The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) celebrated the Legacy of Freedom House Ambulance on May 15, 2024, at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh. More than a half-century ago, the paramedics of Freedom House Ambulance became trailblazers as they were trained to perform advanced-level care in the streets by the father of CPR, Dr. Peter Safar. These African American men and women recruited from and serving the racially segregated Hill District of Pittsburgh were essentially the nation’s first paramedics. Eight of the original veterans of the pioneering EMS crew appeared in person to accept recognition at the commemorative event, along with local, state, and national dignitaries who paid tribute to these EMS pioneers. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey issued a proclamation apologizing to the Freedom House veterans for the treatment received by city officials in 1975 when they closed the ambulance service rather than allow the rest of the city to be served by the mostly Black crew. A commemorative booklet prepared for the celebration can be viewed here.