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.

Wendy joined Mohawk Ambulance Service in October 1987 as a part-time in-house collections agent. She’s proved invaluable to the company from day one, and she developed not only Mohawk’s first in-house collections department but also the company’s first front-end verification department.

Wendy’s exceptional leadership skills led to her promotion to Business Office Manager in 2004. Four years later, she was appointed as Compliance Officer for Mohawk, and she has provided outstanding guidance and attention to this important role for the company.

Ambulance providers in New York State and across the country value Wendy as a resource, getting to know her through her involvement in both the state and national ambulance associations. Wendy has held leadership roles in the American Ambulance Association (AAA) and the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN).

She was the chairwoman of the AAA Medicare Regulatory Work Group and continues to be an active member of this group. In addition, she has been the Reimbursement Chairwoman for UNYAN since 2010.

Each and every day of Wendy’s 30 years of service with Mohawk she demonstrates her dedication to improve ambulance services, and she is a valuable member of the Mohawk Ambulance management team.

When she’s not working, Wendy enjoys spending time with her three daughters and her husband of 38 years, and she is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild.

Laura has been a member of the AMR team since 2003. She became a Certified First Responder, then an EMT, and served her community as a volunteer at GVEMS/Caledonia Ambulance for six years. During this time, she realized she had found her calling. In 2005, Laura decided it was time to go back to school. In 2006, she attained her Paramedic certification.

In her work as a medic on the overnight shift at AMR, Laura has responded to many disturbingly violent scenes. She and her partner were the unfortunate witnesses of a near-homicide, having arrived on a scene prior to law enforcement to respond to a non-specified emergency incident. Laura cared for the first critical patient on this scene after witnessing that patient’s brutal attack by a pitbull. She maintained her professional demeanor and composure, and requested law enforcement to the scene. This is just one of several high-stress incidents that Laura has responded to in the recent past.

Additionally, Laura has responded to multiple mass shootings over the past several years. While she manages her own emotions, Laura always works hard to help others cope. Laura is a medic who is always available to support others. She continually works to enhance safety in EMS by sharing her experiences with new providers. Laura is a resilient professional, and as a full-time caregiver in a challenging urban environment, she is certainly a most deserving Star.

It is with deep regret that FDNY announced the line of duty death of FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo on March 16. EMT Arroyo, 44, was assigned to Station 26 in the Bronx and bravely served the Department for 14 years. EMT Arroyo was critically injured while responding to a medical call in the Bronx when an individual seized control of her ambulance and struck her. EMT Arroyo was transported to Jacobi Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries. EMT Arroyo is the 8th member of FDNY EMS to die in the line of duty, and the 1146th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice while serving our city.

EMT Arroyo leaves behind a large and close-knit family, including five sons ages 8–24, and her mother, Ms. Leida M. Acevedo-Rosado.

Cheryl was born and raised in Crofton, Maryland. Cheryl became an EMT-Basic in 2006, and served her hometown community for nearly five years. In 2010, Cheryl earned her certificate in Paramedicine from Anne Arundel Community College. Cheryl was then hired by Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services.

Cheryl moved to Troy, New York, in 2015, and joined Mohawk Ambulance Service in February of 2016. Since being hired by Mohawk, Cheryl has proven herself to be a vital asset to the team.

Mohawk Ambulance Service is proud to honor Cheryl as an American Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life. Cheryl has been recognized by her peers and supervisors as a “lead by example” role model who maintains a consistently positive attitude. In less than one year of employment, Cheryl earned Mohawk Ambulance’s Distinguished Service Award. Cheryl’s commitment to patient care is demonstrated by numerous compliments from patients and patients’ family members. Cheryl genuinely enjoys helping people in a career that presents new challenges every day.

Robert Mazzo began his career as an EMT at the age of 18, in the state of Florida. Throughout his career in Florida, Robert received numerous accolades, specifically for his work during Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. In March of 2013, Robert took his knowledge and dedication to the New York City 911 system, where he began working for Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health. In 2016 Robert received the Staten Island Borough Presidents Award for EMT of the Year.

Robert was nominated as a Star of Life by his peers. Robert was selected because of the leadership he brings to difficult situations, and for his commitment to showing kindness and respect to everyone he encounters.

Jason Billington was born and raised in Amsterdam, New York.

Jason served his community as a Volunteer Firefighter and was quickly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 2010 he became an EMT, after attending Fulton-Montgomery Community College for his training.

Jason joined Mohawk Ambulance Service in July 2012 as an EMT, and was soon promoted to Driver. Jason proved himself to be a vital asset through hard work and dedication, and was promoted to Field Training Officer and Driver Trainer.

Jason continues to strive to improve his skills and the skills of his co-workers. Jason enjoys serving the community and spending time with his family. Jason is planning to attend Paramedic School in the near future.

Mohawk Ambulance Service is proud to honor Jason as an American Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life. Since joining Mohawk, Jason has been recognized with Distinguished Service Awards in 2014 and again in 2016.

Danielle Cohen began her EMS career at the age of 18 as a volunteer for Port Jefferson Ambulance. In 2001, Danielle began working at St. Clare’s Hospital in the Hell’s Kitchen area of Manhattan and was among the first EMS crews to respond to the tragedy on September 11, 2001. In 2002, Danielle began her career at Northwell Health where she has worked both in the field, and in Communications. In her private time, Danielle volunteers to help victims of pediatric cancer, a cause very close to her heart.

Danielle was selected as a Star of Life nominee by her peers for consistently going above the call of duty. Danielle is always available to help her co-workers, both in and out of work. Danielle also volunteers on committees such as Adopt a Family and Bring Your Child to Work Day.

Benjamin “Ben” Cohen left a career as a heating and air conditioning mechanic to pursue his dream of serving in the medical field. Ben began his medical career as a phlebotomist working in a busy emergency room. While observing the ambulances constantly moving in and out of the ER, Ben decided that was where he wanted to be. Ben obtained his EMT certification in 2013 and began working at Northwell Health CEMS shortly thereafter.

Despite Ben being in the early years of his EMS career, he has developed a reputation for being a role model to others and someone who always has a smile on his face. Ben is a leader who always demonstrates the highest level of compassion for his patients. Ben seeks ways to help his department, accepts assignments without hesitation, and consistently maintains a friendly demeanor. Ben was overwhelmingly chosen by his peers as a Star of Life nominee.