Falls County EMS founder honored at regional memorial

The Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Council honored the legacy of longtime Falls County EMS founder Jim Lyons during its 17th Annual EMS Memorial Service on May 21. Held in Waco, the event recognized emergency medical service providers who have passed away, including those who lost their lives in the line of duty and those who left lasting impacts on their communities.

Lyons, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 78, was remembered during the “In Loving Memory” portion of the ceremony alongside dozens of EMS professionals. A short tribute drawn from his obituary was read aloud, acknowledging his decades of service and foundational role in rural emergency care in Central Texas.

Chris Meyer, Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Council (HOTRAC), said Lyons’ inclusion was especially significant because of his legacy in establishing and operating EMS in Falls County.

“When we add names to the plaque, we want to do more than just read them off,” Meyer said. “Jim dedicated more than 25 years to serving through EMS. We wanted to make sure his contribution was recognized in a meaningful way.”

In 1988, Lyons purchased his first ambulance and established Falls County EMS. He led the service for more than two decades, securing contracts with the county, the Veterans Administration, and area prison facilities. Known for his presence at nearly every local emergency, Lyons also maintained his EMT certification so he could continue supporting events such as Marlin High School football games.

Lyons also played active roles in numerous community organizations including the Marlin Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as chief and held leadership roles for more than 25 years. He also served as president of the Texas Ambulance Association.

The EMS memorial event included a presentation of colors by the Global Medical Response Honor Guard, bagpipe music by Scott Geiger and Carrell Myers, and a flyover by Air Evac 51 from Hillsboro. Texas State EMS Director Joseph Schmider served as keynote speaker, and Tim Jeske with the Waco-McLennan County Office of Emergency Management read the names of honorees.

Meyer emphasized that remembering figures like Lyons is vital to preserving the history and heart of rural EMS.

“EMS providers in rural areas are so important not only the people who live in those small towns, but often those rural areas have busy highways that come through them,” Meyers said. “Without those folks, both volunteer and the ones that are paid, they’re on call all the time. Oftentimes, they leave family events, they leave holidays, or they miss holidays and celebrations all together because they’re serving others. It really takes a special passion for somebody to do that. … They provide a life saving bridge.” Lyons is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a large extended family. He was laid to rest with honors in November.