Memorial honors medics' lives

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Workers with Indianapolis EMS, family members and friends honored two medics on Wednesday.

Private Tim McCormick and Specialist Cody Medley died over the weekend after a car slammed into their ambulance. As the IEMS team gathered, they shared hugs and showed support for one another as they deal with the loss of two members of their family.

“Cody and Tim were driven to serve and to simply help those around them, those in need, and seek nothing in return,” said Dr. Charles Miramonti, chief of Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, during Wednesday’s service.

Dr. Miramonti said he’s never been prouder to be part of IEMS.

“Let their examples, their lives resonate in your hearts,” he said. “We’re forever indebted to Cody and Tim for the lessons and the virtues that they instilled.”

PHOTOS | View images from the procession and memorial

Before family members began to speak, a tribute video was played. It consisted of photos and video clips of the two young men. The tribute brought laughter and tears as different images popped up on the screen. The tribute ended with the audience in applause.

As Cody's mother and step father moved to the lectern, the audience stood and clapped.

Stacy Weldishofer, mother of Medley, shared some personal stories about her son, bringing some light moments as many in the audience shared in laughing.  Weldishofer said he was proud of the fact that he was a professional EMT.  She said he loved the outdoors and loved to hone his skills in dancing but added jovially, "He wasn't the best dancer."

His mother also addressed Medley's coworkers directly.

"When I was at the hospital that night, you came in the room crying," she said. "I could feel that pain.  I want you to know that even though his life was cut short, the gift you gave to me to know my son did grow up and have that character to help others, that means so much."

Cody's father, Jeff Medley,  began his remarks by thanking the public safety community for their honor and respect they have shown to Tim and Cody.

"There's a hole in my heart that can't be filled," he said.

The father called his son "truly happy" and said he had a beautiful heart.

During her remarks, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann told those in attendance, "Cody and Tim found their worthy cause and embraced it. We are honored by their service and their dedication to helping others."

Mayor Ballard said emergencies were a way of life for Cody and Tim. He said their calling was saving lives and they did it well.

Alex Brinley, Tim's partner, was the last to speak. He talked about how Tim touched countless lives as a son, brother, friend, loving partner, Eagle Scout, life guard and EMT.

"He was unstoppable and his spirit was infectious," Brinley said. "He loved his family and his friends. He loved his job.  He loved to help others.  e was a man for others. He was always smiling. You could always count on that heart warming smile. It made everything better. He made everything better."

The memorial service ended with a live video feed of the Indiana State Police Honor Guard firing off three volleys followed by the playing of taps.

The final dispatch was then issued for Cody Medley and Tim McCormick and the families were escorted out of the hall by the playing of bagpipes and drums.

Indianapolis EMS says members of the public who are looking for ways to memorialize Medley and McCormick can visit the two Sullivan Hardware and Garden Indianapolis locations for a free memorial sticker that honors the fallen heroes.

Those stores are located at 6955 N. Keystone Ave. and 4838 N. Pennsylvania.