Full Breakdown
Freedom House Ambulance Service Pursues Congressional Gold Medal
2/21/2026, 4:50:24 AM
Introduction to Freedom House's Legacy
Pittsburgh's Freedom House Ambulance Service, recognized as the first emergency medical service staffed by professional paramedics, is in contention for a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress. The initiative to honor Freedom House was introduced by Democratic U.S. Representative Summer Lee at the Thelma Lovette YMCA in the Hill District, where the service was established in 1967. Freedom House was primarily staffed by Black men from the neighborhood and revolutionized emergency medical care, providing advanced lifesaving techniques that were previously unavailable outside hospitals.
Historical Significance and Contributions
Freedom House was founded by a group including Dr. Peter Safar, a pioneer in CPR, and James McCoy, who led Freedom House Enterprises, Inc. The service initially catered to the Hill District but later expanded to other areas, setting a national standard for emergency medical services. However, in 1975, it faced defunding as the City of Pittsburgh established its own emergency medical service, a decision attributed by some, including author Kevin Hazzard, to systemic racism within city government.
Recent Efforts for Recognition
In recent years, efforts to revive the legacy of Freedom House have gained momentum, driven by individuals like John Moon, a former paramedic and assistant chief of Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Service. Moon has dedicated the past decade to promoting Freedom House's story through various platforms, including educational events and media appearances. The push for the Congressional Gold Medal has garnered bipartisan support, with 17 co-sponsors, including both Democratic and Republican representatives from Pennsylvania.
Official Statements and Community Support
Rep. Summer Lee emphasized the importance of recognizing Freedom House, stating, “It’s not lost on us that Black history is often relegated to a footnote, if not entirely erased.” Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor echoed this sentiment, highlighting the service's global impact on emergency medical care. Rep. Mike Kelly remarked on Freedom House's community relationships and their role in prioritizing patient care, underscoring the significance of this honor.
The Path Forward
The Congressional Gold Medal bill must pass both houses of Congress and receive presidential approval. If awarded, the medal would be displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Moon expressed hope that this recognition would spotlight the "forgotten history" of Freedom House and its foundational role in modern emergency medical services.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To find out that EMS was pioneered and revolutionized here in the Hill District was news to me, and it made me wonder, obviously, how many other folks don’t know this,” — U.S. Rep. Summer Lee
- “The Freedom House Ambulance Service set the standard for emergency medical services in the Pittsburgh area,” — Rep. Mike Kelly
- “You have saved millions of lives. This is a community and an organization that has changed the course of our history.” — Community Member
Conclusion
The recognition of Freedom House through a Congressional Gold Medal would not only honor its historical contributions but also serve as a reminder of the ongoing need to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of marginalized communities in shaping vital public services.
