Alex started as a volunteer EMT in high school, and eventually worked toward a paid position as a Paramedic in New York City’s 911 system. He worked as a Paramedic on nights and weekends while studying for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance. He experienced first-hand the devastation and chaos that can take or profoundly alter people’s lives as a First Responder to the 9/11 attacks in lower Manhattan, and this stimulated his passion for providing medical care.

After receiving his MBA in Finance and International Business, Alex went to work in the finance department at a national ambulance company where he discovered a void in the market for quality on-site medical services provided at events. Shortly after, he founded ParaDocs Worldwide Inc., an events medical company that focuses on large scale events and venues. The company has since grown to 12 full-time employees, and over 2,800 seasonal workers operating in 32 states and a few other countries.

ParaDocs has been featured in articles by The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s, The New York Times, CBS, Cheddar, and others. It has won numerous awards including Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies 2018, Forbes Best Startup Employers 2020, and Crain’s Most Notable in Healthcare 2020. Its clientele includes: The Met Gala, The Presidential Inauguration, The Grammys, NYFW, The Victoria Secret Fashion Show, most music festivals in the U.S., and many stadiums.

Alex was inducted into Crain’s 40 Under 40 in 2020, was awarded the Empire Whole Health Hero Award in 2021, and was selected to be part of the Mayor’s Committee for the Safe Reopening of NYC Post Pandemic. In addition to his work on the committee, Alex helped to manage the largest vaccination site in the country and donated over 200,000 masks to local hospitals and First Responders. Alex continues to work as a Paramedic, holds a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma, is a Certified EMS Lab Instructor, is certified in TCCC and the Incident Command System, and is often a guest lecturer at the NYU School of Professional Studies.

David Battaglia is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) and Driver Trainer with Mohawk Ambulance Service. He joined the company in 2017, but his career as a first responder dates back to 2012 when he began volunteering with his hometown fire department, Niskayuna Fire District 2.

At the start of 2019, David took on the additional role of Driver Trainer, working with new hires to set forth expectations of what it truly means to be a mobile healthcare professional and Mohawk Ambulance employee.

David truly appreciates each and every moment he is able to experience as a first responder, and enjoys the sense of fulfillment when he is able to make a positive impact in the lives of others. His work ethic and dedication to others have not gone unnoticed. Last year, David was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Mohawk Ambulance. He notes that the nomination from his peers to receive the Star of Life has been his greatest professional accomplishment thus far.

Having worked as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, David recognizes that public service is one of the greater gifts we can give. Outside of work, he continually looks for ways in which he can volunteer his time to charitable causes. He exemplifies the core values of Mohawk Ambulance Service and the company is proud to have him as part of our crew.  We look forward to his continued growth in the field of emergency medical services.

John Large began his EMT career as an explorer with Mohawk Ambulance at the age of 13. John has now worked for Mohawk Ambulance for 31 years.

Not only does John treat every patient as if he is caring for his own family, he affords his every colleague the same respect. John is well-rounded in every aspect of emergency services. In addition to his work as an EMT, John has also been a volunteer firefighter and officer for 38 years.

John always goes a above and beyond the call of duty. When there is a serious call, John will respond from the station, or from home, and assist the crews in any way he can. John is always willing to lend an ear; should it be to crews after a difficult call or helping his colleagues with work or personal problems. On holidays, during extreme weather conditions, and just on long, busy days, John always makes sure that his crews are properly fed and taken care of. John has earned the respect of the entire Mohawk Ambulance family.

John is the ultimate team player and treats everyone with respect, regardless of rank. He is known by his peers to be dedicated, committed, hardworking, professional, and kind.

John has devoted his life to public service in EMS and as a volunteer firefighter. John has earned the utmost respect from Mohawk’s employees, our volunteer and municipal fire departments, and his patients alike. It is an honor and privilege to work side by side with John. 

Katherine Miller’s positive impact on her team rivals that of EMS professionals with decades of experience. Since joining AMR’s operation in Syracuse in August 2017, Kate has earned widespread respect from her peers and supervisors. During her short tenure, Kate has sought out additional training, demonstrated strong team management skills, and attained the ranks of Field Training Officer and senior EMT.

Kate is active in her community. She leads Stop the Bleed courses and has completed Rescue Task Force Active Shooting training to improve her knowledge and skill. Kate was quick to join AMR’s Emergency Response Team and was deployed after Hurricane Michael struck the Florida panhandle last October. 

New and experienced providers alike seek out Kate as a partner due to her abilities and genuine positive attitude. Though still new to EMS, Kate is a role model and someone to watch as her career unfolds.

Timothy Hoar tried his hand at several professions before joining the AMR team in February 2018. EMS seemed like a perfect fit for Tim, a U.S. Army combat veteran.

Last July, Tim’s military training proved essential to defusing an extremely dangerous situation and preventing bloodshed. Tim and his partner responded to the scene of a call involving a violent patient at a local nursing home before police arrived. Tim spoke calmly to the man to de-escalate the situation and gain his trust. However, tensions flared again and the man brandished a pistol. When he fired a shot toward a member of the nursing home staff, Tim’s military training kicked in. He swept the patient’s legs, took him to the ground, and secured the weapon. Once Tim had the patient restrained, he reverted to caregiver mode, putting a pillow under the man’s head to reduce his discomfort while they waited for officers to arrive on scene.

After the incident, authorities lauded Tim for his incredibly brave actions. The Buffalo Police Public Information Officer called Tim a hero for bravely wrestling the firearm, which contained four additional live rounds, away from the patient. There is little doubt that Tim’s actions that day saved many lives.

Steve LaDue has skillfully provided mobile healthcare in his community for many years. He was previously a provider at Rural/Metro and Greece Ambulance, then joined Henrietta Ambulance (CHS Mobile Integrated Healthcare) in March of 2006. He has served in many capacities at Henrietta Ambulance, always as a first class provider.

Steve has a passion for being a Paramedic and for educating EMS personnel. His extensive experience gives him the ability to recognize when patients are truly sick and treat them accordingly. For example, when Steve and his partner were sent to a priority 4 illness call, and upon arrival, Steve immediately recognized the patient was having a STEMI even though the patient’s symptoms were vague. Steve initiated appropriate care and provided rapid transport to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) center with a scene time of 8 minutes. This recognition of the critical illness certainly made a difference in the patient’s life.

Steve was one of the first Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI) Technicians in the region, and the first to perform an RSI without the assistance of a second Paramedic. He is confident and able to perform complex skills independently in order to best treat his patients. He has always challenged processes to ensure any changes were being implemented for the right reasons, though he remains flexible enough to modify his practice based on new evidence.

Steve comes from an EMS family, as his wife is also a Paramedic at an agency within the region. Steve is a skilled scuba diver, and at one point in his career he dove professionally, inspecting bridge pylons in lakes and rivers. Today, Steve enjoys scuba diving for recreation when he is not camping with his family or making beer in his basement.

Adam Nato began his career in EMS volunteering with Castleton Fire/Ambulance, where he acquired his EMT card in 2009. He was hired at Mohawk Ambulance Service in December of 2016 as a Dispatcher for the Communications Department. After a few months, he began working regularly in the ambulance as an EMT. Adam received a Distinguished Service Award in December of 2017 for his hard work. His continuous dedication and professionalism quickly landed him a position as Supervisor, and soon after, Chief Supervisor, where he assists with ePCRs for the company.

Adam is equally as active outside of work as he is on the clock. He enjoys competing in marathons, attending and participating in sporting events, skiing, and hunting. He also takes frequent getaways with his girlfriend and two dogs. He still volunteers in his free time, but now with Defreestville Fire Department which is close to his home.

We are very proud to have an employee such as Adam Nato on our team, and look forward to his continued  growth with Mohawk Ambulance Service.

Jenna began her journey in EMS as an Explorer. She held the title of Explorer President and received accommodation for Explorer of the Year. When she reached the age of a Firefighter and could no longer hold her position as an Explorer, Jenna transitioned to an Explorer Post Advisor in order to share her knowledge with the youth of Rush, New York. Shortly after this transition, Jenna accepted a role on the Board of Directors for Rush Fire Department, a position she holds to this day despite her unflagging commitment to CHS. As a result of her immense skill and compassion for her patients, Jenna has also moved into the role of Vice President and Lieutenant of the Ambulance for Rush Fire Department. She continues to serve there as the Lieutenant, as well as the Director of Operations.

Jenna has maintained her EMT-B level for nine years and is an asset to the EMS system. As an EMT at CHS, Jenna remains calm under pressure and expertly carries out essential tasks in critical situations. Her partner describes her as an excellent EMT and a wonderful person. Her calm presence and quick reactions make every call feel routine. She is always ready and willing to help, and is consistently up to date on the latest training.  

Jenna is one of the best EMT partners in our organization. She is not just an excellent EMT—she is also a wonderful person. When asked to describe a team player, her fellow CHS colleagues picture Jenna and enumerate her attributes. She remains calm under pressure and carries out the things requested in a critical situation with class. Said a colleague, “one time as we had a respiratory distress patient who was struggling and family was less than helpful she supplied everything I asked for from demos to equipment so smoothly it felt like a routine call.”

Jenna has a very positive attitude. She rarely asks if she can help—primarily because she has already started pitching in! She shows utmost compassion to her patients, but is also sharp and is consistent in improving her knowledge. She keeps up to date on the latest training and shares this with others through her work with the SIM team.

Julia Erin Westcott was born and raised in Schenectady, New York, the community she now serves. She is an EMT-B and Field Training Officer for new hires and students at Mohawk Ambulance Service. She is hardworking, extremely passionate, and a dedicated and reliable part of the Mohawk Ambulance family.

Julia began working for Mohawk as a new EMT-B at the young age of 20. She was fortunate enough to participate in a collaborative program between YouthBuild of Schenectady and Mohawk Ambulance. She took her EMT course at Schenectady County Community College in the summer of 2009 and spent a shift or so a week in the ambulance, in addition to her training. Once certified, Julia was pretty much guaranteed a job a Mohawk. Mohawk now does a something similar with their free EMT program offered in Albany, New York.

“Many EMS providers start young and with no previous medical experience, similar to myself. Mohawk has always been great for adopting and raising the young and eager. It has now been almost ten years since I started. My role is even more unique because I have only ever worked in the back of the ambulance as an attendant. I have treated thousands of patients. As a Field Training Officer, I have been responsible for training new EMTs and students to be good providers,” states Westcott.

Julia has certifications as an EMT-B and in CPR, as well as certifications for Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. She also has a Health Studies Certificate from Schenectady County Community College, an associate degree in applied science in medical assisting from Bryant & Stratton College, a year of undergraduate education in Psychology from St. Rose College, and is currently a year into an associate degree in nursing at Maria College.

As a dedicated employee of Mohawk Ambulance Service, Julia has received the Distinguished Service Award at Mohawk the last two years in a row. When asked about her time at Mohawk, Julia says, “My favorite part of my job is being able to help train young new and excited EMTs. I love the teaching part of the job. Overall I just enjoy working in healthcare. Helping others is the most important task we can achieve in this world.” Julia states that EMS is special in the sense that “we are the first ones to arrive when people call for help. Those who choose to work in this field do so not for money or recognition, but because they genuinely care and want to make a difference. To be able to care for someone on their worst day and make it just a little bit better is truly inspiring. That’s why I continue to provide the best quality care I can to those in need.”

In her spare time, Julia has an intense passion for music. “I thought growing up that I would be a singer. I never even thought of healthcare as an option until I got into it. A lot of people don’t know this artistic side of me. I used to write my own songs, poetry, stories, etc. I also used to be able to draw really well but never kept up with it. I now see this artistic flare in my son. I am a mother to an almost eleven year old boy, who is my driving force for all that I do. I want to show him that with hard work you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”

Mohawk Ambulance Service would like to recognize Julia Westcott for all that she does, not only for the company, but also for the entire capital region of New York State. Mohawk is extremely lucky to have Julia as a part of their team and looks forward to a long and rewarding future with her.

Mark Santo has been serving as an EMT in New York City since 1988 and joined the Staten Island University Hospital team in 1990. In addition, Mark has also been involved with his community volunteer ambulance corps for more than 31 years, and is a past president. Mark is regarded as an excellent provider and a skilled technician. He can be counted upon to work in a pinch and help out the team, and is constantly contributing innovative and new ideas with the goal of making both the department and the larger EMS industry better. Mark’s professionalism and dedication are evident, as he is always looking to help new EMTs learn this difficult and stressful profession without criticism. Mark fosters a caring environment for both his patients and coworkers.

When not on duty, Mark is still saving lives but from a different path. He is an ordained minister who performs outreach services to the residents of New York. Helping those in need spiritually and enriching the lives of everyone he meets makes Mark the ideal nominee for a Star of Life.

Northwell Health System Center for EMS Staten Island University Hospital congratulates Mark, and we are grateful to have him as a part of our team. This Brooklyn native exemplifies the character and ideals that make him the obvious choice for Staten Island University Hospital’s 2019 Star of Life. We are so very proud of Mark, as is his wife, Barbara. 

Ariella Dalfen has been a part of the Northwell Health System Center for EMS (CEMS) team since 2012. Ariella started in EMS in 2003 as an EMT while at Binghamton University, where she provided care to fellow students, faculty, visitors, and staff. When prospects of employment as a lifeguard were scarce in upstate New York, Ariella switched to from life guard to life saver!

During her tenure in EMS, Ariella has worked as an EMT, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and currently as a New York State Paramedic. A welcome addition to our team at CEMS, Ariella has helped with the development of our Explorers program, which helps high school students interested in medicine learn about EMS. Ariella also plays a role in our Performance Improvement initiatives. In 2017, while teaching EMT and Paramedic Skills as a Certified Lab Instructor at the Center for Learning and Innovation, Ariella discovered her passion for teaching.

Ariella leveraged this new love by joining our training division where she was involved with implementing a new Field Training Officer program for the department. Ariella provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and expectations to all our new employees, setting them up for success and preparing them for the high-performance organization that is CEMS. When not providing training or patient care, Ariella is pursuing her master’s degree in Health Professions Pedagogy and Leadership. While away from work or school, Ariella and her husband Eric enjoy dinning out, watching Game of Thrones, ice hockey, and baseball.

There is not a more deserving provider than Ariella, and CEMS is proud to honor her service and commitment as our 2019 Star of Life!

Aries Almendral began his career in Emergency Medical Services in 1993 when he became certified as a New York State EMT. Five years later, Aries completed his advanced level training and served as a Paramedic for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Aries gained valuable experience while working in the borough of the Bronx, and in 2000 he joined the staff at Lenox Hill Hospital. Aries quickly became a well-liked, respected, and highly valued member of the Lenox Hill team.

Aries always has a contagious smile and puts everyone else around him at ease. Aries understands the importance of working as a team and always advocates for his patients to ensure the best possible outcomes. During his tenure with Lenox Hill, Aries has provided exceptional patient care in the performance of his duties as a Paramedic and he has become a leader to his peers. Aries’s professionalism and consistent excellence exemplifies what a Paramedic at Lenox Hill should be: kind, skilled, and dedicated.

When Aries isn’t positively impacting the lives of his patients and those he works with, he is a proud single parent to four amazing children: Alyssandra (16), Adrian (14), Aiden (13) and Adam (10).

For all these reasons and more, it was clear that Aries should be our nominee this year. Lenox Hill is grateful to have Aries as part of our team and is proud to recognize him as our 2019 Star of Life!

Jeffrey Halstead started his EMS career in 1994 and joined the North Shore LIJ Health System Center for EMS in 2003. He is an active member of the Rockville Center Fire Department and has held numerous leadership positions in his time there. Jeff ‘s career has been highly decorated. He was nominated to receive the North Shore LIJ Health system Presidents Award and was the North Shore LIJ Health System Star of Life winner in 2008. He has numerous Pre-Hospital Save awards and has received the Award of Valor from the Village of Rockville Center for the rescue and resuscitation of a fire victim who made a full neurological recovery. Jeff ‘s commitment to excellence as a Paramedic is evidenced by the many awards and distinctions he has received over the years. Jeff was selected to represent CEMS as a Star of Life after being nominated by his supervisor and then being voted on by his peers. During the selection process his colleagues had the opportunity to support their selection with a few comments on why they feel Jeff should represent CEMS as a Star of Life.The comments went well beyond Jeff ‘s abilities as a Paramedic. Many of the comments instead pointed out the many actions Jeff takes in support of those less fortunate than him. One such comment described an assignment where Jeff was treating a homeless person on a cold day. Prior to heading to hospital Jeff literally gave this patient the hat off his head. Other comments described charitable actions Jeff has taken, on and off duty, in support of his co-workers, his community and those less fortunate. Jeffrey Halstead was selected for this distinction for his qualities as a paramedic and as a person. His work in his community, his work for the Center for EMS, and the care and comfort he provides to his patients is why he is a natural choice as a Star of Life.”

Daniela Garcia is the North Shore LIJ Health System Center for EMS Staten Island Division selection for the AAA Star of Life Award. Daniela started her EMS career in 2007 at Richmond County Ambulance where she earned EMT of the Year in 2012. In 2011, she began her career with the Center for EMS in Staten Island where she quickly showed her commitment and dedication. In 2012, Daniela completed Paramedic school and was on the winning team of the Paramedic Program Simulation Battle. She was also on the multidisciplinary Staten Island University Hospital Simulation Team that came in second place, by the slimmest of margins, in the first North Shore LIJ Regional Sim-War of 2013 Daniela’s partners and colleagues emphatically recommended her for this distinction because of her commitment to her patients and her colleagues. Her future plans are to continue her education to complete her degree in Biology.”

John Conroy is the North Shore LIJ Health System Center for EMS Manhattan Division selection for The AAA Star of Life Award. He is worthy for this distinction not because of a single act, but a body of work that includes countless pre-hospital saves, rescues from the WTC bombing and tireless work at the WTC after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, in addition to numerous professional awards and distinctions. John began his career in EMS in 1982 as a volunteer for AstoriaVolunteer Ambulance after being dragged there by friend, but he instantly fell in love with the job. He became an EMT shortly thereafter. John began work with NYC EMS covering the neighborhoods of the South Bronx and Washington in 1985. His decorated career in NYC EMS includes receiving the Medal of Honor. In 1989 John began his career with Lenox Hill Hospital, then not yet a member of the North Shore LIJ Health System, where he carried on his commitment to excellence. John transported victims from the 1993 WTC Bombing and returned to assist in setting up a causality collection point on the 44th floor. For his actions that day he was awarded the Medal of Excellence. John was also there that fateful day in 2001, arriving just as the second building collapsed. In the wake of the attacks, John formed and still chairs the Carlos Lillo Memorial Paramedic Scholarship Fund in honor of his fallen colleague and friend. In 2005 John received the NYC Mayoral Award of Excellence for a cardiac arrest save of a prominent new figure. The professional accolades and distinctions John has received over the years also include the Life Saver Medal,Vice Presidential Unit Citation, Award of Merit, Medical Directors Award, Medal of Accomplishment, and numerous Pre-Hospital Save Awards. There is no question to John’s professional career being an outstanding one. In addition to all his professional accolades, John is a professional bowler who won the 2013 East Region PBA50 Bowler of the year. It is for all these reasons that John was the natural choice for The Star of Life award. His unwavering professionalism throughout the years is second to none.”

The only place offering organized youth activities in the community in which Ernest “Skip” Bebernitz grew up was the local firehouse where he joined the Cub and Boy Scouts and also their drum corps. To give back to the fire department for the experiences they provided him while he was growing up, Skip became an EMT and began his lifelong commitment to service. Skip has been in EMS for 44 years including 28 years with Mohawk Ambulance Service and he also continues to volunteer with the Speigletown Fire Department. In all his years in EMS, Skip has done and seen a lot. When Skip was the Chief of Speigletown Fire Department in 1985 – 86 an Incident Command Structure was instituted based on the City of Phoenix model and he also developed an ALS Intercept Program between the BLS ambulance service and the two commercial ALS providers. He was deployed, with a Mohawk Ambulance contingent, to the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina and, since becoming a Paramedic with Mohawk in 1988, Skip has either been the team leader or a team member in a remarkable 7 cardiac arrest reversals. Skip is not only a Supervisor and Paramedic at Mohawk Ambulance but he also had a very distinguished career in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves, where he spent 22 Â_ years in Drill Status and 16 Â_ years in Retired Reserve Status before retiring as a Major with an impressive 38 years, 9 months and 14 days of service to our Country. It is easy to see that service is very important to Skip. Toward that end he continues to serve as an active member of Military Officers of America (he’s on the Board of the local chapter), National Guard Association of the US, the National Association of Uniformed Services and the Association of the US Army. Skip also serves as the EMS QI Committee Chair for Rensselaer County, New York. His years of experience in both emergency services and the military allow Skip to serve as a mentor and role model for the employees at Mohawk Ambulance and it is for his continuous contributions to EMS both at the agency and regional level that Skip is being honored as a “Star of Life”. Skip and his wife, Mary Lou, are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year and returning to Washington, DC, their honeymoon destination, which adds to his appreciation of the Star of Life Award.”

Michele Connolly became an EMT in 2009, and her first assignment was working for a local transport company on Staten Island, New York.

In 2011, she decided she’d like to experience the 911 aspect of Emergency Medical Services, so she joined Northwell Health Lenox Hill hospital to learn more about that area of the service.

Michele is being nominated as a Star of Life for her dedication and her compassionate nature—she demonstrates these qualities every day, not only with her patients, but in all her interactions with her peers as well.

In addition to her career, Michele keeps busy as a single mother to two daughters: Noelle, 18, who is attending college, and Madison, 15, who is a sophomore in high school. Family is important to Michele, and she tries to spend as much time as possible with her loved ones.

Bob has been working in the field of Emergency Medical Services for 32 years. He began his career as an EMT in 1986 and became a Paramedic in 1989. He plans to enjoy his well-earned retirement at the end of 2018.

During his career, Bob has received numerous commendations, and he has been named Paramedic of the Year six times. He has also been recognized with three citations from New York City borough presidents for his dedicated service to the community.

Bob has been nominated as a Star of Life for his 32 stellar years of service in EMS. He has helped so many people over the years, and he is known for mentoring new EMS professionals, generously sharing his experience and knowledge as well as his time.

Bob was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, the community that he serves. He is a veteran of the United States Navy, an accomplished bowler, a member of the New York and New Jersey Bowling Halls of Fame, and an avid dart player and a member of the USA Ryder Cup of Darts team.

Brian began his EMS career as a volunteer EMT in 1998 in Patchogue, New York. After a career in retail management, he decided he needed to do something more fulfilling and made a career change to EMS.

In 2011 Brian joined Northwell Health, and he obtained his Paramedic certification in 2013. He enjoys the daily challenges of paramedicine and the opportunities to help those in need.

Brian is always looking for new challenges to take on, and he took his commitment to serve a big step further when he deployed to Florida with the department FEMA response team to assist in Hurricane Irma relief efforts in 2017. 

Back home, Brian recently became a part of the Northwell Health Center for EMS Community Paramedic program, and he is currently studying for his CCEMT-P certification.

Brian is nominated as a Star of Life in recognition of his dedication to his profession and the empathy he shows both to his patients and to his coworkers.

He is the proud father of three children, eight-year-old twins Abigail and Jack, and four-year-old Madison.

Rebekah Garcia was born and raised in East Greenbush, New York. She had been working in the healthcare field for several years as an Albany Medical Center ED Patient Care Technician when she made the move over to Mohawk Ambulance Service as an EMT. In the three short years since joining our team, Rebekah has come to embody the core spirit of the job. Rebekah has time and again proven herself to be an asset.

Rebekah challenged herself to complete her certificate of Paramedicine at Hudson Valley Community College. She now serves as Paramedic and as a well-respected Field Training Officer for our newer employees. Her exemplary work has earned her our Distinguished Service Award, which while prestigious is unremarkable in comparison to the multiple compliments and regards she receives from her patients.

In addition to providing superior and compassionate healthcare for her own patients, Rebekah has indirectly impacted the lives of many others by being a leader and always setting a good example. She has proven to be an exceptional role model to her colleagues, and has become an invaluable member of our family. Rebekah has demonstrated that a combination of hard work, dedication, and resilience is an unstoppable force leading to a bright future.

Mohawk Ambulance Service is proud to announce Paramedic Rebekah Garcia as a 2018 American Ambulance Association Star of Life.