Obituary for Thomas L. Streams
Thomas Lynn “Tom” Streams, 74, of Indiana, died Saturday, January 4, 2020 at his home with his wife by his side. Born October 17, 1945 in Indiana, he was a son of the late Samuel Earl Streams and Marjorie Louise (Liechty) Streams. For the past 51 years he was the husband of Candace R. (Thomas) Streams. They were married June 8, 1968 in Indiana at the Graystone Presbyterian Church by Rev. John Kipp. He later was an Elder at the Calvary Presbyterian Church in Indiana. Together, Tom and Candy raised two children, Stacie and Tom.
Tom was the consummate public servant who tirelessly worked to improve the lives of others in Indiana County and beyond. After graduating from Indiana High School and completing two years of study at IUP, Tom was on the original staff of Citizens Ambulance Service in Indiana when it opened February 1, 1965. He soon made a name for himself after attempting a dramatic rescue of Mr. Charles Whited at the top of a utility pole in Indiana on September 7, 1967, an attempted rescue that earned him a nomination for the Carnegie Hero Award. He worked for Citizens Ambulance for 25 years, becoming manager of the Indiana Station. He also initiated and was instrumental in expanding Citizens Ambulance to a county wide service in 1975 adding stations in Plumville, Armagh, Blairsville and Hillsdale. At around the same time he created the countywide 911 emergency response system. Tom designed what became the national standard for the modern day ambulance design which evolved the former ambulance into today’s box shaped van design. He helped to develop computerized “Trip Sheets” for ambulance personnel to keep better records and helped to develop the curriculum used for EMT and Paramedic training. Tom was also recognized for defibrillating the first person in Pennsylvania who was not in a hospital and who survived the procedure. After leaving Citizens Ambulance, Tom and Candy founded Streams Ambulance Transport Service in Indiana.
For as much as Tom Streams is remembered for his lifelong work of helping to save lives, he is equally known for his service as Indiana County Coroner, a position he held for 32 years, ending in 2005. He was a well respected coroner who was a former President of the PA Coroner’s Association. He had also previously served as the association’s Assistant Secretary and Treasurer and was the Regional Vice President. Through his many years as coroner, Tom responded to numerous disasters, including the Johnstown Flood of 1977, the U.S. Airways crash of Flight # 427 on September 8, 1994 in Beaver County, and the two car accident with eight fatalities on West Pike at the bottom of Watts Hill. He also responded to Shanksville to assist with recovery efforts following the crash of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Tom always attempted to handle each and every death he investigated with compassion and understanding. Often times he went above and beyond his duties to assist family members through a very difficult time in their lives.
He was a volunteer fireman for 18 years with the Indiana Fire Department. He served as President in 1972, was Captain of Company Three. Tom was the former dive master for the Diving Team and member of the Rescue Squad.
Nationally, he served on the National Academy of Sciences Research Council for EMS standards. He also testified at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on the impact radioactive oncology treatments have on medical radiation deaths.
He was the EMS Coordinator in Indiana County for 15 years; served on the board of the Emergency Medical Services Institute in Pittsburgh; served on several committees for the PA Health Department. He was the first treasurer of the VNA Association and initiated the Indiana County Suicide Task Force.
When he could find time for himself, Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a Triumph sports car enthusiast. He was a former member and treasurer of the Sportsman’s Club of Indiana.
He is survived by his loving wife, Candy; daughter, Stacie Garcia (Christopher), Ormond Beach, FL; son, Thomas S. Streams (Krystal), Indiana; grandson, Gage Streams and step-grandchildren, Caleigh and Aidan Cessna. He is also survived by his brother, James E. Streams (Betty), Indiana.
At Tom’s request a private memorial service will be held for his family. A public visitation and gathering of friends will held Sunday afternoon, January 12th from noon until 3 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. Interment will also be private and held at a later date.
The Streams Family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at the VNA Hospice of Indiana County for the exemplary care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Tom to the: Tom Siple Foundation, 1656 Ringgold-Timblin Rd., Timblin, PA 15778, or you may also donate to: Citizens Ambulance Service, 805 Hospital Rd., Indiana, PA 15701.
Online condolences may be made at: rbfh.net .
Tom was the consummate public servant who tirelessly worked to improve the lives of others in Indiana County and beyond. After graduating from Indiana High School and completing two years of study at IUP, Tom was on the original staff of Citizens Ambulance Service in Indiana when it opened February 1, 1965. He soon made a name for himself after attempting a dramatic rescue of Mr. Charles Whited at the top of a utility pole in Indiana on September 7, 1967, an attempted rescue that earned him a nomination for the Carnegie Hero Award. He worked for Citizens Ambulance for 25 years, becoming manager of the Indiana Station. He also initiated and was instrumental in expanding Citizens Ambulance to a county wide service in 1975 adding stations in Plumville, Armagh, Blairsville and Hillsdale. At around the same time he created the countywide 911 emergency response system. Tom designed what became the national standard for the modern day ambulance design which evolved the former ambulance into today’s box shaped van design. He helped to develop computerized “Trip Sheets” for ambulance personnel to keep better records and helped to develop the curriculum used for EMT and Paramedic training. Tom was also recognized for defibrillating the first person in Pennsylvania who was not in a hospital and who survived the procedure. After leaving Citizens Ambulance, Tom and Candy founded Streams Ambulance Transport Service in Indiana.
For as much as Tom Streams is remembered for his lifelong work of helping to save lives, he is equally known for his service as Indiana County Coroner, a position he held for 32 years, ending in 2005. He was a well respected coroner who was a former President of the PA Coroner’s Association. He had also previously served as the association’s Assistant Secretary and Treasurer and was the Regional Vice President. Through his many years as coroner, Tom responded to numerous disasters, including the Johnstown Flood of 1977, the U.S. Airways crash of Flight # 427 on September 8, 1994 in Beaver County, and the two car accident with eight fatalities on West Pike at the bottom of Watts Hill. He also responded to Shanksville to assist with recovery efforts following the crash of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Tom always attempted to handle each and every death he investigated with compassion and understanding. Often times he went above and beyond his duties to assist family members through a very difficult time in their lives.
He was a volunteer fireman for 18 years with the Indiana Fire Department. He served as President in 1972, was Captain of Company Three. Tom was the former dive master for the Diving Team and member of the Rescue Squad.
Nationally, he served on the National Academy of Sciences Research Council for EMS standards. He also testified at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on the impact radioactive oncology treatments have on medical radiation deaths.
He was the EMS Coordinator in Indiana County for 15 years; served on the board of the Emergency Medical Services Institute in Pittsburgh; served on several committees for the PA Health Department. He was the first treasurer of the VNA Association and initiated the Indiana County Suicide Task Force.
When he could find time for himself, Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a Triumph sports car enthusiast. He was a former member and treasurer of the Sportsman’s Club of Indiana.
He is survived by his loving wife, Candy; daughter, Stacie Garcia (Christopher), Ormond Beach, FL; son, Thomas S. Streams (Krystal), Indiana; grandson, Gage Streams and step-grandchildren, Caleigh and Aidan Cessna. He is also survived by his brother, James E. Streams (Betty), Indiana.
At Tom’s request a private memorial service will be held for his family. A public visitation and gathering of friends will held Sunday afternoon, January 12th from noon until 3 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. Interment will also be private and held at a later date.
The Streams Family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at the VNA Hospice of Indiana County for the exemplary care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Tom to the: Tom Siple Foundation, 1656 Ringgold-Timblin Rd., Timblin, PA 15778, or you may also donate to: Citizens Ambulance Service, 805 Hospital Rd., Indiana, PA 15701.
Online condolences may be made at: rbfh.net .