Rockland EMS Honors Local Heroes During EMS Week Ceremony

By Rockland Daily Staff

In honor of EMS Week, Rockland EMS held a special ceremony this afternoon to recognize outstanding individuals who have made exceptional contributions to emergency medical services in the county. The event highlighted the dedication, professionalism, and life-saving efforts of EMS personnel from across various local agencies.

Among the honorees was Doug Berkowitz from Rockland Paramedic Services, who has devoted over 30 years to saving lives and serving the community. Angel Hernandez of Haverstraw Ambulance was also recognized, not only for his service but for recently completing the EVO driving training course, now serving as a certified EVO training instructor. The New City Volunteer Ambulance Corps Rescue Squad received special mention for its commitment to youth education and training—investing in the next generation of life-savers.

Samantha Bender from Haverstraw Ambulance was honored for her calm and professional handling of a recent cardiac arrest call involving a 9-year-old patient. Pamela Brown-Thompson, a long-time member of Pearl River Alumni Ambulance Corps, was celebrated for over two decades of EMS service and her vital role in advancing EMS education and training. Rebecca Finney of Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps was also praised for her leadership, which has led to an increase in training classes and new applicants.

The ceremony also recognized individuals from related fields, including Joseph DeLucia of the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department Communications Division, who has been dispatching with professionalism and poise since 1999. Beena George from Montefiore Nyack Hospital was honored for her service to both the hospital and EMS community since 2001. Dr. Michael Garber of Westchester Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital was recognized for his tireless dedication and unwavering support of EMS providers—a sentiment echoed by all who know him.

As part of the celebration, Rockland County EMS, together with local EMS agencies, presented Member of the Year Awards to individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance in their roles. Honorees included Gregg Smith (Congers-Valley Cottage), Alisha Charles (Haverstraw), Samantha Garatti (New City), Jacob Schwartz (New Square Hatzalah), Leon Frankel (Nyack), Pamela Brown-Thompson (Pearl River), Joseph Gottlieb (Piermont), Elizabeth Bleecker (Rockland Paramedic Services), Bella Matthew (South Orangetown), Abraham Fried (Spring Hill), Alays Aquino (Stony Point), and Moshe Rosenfeld (William P. Faist). These members embody the values of service, skill, and selflessness that define Rockland’s EMS system.