27 graduate from spring EMS Academy
The Empress EMS Academy is pleased to announce the graduation of 27 students in its spring 2025 session. The South Academy held its ceremony on June 20 in Yonkers and the North Academy on July 7 in Poughkeepsie. These two groups of new EMTs are the second classes to graduate in 2025. During the North […]
EMS teams honored for assisting 3 childbirths
Three teams of Empress paramedics and EMTs are being honored with Meritorious Awards from Westchester REMSCO (Regional Emergency Medical Services Council) for their assistance in the deliveries of two baby girls and a boy in 2024. On May 29, 2024: Paramedic Paul Mellamphy and EMTs Dainy Estrada and Jordany Perez responded to a report of […]
EMT recognized for exceptional service
Jordan Drew has been named EMT of the Year by Westchester REMSCO. Drew started out with Empress Ambulance Service as an EMS Academy student. Since then, Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien said he has demonstrated outstanding dedication, professionalism, and compassion in the field. “His exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to mentorship make him a […]
EMT, paramedic recognized for intervention in cardiac crisis
Paramedic Anthony Gambardella and EMT John Wallace recently received a Meritorious Award from Westchester REMSCO for their swift and skilled actions that helped save the life of a patient in cardiac distress. On the morning of Dec. 11, 2024, Gambardella and Wallace evaluated and diagnosed a patient experiencing severe chest pain with an acute ST-Elevation […]
WREMSCO 2024 Life Saving Award Honorees
2024 REMSCO Life Saving Award Honorees: Several Empress teams and individuals were recently honored with Life Saving Awards from Westchester REMSCO: Jan. 11: Paramedic Michele Morris, Paramedic Michael Ceriani, EMT Silvio Gonzalez, EMT Andrea Tandol Jan 12: Paramedic Rose Moran, EMT Lileth Bonsenor and EMT Emmanuel Vazquez-Almaraz Feb. 1: Paramedic Matthew Tuttle Feb. 3: Paramedic […]
EMT, paramedics honored in Dutchess County
The Dutchess County EMS Council held its award ceremony in May. Deputy Chief Joe Bilotto received the Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award and EMT Samantha Possenti received the BLS Provider of the Year Award. The county’s ALS Provider of the Year Award was presented to the entire Team of Empress Paramedics collectively. Bilotto commented […]
Communications supervisor receives Orange County honors
Empress’s North Division Communications Supervisor, Lieutenant Tim Morano, has been honored as Orange County’s Communications Specialist of the Year by HVREMSCO (Hudson Valley Regional Emergency Medical Services Council). Described as a dedicated EMS communications specialist, Morano is highly regarded for his exceptional skill, professionalism, and composure under pressure. His ability to manage high-stakes situations while […]
Paramedic honored for exceptional service
Paramedic Lieutenant Emma Vargas is being honored by Westchester REMSCO (Regional Emergency Medical Services Council) as Paramedic of the Year. “Emma is a dedicated, highly skilled, and compassionate EMS professional who embodies the highest standards of patient care, leadership, and education,” Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien said. “Her tireless efforts across multiple divisions at Empress Ambulance […]
Deputy Chief Joe Bilotto honored with EMS leadership award
Empress Deputy Chief of Operations Joe Bilotto was recently presented with the Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award at the Dutchess County EMS Council Awards in Millbrook on May 14. “Joe has been working with Empress Emergency Medical Services out of Poughkeepsie for years and has been with various agencies in the Hudson Valley throughout […]
Paramedic, EMTs honored for professionalism that led to saving 5 lives
Paramedic Toni Lemke, EMT/paramedic student Daniel Breitman, EMT Andrew Martin, and EMT Quamel Muhammad are being honored with Meritorious Awards by Westchester REMSCO (Regional Emergency Medical Services Council) for their courageous and professional response during a critical medical emergency on Dec. 8, 2024. Through their quick action, teamwork, and dedication to patient care, the crew […]
Deputy Chief O’Brien wins WREMSCO Leadership Award
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 […]
EMT recognized for courage, quick thinking that saved a life
It was just a normal time doing chores after work — until it wasn’t. After completing his shift, EMT Manuel Perlera of Yonkers was in a laundromat when someone called for help. He ran outside and found a man who was unresponsive, blue, and not breathing. Recognizing signs of an overdose, Perlera asked a bystander […]
14 graduate from Empress South Academy
YONKERS – The South Academy at Empress Emergency Medical Services recently held a ceremony for 14 students who graduated after taking a 10-week training to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians. The new graduates are Jolivette Concepcion, Joseph Guevara, Jaidon Hernandez, James Kavanagh, Jonathan Lavanda, Adalberto Frias Lemo, Maiky Lugo, Irving Maldonado, Anthony Rodriguez, Baronique Russell, […]
10 graduate from Empress North Academy in Poughkeepsie
POUGHKEEPSIE – The North Academy at Empress Emergency Medical Services recently held a ceremony for 10 students who graduated after taking a 10-week training this spring to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians. The new graduates are Alison Benkwitt, Kaylah Gardineer, Olga Grinberg, Ashley Hoag, Joseph Lopez, Declan Manning, William Parkinson, Riess Ogden, Seyid Sagdic and […]
Scouts get first-aid lessons
TILLSON — Troop 17 of the Rip Van Winkle Council of Scouting America learned about safety and first-aid skills recently at an event with Empress Emergency Medical Services at The Rosendale/Tillson American Legion Post 1219. With the help of Operations Manager Captain Robert Szeli and Deputy Chief Joe Bilotto, Empress secured donations of medical supplies […]