Kyle Swain Memorial Virtual Walk/Run

This walk/run honors the memory of Kyle Matthew Swain and supports EmergyCare's Camp EMS program which exposes youth ages 14-17 to Emergency Medical Services careers.   

Kyle was an EMT and Communications Specialist at EmergyCare, a Volunteer Firefighter with Belle Valley FD, and a soldier in the United States Army.  He was by all measures, the definition of determination, hard work, and excellence.

While working for EmergyCare, Kyle aspired to be the best he could be and fulfilled his lifelong dream of being in the United States Army.  However, a major deterrent of Kyle being able to live his dream was his weight.  Many would have given up when they found out they had to lose almost 200 lbs to be part of anything, but not Kyle.  Kyle instead, dug deep down inside and found the motivation to lose weight, putting aside his favorite foods and beverages to strive for a goal of healthy eating and living.  Finally, after almost 2 years of hard work, focus, and determination, Kyle met his goal and on January 4, 2015, left for basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia.   On April 24, 2015 after 13 weeks, Kyle completed basic training and was assigned to the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Following a brief visit home, Kyle departed for Fort Campbell to begin Air Assault training. Sadly, on his final day of training, June 17, 2015, Kyle, within 30 meters of completing a 6-mile run, succumbed to the effects of a heat-related injury.  Unable to recover, Kyle died the following day, June 18, 2015.  Kyle’s family and friends remember him most for his positive attitude, determination, devotion, and his omnipresence when a friend or family member was needed most.  He is sadly missed and will always be remembered by all whose lives he touched. 

Each year family and friends of Kyle gather to honor his memory through a 5 K Walk at Headwaters Park in Erie, PA.   However,  due to COVID 19, an actual in-person event is not possible for 2020.  This year, the family, along with EmergyCare, have created this virtual walk.   Participants will walk 5K, or approximately 3.5 miles, (anywhere/anytime) in their local neighborhood/park between June 18  and July 5, 2020.