Delaware County first responders are mourning the loss of one of their own, another local fatality of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association announced the death of life member William “Brad” Blackman, 56, from complications of COVID-19, likely contracted from his work as a paramedic.
During his 37 years as a firefighter-EMT at Swarthmore, Blackman held numerous ranks including ambulance captain. Blackman was instrumental in the company’s initial purchase of an ambulance and development of its EMS program.
Blackman worked at a number of ambulance and paramedic units across the county, including at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Riddle Hospital. His most recent posting was with American Medical Response, where he recently received a commendation for helping save a man’s life.