Members of staff from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust formed a guard of honour on Friday (9th January) at the funeral of Richard Denman.
The Norfolk based paramedic, who had worked for the ambulance service for 11 years, died suddenly at his home on 15th December.
Colleagues gathered at the Carmelite Monastery in Quidenham to pay their respects to the 36-year-old, who was always helping people in their hour of need.
Richard had a yearning for all things medical from an early age and demonstrated this when he joined the South Yorkshire Ambulance in 1994 serving as an Ambulance Cadet for two years. He then proudly joined the Royal Air Force serving as a Medical Assistant at RAF Marham from 1997 until 2000 when he joined London Ambulance service qualifying as an Ambulance Technician.
In 2002, he joined the East Anglian Ambulance service where he qualified as a paramedic soon after.
Diane Chan, Senior Locality Manager for East Norfolk, said: “Countless colleagues speak of a man who was meticulous and witty with a very dry sense of humour – a practical joker with a soft and caring side which we witnessed so often. We will all remember Richard for his amusing pranks and military banter.
“Richard was an example of true professionalism. During his career, he was an incredibly well-respected clinician who always strived to improve himself to do his best for the patients he served. His thirst for life-long learning led him to attain a Diploma and Bachelor of Science Honours degree at the University of Cumbria in Lancashire.
“He always had time to pass on his knowledge and inspire students and colleagues of all grades. Undoubtedly, there are many members of the public walking around today as a result of Richard’s expert care. His impact on patient care was immeasurable.
“Richard was a truly great asset to the service, a good honest man, dear friend and colleague who will be greatly missed but fondly remembered. Although Richard has gone he will never be forgotten.”