSS), and served as a member of the "Maryland Instructor Certification Review Board"; training and evaluating numerous EMS instructors over 14 years.

He developed and initially taught the training program for both the Maryland State Police and the US Park Police Med-Evac Helicopter Programs. He was "Director of Prehospital Care for Maryland State EMS" from 1972 to 1986, where he developed the 'Trauma Go Team' for the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center; was instrumental in developing medical protocols for Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers; and was the Project Director for the 'Maryland Way', a skills manual used for many years in Maryland. He served as a regional representative of the "National Registry of EMTs" since the early 1970s, and as a member of its "Practical Exams Committee".

For 20 years he served as "Maryland's State Training Coordinator on the National Council of EMS Training". In 1976 he helped start the "US Virgin Island Emergency Medical Service"; and from 1976 to 2000 he represented them on the "National Council of EMS Training". As the Chair of the Committee on "EMS of the American Society for Testing and Materials" (ASTM), he was able to guide the development of the first ASTM EMS National Standard. He trained numerous SWAT and Hostage Rescue teams to provide emergency medical care for various Federal Law Enforcement agencies, and participated in hurricane disaster response efforts in St. Marten and the US Virgin Islands.

Lou served as Chair of the "American Powerboat Association's (APBA's) Safety and Rescue Committee" for many years, earning numerous national awards. He was also the 'Medical Safety Director' for the "US High Dive Team" for several years. He was owner of Emergency Training Associates which he co-founded in 1979 and of Carroll County Screen Printing in Taneytown. He was a member of the Union Bridge Fire Company since 1995, where he served as the first "Public Information Officer" and Fire Police Officer. He also served as "Santa Claus" for our annual "Santa Watch" and other Christmas holiday events for many years.

Lou served his community with the Taneytown Chamber of Commerce, Taneytown Lions Club and Hesson-Snider American Legion Post 120. He was also a founding member of the National EMS Museum. Most recently, he enjoyed playing Santa to many children in Carroll County and driving the trolley for Lorien Health Services in Taneytown.

*UPDATE*: A memorial service will be held on January 6, 2018 at 2 PM at the Union Bridge Fire Hall, located at Whyte and Locust Streets in Union Bridge, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National EMS Museum Foundation, PO Box 3, Chartley, MA 02712.

Lou's skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for EMS were well-known throughout Maryland, the United States and even internationally.


God rest your soul friend........