Idaho Falls Fire Department mourns Roland Clark, Idaho's first paramedic

Roland "R.C" Clark in his days with the Idaho Falls Fire Department

The Idaho Falls Fire Department is mourning the passing of Roland Clark, a retired division chief and the first paramedic in the State of Idaho.

Clark died Feb. 12 at age 73 at his home in Apache Junction, Ariz., from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

He started working for the fire department in 1965 and became a paramedic in March 1974, holding the EMS number of 0001. Idaho EMS numbers now run in the tens of thousands.

He was a 37-year member of the Idaho Falls Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 1565) and a lifetime supporter who was considered a “permanent fixture” at the annual retirement party.

“Many guys just went to the dinner to talk to RC,” said Union Local President Mark Pitcher. “I never personally had the opportunity to work for Chief Clark, but those that did said he was tough, but he was always great to help out, get you going in the right direction and an absolute joy to work with.”

Clark is survived by his wife, Marva, two sons, Curtis and Bryan, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.