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First Responder Remembered at Funeral Service

STROUDSBURG — Samantha Agins accomplished a lot in her 22 years. She studied pre-med at East Stroudsburg University, trained as an emergency medical techn...
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STROUDSBURG -- Samantha Agins accomplished a lot in her 22 years. She studied pre-med at East Stroudsburg University, trained as an emergency medical technician, and worked as a medic at a summer camp for people with disabilities.

But that bright future was recently cut short.

On Monday, the people she inspired gathered to say goodbye.

Samantha Agins of Tannersville only had 22 years, but it was time enough to grow into a hero.

At her viewing and funeral on Main Street in Stroudsburg, veterans held American flags as a tribute to the first responder who lost her life after fighting to save another.

"It's very, very difficult. I almost feel if it was an auto accident we could accept it better," said her great-aunt Sally Wahrman.

Earlier this month, Samantha was working as a medic at Camp Jaycee, a retreat in Effort for people with disabilities. When a woman went into cardiac arrest, Samantha tried valiantly to revive her with CPR, but ended up suffering a series of strokes.

The lifelong resident of Monroe County died several days later.

Samantha's great-aunt wiped away her tears as she tried to make sense of what happened.

"She would say, 'have fun and enjoy yourself, and remember me for what I did,' and hopefully try to be an example."

Samantha's EMT instructor says this is the first time one of his students has died trying to help someone else.

"I am dedicating this class to her," said Greg Drake. "We had a moment of silence for her in class the other day; it's a great loss, especially for someone who is only 22 years old

Samantha's favorite color was purple. It could be seen on many people paying their respects.

"The fact that she passed helping someone? That's a big honor, that is a big honor, sad to say but truly an honor to her," said her friend Mary Alice Wells.

Family members say that Samantha wanted to become a physician assistant, following in the footsteps of her godmother Christine, she would have started her training in the fall.

"Always willing to help and be there for everyone. We are going to miss her dearly," Wells added.

A scholarship has been set up in Samantha's memory. It will help seniors from Pocono Mountain East go to college.

 

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