Nineteen years ago, on May 3rd, 2005, our community faced a devastating tragedy. William Stone and Heidi Behr tragically lost their lives when their ambulance collided with a tree on Long Island. Heidi Behr, a devoted volunteer and single mother from Riverhead, was only 23 years old when she passed away, leaving behind her 14-month-old son Jared, who faced severe disabilities. William Stone, a professional paramedic from Rocky Point, had been eagerly looking forward to his wedding day.

On that fateful day, the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance was transporting a patient suffering a heart attack from Jamesport and was traveling west on Route 25 towards Central Suffolk Hospital (Peconic Bay Medical Center). Near the intersection of Church Lane in Aquebogue the ambulance tragically struck a tree. Heidi was not only a coworker but also a cherished friend and an extraordinary mother. She loved to laugh, adored frogs, and had a heart of gold. Despite working 13-hour days to support her son, she still found time to volunteer for her local ambulance service. Her loss created a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her at Riverhead Ambulance. Every day since, her memory has been honored and deeply missed. Heidi, we loved you and miss you dearly.