EMS Provider of the Year Award

 

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is pleased to announce that the Stony Point Ambulance Corps has been awarded the Association’s prestigious EMS Provider of the Year Award. This accolade celebrates the team’s exceptional bravery and commitment during a critical incident that took place on July 9, 2023.

On that day, Rockland County experienced a severe storm that deposited 6-9 inches of rain within a three-hour period, worsening conditions on already saturated ground.

The Stony Point Ambulance Corps responded swiftly to a distress call at Perkins Memorial Drive near Bear Mountain, where lost hikers awaited rescue.

EMTs Darren Cupo, William Delahanty, Vincent Orfini, and Training Officer Evan Humphrey led the initial response. Lt. Gianna Punzi, EMT Tara Bertellino, Allison Spong, and driver Kenneth Hoyt formed additional teams.

Despite hazardous conditions and a washed-out road, three ambulances arrived and conducted rescues.

The first person brought to safety was a 10-year-old child, attended to throughout by EMT Spong and Lt. Punzi. Subsequently firefighters used a rope system to rescue the father, who was in critical condition. As they descended the mountain without access to advanced life support, EMTs William Delahanty and Darren Cupo provided care for the father during transport to Westchester Medical Center.

Meanwhile, Bertellino, Hoyt, and Orfini ensured the safety of nine stranded hikers, transporting them to a nearby hotel for shelter.

FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr. commended the Stony Point Ambulance Corps and its members for their exceptional courage and unwavering commitment to saving lives. “Their daring and heroic rescue actions stand as a powerful inspiration to all,” he said.

Past Award Recipients

2022	Tom Bingham and Shawn Disanto	Aurelius Volunteer Fire Department
2021	Fabius Fire Department
2020	Christopher Hann and Jake Lawlor	Fairview Fire District
2019	Christopher Tracey	Brighton Volunteer Fire Co. No. 5
2018	Shane Sharkey	Southampton Volunteer Ambulance
2018	Ian King	Southampton Volunteer Ambulance
2017	Brandon Sutton	Rapids Volunteer Fire Co.
2016	Riley DeJong	Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps
2015	Andrew Melamed	Albertson Fire Company
2015	Joel Melamed	Albertson Fire Company
2014	William Street	Ulster Hose Company #5
2013	Karen L. Haab	Springs Volunteer Fire Department
2012	Kyle J. Reitan	Miller Place Fire Department EMS Corps
2011	Karen L. Rathke	Southside Fire Company
2010	Valerie White	Community Ambulance
2009	No Award Given
2008	Firefighter/EMT Mark W. Gilson	Olcott Fire Co.
2007	Firefighter James Rosse II	South Schodack Fire Department and Castleton Ambulance
2006	AEMT-CC Patrick Barriere	Keeseville Fire Department
2006	Chief Leonard Martin	Keeseville Fire Department
2006	Firefighter George Bassler	Keeseville Fire Department
2006	Firefighter Ronald Ouimette	Keeseville Fire Department