Reason Unknown
EMT Kills Himself Near Training Site

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

A veteran Emergency Medical Service worker with 25 years on the job died Nov. 8, an apparent suicide.

The Fire Department issued a Death of An Active Member bulletin announcing the death of Emergency Medical Technician Lawrence E. Marx.

'Saddened by Loss'

Mr. Marx, who joined EMS in 1981, was found in his car outside the Fort Totten EMS training facilities last Wednesday. He had been taking a mandatory refresher course along with several other colleagues.

Patrick J. Bahnken, president of District Council 37 Local 2507 that represents EMTs and Paramedics, said that details of the suicide hadn't been released but that it was obvious Mr. Marx died of self-inflicted wounds.

"Any loss like this saddens us and we pray for his family and hope that he is at peace," said Mr. Bahnken.

An FDNY spokesman said the department's "thoughts and prayers are with the Marx family." Mr. Marx left no note. EMS colleagues and friends said they had seen no indication that Mr. Marx was contemplating taking his own life.

Mr. Bahnken added that the union routinely spoke to its members about the warning signs of suicide.

"At pretty much every single membership meeting we point out that as we get further away from Sept. 11, we have to be even more alert for self-destructive behaviors," he said. "We are always very big on member outreach and peer support teams and counseling services. We ask members to let us know if they see colleagues in trouble so we can intervene."

Third Recent Suicide

Mr. Marx's was the third self-inflicted death among EMS workers over the past year. Last month, on Oct. 14, Paramedic John Clyde, who had recently left the FDNY to work for a private ambulance service, drove his car into a wall while reportedly going more than 100 mph. Officials responding to the scene found a knife attached to the steering wheel in such a way that it stabbed him in the chest upon impact.

Last spring, EMT Paul Langa was found in his bathtub, dead from what appeared to be a drug overdose, according to union officials.

There was a similar EMS suicide in 2004, and two other EMS suicides in 2002.

Services for Mr. Marx were held Nov. 10 at Sinai Chapel in Fresh Meadows. Mr. Marx's first wife, Lori, passed away a few years ago. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa, and his second wife, Arlene, whom he met and married two years ago.