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Paramedic Killed In Ambulance Crash Ran A Nonprofit That Supports First Responders

SPRINGFIELD, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - A paramedic killed in southeastern Colorado Friday night is being remembered by the community as a teacher, mentor and friend.

Officials say Rick Hartley, 63, of Springfield died of injuries sustained when the ambulance he was riding in crashed into the back of a tractor on a road outside Springfield.

Hartley had been riding in the back of the ambulance. He worked as a paramedic with Southeast Colorado Hospital Service and was the director at the time of his death, according to the Baca County EMS website.

The ambulance's 74-year-old driver, Larry Miller, and 96-year-old James Wyatt, who also was riding in the back, suffered minor injuries.

The 21-year-old tractor driver also sustained minor injuries.

Hartley spent over 30 years working as a paramedic. He also founded a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local first responders, according to KKTV in Colorado Springs.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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