Over 65 years ago, a quiet revolution was beginning in Pittsburgh PA. Starting with 25 Black men and later on women deemed “the unemployables,” Freedom House Ambulance Service went on to provide the national standards for pre-hospital emergency care and be the model for today's EMS programs. But, after the city of Pittsburgh created its own EMS service in 1975 and excluded almost all the Black paramedics from Freedom House Ambulance Service, their legacy was virtually forgotten. While knowledge of these pioneers has grown recently, more is needed to secure their place in the history books. On February 20, 2026 Representative Summer Lee (PA-12) introduced legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal – one of the highest civilian honors – to Freedom House Ambulance Service. Cosponsors are now needed in both the Senate and House to move this important legislation forward. Writing your representatives can help with this!