Bench dedicated in memory of Tyeler Harris

Within the walls of a hospital, the range of human emotion can be seen and felt on a daily basis.

A single visit to these buildings can change a person’s life forever. They can be a place of new beginnings and relief from life’s pain and suffering or can bring sorrow and loss, pulling the world out from under someone’s feet. A person may not feel the true gravity of a situation until they find themselves alone and away from the monitors, noises and organized chaos of the hospital.

Many places can be this sanctuary where everything sinks in and a new reality of our life is realized. An empty waiting room or bathroom can become a haven for the beginning process of coping. A bench could also become the haven a person needs to sit and let it all wash over them.

On July 15, a bench for this exact purpose was unveiled and dedicated at the North Platte Valley Medical Center in memory of Tyeler Harris. Harris, a 29-year-old Saratoga resident, was killed on December 21, 2022 while responding to a multivehicle wreck on Interstate 80. Along with being an EMT for South Central Wyoming Emergency Medical Services (SCWEMS), Harris was employed by Memorial Hospital of Carbon County from November 2021 to the time of his death.

First responders who had worked with and around Harris were present at the ceremony, as was his family. The Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department transported Harris’ children on top of a fire truck with lights flashing while Classic Air flew a helicopter overhead to show their respect and gratitude for his service. According to Judy Hamel, President of Bridge Street Bargains, Harris’ father, Jason, had prepared a speech but instead decided to speak from his heart.

The Bench itself was donated by Bridge Street Bargains. Hamel thanked the Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department and SCWEMS for their contributions. She also said both Heidi Custuss and Jeff Mincy, CEO of North Platte Valley Medical Center, were a huge help with getting the bench to the hospital. According to Hamel, there are plans for the bench to be placed in a small serenity garden outside the hospital once landscaping begins.