The Michael J. Latta EMT Scholarship Fund

Jun 19, 2020

The Michael J. Latta EMT Scholarship Fund

Continuing the dreams of a beloved son and brother through helping others

Michael Latta loved being an EMT. After graduating from North Andover High School in 2004, he found his passion when he enrolled at Northern Essex Community College and completed his EMT certificate. “Michael would sign up for 24 hour shifts on Saturday nights because there were more emergency calls” recalls his sister Nikki. “We all need people like Michael in our communities.”

He dreamed of continuing his education to become a Paramedic but on April 26, 2007, Michael died of an apparent heart attack while on duty with the Patriot Ambulance Company. In the days and weeks that followed his death, grieving family and friends raised money to start a scholarship to honor Michael and his achievements and dreams. The scholarship would be used to help other EMTs to become Paramedics. Although the plans were made, the scholarship needed a home. The Latta family turned to the Essex County Community Foundation and set up a scholarship fund giving the family a way to continue to support the aspirations of their son by encouraging other young, passionate and dedicated students in the field of emergency medicine to become paramedics.

Nikki Latta comments “ECCF is helping my family create a permanent memorial in Michael’s honor. They are providing the expertise and support so that we can help other EMTs realize Michael’s dream of becoming a Paramedic.”