The Cypress Creek EMS family is mourning the loss of one of its own, Michael Pharris.
Michael’s association with Cypress Creek EMS began when he was an Assistant Principal at Wunsche High School in Spring ISD. He was in charge of the Medical Tower, which is where CCEMS coordinates an EMT-Basic program for High School Seniors. Michael ended up taking and graduating from a Cypress Creek EMT-Basic Class while still working at Wunsche, where he stayed until 2012.
In February 2013, Michael did his first ride-along as a new CCEMS volunteer and in May of that year he was hired as an EMT Basic. Michael became a Basic-In-Charge on July 1, 2013. That year, he was also working as an E.R. Tech at Houston Northwest Medical Center.
Michael was accepted into Cypress Creek’s Paramedic Academy in 2014 and graduated in December 2015. He was selected by his classmates to speak on their behalf at the graduation and he was awarded the Ruben Gonzales, Jr. Leadership Excellence Award.
Michael earned his P-1 on February 8, 2016 and P-2 on February 24th. He was promoted to Station Captain at Medic 56 on December 9, 2016. Michael was also a member of the CCEMS Bike Team and was a certified EMS driver instructor.
When asked why he switched from a career in education to EMS, Michael once said, “I wanted to make a bigger difference,” and said he had dreamed of returning to medicine. He had a real love for medicine. From 1989 to 1997 he had worked as a Phlebotomist at Conroe Regional Medical Center.
Michael leaves behind his wife, Christine, and daughters, Katelyn and Jordyn. He was 48 years old.
A benefit to assist his family with medical and other expenses is scheduled for Sunday, September 23 at Bareback Bar and Icehouse at 19940 Kuykendahl from 11 am to 5 pm. A Go Fund Me account has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/michael-pharris-assistance-fund or to avoid fees you can donate through Cypress Creek EMS.
