Activists call for safety upgrades at site where paramedic was fatally struck

On Monday, activists with the Emergency Medical Services Public Advisory Council retraced Lisa Sillins' final steps on the one-month anniversary of her death in the city of Newburgh.

Blaise Gomez

Jan 18, 2023, 7:46 PM

Updated 555 days ago

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Beloved Ambulunz paramedic Lisa Sillins was killed by an alleged drunk driver walking to her car across four lanes of traffic on Robinson Avenue after a shift. 
On Monday, activists with the Emergency Medical Services Public Advisory Council retraced Sillins final steps on the one-month anniversary of her death in the city of Newburgh. 
“It’s already a dangerous job and we shouldn’t have to worry about things like this happening when you’re getting off a shift to walk to your car,” said EMSPAC division leader Ashley Lurie. “There is really no way for pedestrians that want to cross to actively cross the intersection safely.” 
Lurie says the group found drivers speeding at the intersection and safety concerns with the crosswalk where Sillins was struck. 
She points out that there’s no crossing signal or button for pedestrians to press to change the light before they walk across four lanes of traffic. 
News 12 reached out to city officials to see if any improvements are being considered but didn’t hear back. 
Lurie says Ambulunz is already planning to relocate their employee parking lot, so workers no longer need to cross the busy intersection. 
“Unfortunately, it took a tragedy like we’ve experienced to bring this to light,” said Lurie. 
The group says they want to prevent anyone else from getting hurt at the intersection. 
News 12 reached out to Ambulunz to confirm plans to move their employee parking lot but didn’t hear back. 
No charges have been filed in Lisa Sillins death so far. 
The case remains under investigation by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. 


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