Search
 

Joplin Memorial Service Honors Rescuers, Victims

First responders and victims are honored on the anniversary of the deadly tornado that ripped through Joplin on May 22, 2011. In a special memorial service at Freeman Hospital, Gov. Nixon reaffirmed community strength, rebuild progress.

By Christina Bramlet | Updated on May 23, 2012

As morning broke yesterday in Joplin, hundreds gathered to pay tribute to the 161 people who lost their lives in last year’s deadly EF-5 tornado, along with the skilled first responders—including medical staff and rescue workers—who treated more than 500 injured and carried out 22 life-saving surgeries.  

The service took place at Freeman Hospital West, with Freeman CEO Paula Baker setting the tone of “ordinary people performing extraordinary deeds.” First and foremost, she was referring to the tireless efforts of Freeman Hospital employees who postponed their own grief in order to assist the injured, who began arriving by the truckload after the multi-vortex twister all but demolished St. John’s Medical Center.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.