Steve Hudson PMI Founder and Rescue Pioneer Passes Away

We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Steve Hudson death this week.  Steve was on vacation with his wife Diane in Puerto Rico and suffered a heart attack.

Skedco founder Bud Calkin remembers Steve as a man with integrity and passion.  “When we first met”, says Calkin, he was just inventing Static Kernmantle rescue rope. He motivated me to learn about rescue and he was our first distributor. We often didn’t see eye to eye but Steve was passionate about his work and values and was never afraid to stand up for what he believed. His knowledge about rescue and related disciplines, business and his dedication to emergency responders will be sorely missed.  Steve’s passing leaves an incredible void not only for his family but for all of us in this field.”

Here is a post from PMI’s Facebook page…

“It is with great sadness that PMI needs to inform you of the death of beloved PMI President and Industry Pioneer Steve Hudson. Widely known and loved throughout the industry Steve was unexpectedly taken from us last night.

No further details are available at this time.

PMI’s executive team is committed to ensuring that Steve’s dedication to quality, technical excellence, and integrity in business lives on in the legacy of PMI. We would like to take this moment to thank you, the extended family that Steve loved, for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns for the immediate family, the PMI family, and all who valued this wonderful man.

If you wish to send condolences to Steve’s wife, Diane, and the PMI family, please email [email protected].”

Some of Steve’s colleagues in the rescue field are also weighing in on the loss of this industry icon…

“It is a very sad day at SMC and it’s hard to visualize going forward without Steve in our inner circle.  Not only was he our trusted business partner, but he was our friend.  We have lost an industry giant that can’t be replaced. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Diane, PMI colleagues and his extended family as we all try to figure out a way to move forward without him in our lives.”

Kathy Hughes

SMC

“The rescue world owes a debt of gratitude to Steve Hudson. Truly a pioneer in rescue rope and many other products, Steve dedicated his life to creating better and safer products for rescuers. Plus, in the background, he was always working tirelessly to develop standards to maintain this quality and excellence. To me, this will be Steve’s legacy.  His company and his family can be very proud. And, of course, there is one other thing… a special thanks to Steve and his co-founders for giving a brand new rescue company in Baton Rouge an opportunity to represent his innovative new rescue rope over 30 years ago. For this and his many other contributions, we are grateful.”

Kay Goodwyn

Roco Rescue

“Steve Hudson was a giant in our community of rescuers. I am not sure people realize how much of his time he gave to us. ITRS instigator and co-host, SPRAT founder, NCRC leader and teacher, NASAR board member for years and so many standards meetings with NFPA, ASTM and ASSE. Steve was on the road so much for us that Delta should name an airliner after him. So many times he stepped up to lead an organization or chair a committee, giving us the benefit of his judgment, experience, patience, and humor. It is a great loss for his family and friends, the workmates at PMI, and for all of us in rescue.”

Jim Frank

CMC Rescue

To learn more about the life of Steve Hudson visit the www.pmirope.com and read about PMI’s history.

Rest in peace old friend!

The Skedco Family

Tags: Fire & Rescue, Medical
Categorised in: Rescue Industry News