A Colorado paramedic was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday for his role in the death of Elijah McClain, a young Black man who died after being injected with ketamine by paramedics following a confrontation with police in 2019. Peter Cichuniec, along with another paramedic and a police officer, was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and second-degree assault for the unlawful administration of drugs. Cichuniec's sentencing comes after a jury found him and his colleague guilty in December, with the other paramedic's sentencing scheduled for April. McClain's mother, Sheneen McClain, spoke out during the sentencing, expressing her anger and calling for justice for her son. She described her son's death as a “murder” and a “kidnapping” at the hands of first responders. Cichuniec's family and friends also spoke on his behalf, describing him as a loving father and husband who has always been there for his family. The sentencing of Cichuniec marks a rare criminal prosecution of emergency medical personnel and has sparked debate among paramedics and firefighters about the potential criminalization of urgent decisions made as part of their jobs. The Attorney General of Colorado, Phil Weiser, called the sentencing a message of accountability for Cichuniec's actions and emphasized the importance of holding individuals responsible for actions that harm others. The case of Elijah McClain has been a focal point in the national police reform movement, shedding light on the use of force by law enforcement and emergency responders. The sentencing of Cichuniec is seen as a step towards justice for McClain and his family, but questions remain about the use of ketamine and the actions of first responders in McClain's tragic death.