EMS Memorial Fund

Honoring Our Heros: Showing Community Support

Custer County is the comfortable home to thousands of wonderful, fascinating, and caring citizens.  However, our safety and health depend on our outstanding and devoted first responders.

On October 19th, 2024, our community suffered a devastating loss when Andrew Fernandez, one of our outstanding paramedics, tragically passed away in a fatal car crash while driving to work.  That day CCEMS and our Valley lost a true hero.  As members of the West Custer County Hospital District (WCCHD) Board, we want to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the Custer County Emergency Medical Services team. 

Andrew was loved and respected for his diligent patient care and willingness to serve for over a decade as a first responder.  Many people in this Valley owe their lives and their safety to Andrew and the entire EMS staff. 

It is time to show our support and appreciation to our first responders.  In his honor, the WCCHD Board is proud to announce the creation of the EMS Memorial Fund. This fund is dedicated to recognizing Andrew’s legacy and supporting his wife, Justine, and two-year-old daughter, Journey, whom he left behind.

Please join the members of the Board in contributing to this Tax-Deductible Fund to honor our local heroes by honoring Andrew Fernandez.

You may donate online using the form below or checks can be made out to: West Custer County Hospital District, Memo: Andrew Fernandez Memorial Fund.

And mailed to: P.O. Box 120, Westcliffe CO 81252

You will receive a confirmation of your tax-deductible gift.

Additionally, an account has been established at Kirkpatrick Bank in Westcliffe, Colorado, in Andrew’s memory for those who wish to contribute directly.

Let us come together as a community to honor Andrew Fernandez and extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our first responders!