Empress Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien was recently honored with the EMS Leadership Award by the Westchester REMSCO (Regional Emergency Medical Services Council) at an award ceremony held on May 20 at Westchester Community College in Valhalla. The award was presented in recognition of O’Brien’s exceptional dedication to EMS education, workforce development, and patient care.
“His innovative approach to recruitment, training, and international collaboration has had a profound impact on both Empress and the greater EMS community,” said Empress’s Paramedic Clinical Coordinator Steven Goodstein. “Sean’s commitment to professional development ensures that EMTs and paramedics receive top-tier instruction and ongoing education, equipping them with the skills necessary to provide outstanding patient care.
Recognizing the challenges of EMS staffing, O’Brien took the lead on groundbreaking initiatives to attract new professionals to the field. Most notably, he was at the forefront of the Australian paramedic initiative, collaborating with New York State to facilitate the transition of international paramedics into the U.S. healthcare system. O’Brien’s meticulous work in training, gap analysis, and on-the-road support ensured that the Australian paramedics integrated smoothly and thrived in their new environment.
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, O’Brien has remained dedicated to frontline EMS work, serving patients directly and demonstrating a commitment to high-quality care. His leadership extends beyond Empress, as he has built strong relationships with key agencies such as the Fire Department of Mount Vernon (FDMV), New Rochelle Fire Department (NRFD), Yonkers Police Department (YPD), Yonkers Fire Department (YFD), and Westchester County Police Department (WCPD).
“Through education, collaboration, and fieldwork, Sean has established himself as a trusted leader and mentor in the EMS community,” Goodstein said.
