WATCH Moving Tribute To #DurbanFloods Hero Known As ‘Mr ER24’
One of ER24’s proudest ambassadors, Vicky Govender, was cremated in his red ER24 flight suit in Durban a couple of weeks ago… following his tragic death after the devastating Durban floods when he paid the ultimate price while trying to save the lives of others. Vicky, a medic from ER24 Highway (KZN), passed away during […]
One of ER24’s proudest ambassadors, Vicky Govender, was cremated in his red ER24 flight suit in Durban a couple of weeks ago… following his tragic death after the devastating Durban floods when he paid the ultimate price while trying to save the lives of others.
Vicky, a medic from ER24 Highway (KZN), passed away during the early hours of Friday 13 October 2017 after he and his partner, Tracy Bederson, were involved in a serious collision during the Durban storms on 10 October.
“We dressed him in his flight suit because he died a hero. He died while on his way to save someone else and I wanted to honour that moment. He loved ER24, he loved his uniform and he loved his van. He really gave his whole life to ER24” – Nancy Govender, Vicky’s wife.
As can be seen in the video below – Vicky played an integral part in ER24 and his community… and received a very emotional send-off at his funeral at Clare Estate Umgeni Hindu Crematorium.
A procession of hundreds of ambulances, metro police vehicles and people from all walks of life came to say their final goodbyes to the hero known as Mr ER24.
“He paid the ultimate sacrifice and he deserved a great farewell. I believe that is exactly what he got,” said Derrick Banks, branch manager of ER24 Highway (KZN).
Vicky and his wife Nancy would have been married for 27 years next month.
“He gave me a lot of love and I will really miss him,” said Nancy. “On the morning of his last surgery he said he loved me and that I must wait for him, not realising that Vicky was not coming back to me. A big part of my life is gone with him forever. He loved saving lives, he loved helping people and he never expected any recognition for it.”
Vicky also leaves behind his three children – twin girls Tacia and Tanya (23) and Mershin, his 10-year-old son.
“We feel so proud being his children and we are so proud of our dad. We’d like to thank everyone who has been with us through this difficult time. Everyone has been hailing him as a hero, but I knew he was a hero way before that. I am proud that everyone got to see him the way we saw him,” – Tacia.
Josh Naidoo, Vicky’s friend for the last 20 years and also his colleague, remembers him as a jovial person.
“Ballie (Vicky’s nickname) was someone you could always confide in. He could never say no and always wanted to help. In EMS, regardless of who you work for, you are all family and that is why something like this really hits you hard,” said Josh.
ER24 said in a press release: “Rest in peace Vicky, you will remain a hero in our hearts. You are sorely missed by everyone at ER24.”