On Thursday, June 26, former patient Shawn Moore reunited with the first responders and healthcare staff who saved his life. Thursday marked the two-year anniversary since first responders with the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) and the Richmond Fire Department (RFD) responded to a call for Moore, who suffered traumatic, life-threatening injuries in 2023. RAA EMT Gio Larreinaga, former RAA employees Jeff Spence, who now works with Henrico Fire and EMS, and Celeste Penny, along with RFD’s Engine 15 and BC-2, responded to the call and cared for Moore as he was transported to the hospital.
(Pictured left to right: RAA EMT Gio Larrienaga, Shawn Moore, Henrico Fire and EMS FF Jeff Spence)
Moore was rushed to VCU Medical Center, where emergency workers, including Dr. Michel Aboutanos, VCU Health Medical Director of VCU’s Level I Trauma Center, continued Moore’s care. At Thursday’s reunion, Moore was able for the first time since fighting for his life, thank those responsible for saving him.
(Pictured left to right: Shawn Moore, Dr. Michel Aboutanos)
“You all don’t know how much you did for me. The reason I’m living today to be with my family is because of everything you did,” said Moore.
(Pictured: Shawn Moore and members of Richmond Fire Department’s Engine 15)
In May, Moore contacted RAA to ask if it was possible to meet the people who saved his life. RAA organized and hosted a heartwarming reunion at its headquarters, where Moore expressed his gratitude.
