Keeping the Memory Alive

On September 11th, 2001 we lost our dear friend Paramedic Carlos “little ricky” Lillo doing what he did best: saving lives. Carlos was one of the most beloved paramedics in New York City. Although known as a great paramedic, he was better known as a great person with a heart and a smile as big as one can imagine. From uniform to attitude to patient care Carlos was the epitome of what it meant to be a paramedic. He had little patience for anything less than excellence and he was/is an inspiration to all those he touched, especially people new to EMS. Carlos showed his courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to the people of our city, state and nation on September 11th with the ultimate sacrifice.

Carlos began his career as a volunteer at Astoria Volunteer Ambulance Corp. in the early eighties, where he went to EMT school. He worked for Associated Ambulance while awaiting his dream to work for NYC EMS. This dream came true in 1984. Carlos flourished as an EMT, working on a tactical unit in some of the toughest neighborhoods in the Bronx in some of the busiest times an EMS system has ever seen. He then realized another dream: becoming a paramedic. He spoke so passionately about not just being a medic but being the best paramedic, that one couldn’t help but be inspired by his attitude even the old time medics. Carlos worked for many services within the 911 system where he was loved and respected by all. 

There is a grief that can’t be spoken when you lose someone like Carlos. It is our duty to carry on the tradition of excellence that Carlos lived and to Keep the Memory Alive. Carlos leaves behind the love of his life wife Cecilia, mother Ilia, father Julio,sisters Iliana and Olga , his brother Cesar and half-brother Alex.

It is in honor of this great paramedic/person that we proudly announce the formation of “The Carlos Lillo Memorial Paramedic Scholarship Fund” in the hopes of inspiring and helping EMT’S to realize a dream of becoming a paramedic and carry on the name of Carlos Lillo. The Inaugural Carlos Lillo Memorial Golf Outing will kick off the scholarship fund on July 25, 2002 at the Mill Pond Country Club in Medford, N.Y. 

John Conroy and Paul Kearns