Message From:

The Fire Commissioner

Every day, members of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service Command deliver the highest quality pre-hospital medical care to the citizens and visitors of this great City. The EMS Medal Day celebration is an opportunity for us to recognize our emergency medical personnel for the difficult, but tremendously important work they do, performing lifesaving acts that often go unrecognized by the general public.

As the narratives in this book illustrate, the men and women of our EMS Command do their jobs with great skill, competence and bravery. Paramedics Brian Frayne and Joel D. Pierce exhibited their specialized, technical skills and training when they helped to free two victims from a construction site accident in Brooklyn in June 2006. Witness the competence EMT Myrna Mendez consistently has demonstrated throughout her 15 years of service in various roles. Cheer the bravery demonstrated by EMTs Jason Rosado and Michael Skody when they subdued a shotgun-wielding suspect until police arrived on the scene in March last year.

During the past year, we have seen call volume increase, while response times for life-threatening calls are at historic lows. We also have implemented several advanced equipment and training initiatives to supplement the work that our members do. Ultimately, however, it is their skill and commitment that get the job done.

Several of our medal winners have been EMS members for many years and have numerous pre-hospital saves under their belt. Other medal winners are newer to the Department, but have shown no less dedication to their jobs. Congratulations to you all. Never forget that the City of New York is grateful for the work you do. Your quick action and expertise is nothing less than a lifeline for millions of New Yorkers.

Return to EMS Medal Day Index