Karla Cutting with Skokie Fire Chief Jeff Hoeflich, second from left, and cyclists taking part in the Midwest leg of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. There are five legs of the ride across the country to honor EMTs, paramedics and firefighters like Cutting’s husband. Skokie firefighter Andy Cutting, who worked out of Station 18 in Skokie before he died in Jan. 2023 after a brief battle with cancer.
Karla Cutting arrived at the firehouse early Monday morning to help send off 13 cyclists taking part in the Midwest leg of the“I think Andy would be humbled and say this isn’t just about me, it’s about every fallen firefighter, paramedic and EMS provider,” she said. “What I want to say to these riders today is thank you. This means so much for people to be remembered.”from across the country who become sick or injured while doing their job or died in the line of duty.
“It’s good for all of us to reflect on that and it’s good they’re taking up Andy as an honoree,” he added. “Throughout the ride they’ll be sharing who Andy was at every place they stop. They’ll talk about Andy all along the route as well as the other honorees.” Skokie Fire Chief Jeffrey Hoeflich, left, and Karla Cutting, widow of late Skokie firefighter and ladder truck driver Andy Cutting, stand beside a memorial firefighters and EMTs at Skokie Fire Department Station 18 made for him. Andy Cutting died last year after a five-month battle with cancer.