Area fire personnel and medical first responders grieved the loss of one of their own, as MedEvac flight paramedic Donald Shambo died Dec. 7 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

At age 63, Shambo, who lived in Northampton, was legendary among area medical responders. He was a veteran flight paramedic, including 30 years with MedEvac, where colleagues say he helped save countless lives.

Shambo retired last month to wage a battle with cancer, a disease he was determined to beat. He spent several weeks in intensive care. Social media posts and a colleague said complications from COVID-19 contributed to his death.

Shambo was determined to be part of medical first response activities from the time he was a teenager. He joined the Whitehall Township Fire Department ambulance company as a junior member 45 years ago, then became an EMT at Whitehall Emergency Squad. Shambo became a paramedic in 1980 and actively served many communities across the Lehigh Valley.

Reflecting on his service as president of Lehigh County Ambulance Association, some 20 ambulance crews from across the region joined a cortege led by MedEvac ambulance crews as Shambo’s body was transported from the hospital to an area funeral home. Ambulance crews drove with flashing emergency lights in silent tribute to Shambo’s long years of service with emergency responders across the region. Salisbury police provided an escort for the procession.

Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company and Lower Macungie Fire Department aerial ladder trucks formed an arch from which a large American flag fluttered as Shambo’s body left the hospital grounds.

Firefighters and emergency medical personnel stood and saluted as the vehicle bearing Shambo passed by. Such tributes are common as comrades honor fallen first responders.