William “Bill” Bailey began his career in EMS in June of 1991 when he first received his EMT certification. It was during those initial clinical rotations that Bill knew he wanted to become a paramedic and do more to help those in need. Bill began working at Lenox Hill Hospital Northwell Health in Manhattan in 2000, and was one of the many first responders who answered the call on September 11, 2001. Bill is proud of his profession and believes that answering the call to help those in need is a truly noble endeavor. Bill is also a six year veteran of the United States Coast Guard.

Bill was selected as a Star of Life nominee by his peers for his patience and kindness towards both his patients and co-workers. Thinking not only about his own career progression, Bill has served as an invaluable mentor to countless new medics.

Benjamin “Ben” Cohen left a career as a heating and air conditioning mechanic to pursue his dream of serving in the medical field.

He 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, he decided that was where he wanted to be. He obtained his EMT card in 2013 and began working at Northwell Health CEMS shortly thereafter.

While Ben is relatively new to EMS, he has developed a reputation as a role model to others, as someone who always has a smile on his face, and a leader who always demonstrates the highest level of compassion for his patients. Ben seeks ways to help out his department, accepts assignments without complaint, and consistently maintains a friendly demeanor. Ben was overwhelmingly chosen by his peers as a Star of Life.

When he is not working, Ben loves spending time with his two-year-old son, Dylan.

Benedict “Benny” Gatto began his EMS career as a volunteer in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn 30 years ago as a volunteer dispatcher. He became a certified EMT at 19 years old and soon chose EMS as his career path. Over the course of his working life, Benny has received numerous awards, including commendations for his work during the Staten Island Ferry incident of 1995. He is a three-time recipient of the Staten Island Borough President distinguished EMS service award.

Benny has been married for 23 years to his wife, Suzanne, and they are the proud parents of two teenage daughters, Maria, 16, and Nicole, 12. Benny’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, cooking, and amateur radio operations.

Benny was chosen by his peers as a Star of Life for outstanding professionalism as an EMT. He is viewed as a role model due to his commitment to lending a helping hand to fellow staff, as well as his willingness to teach his colleagues. Additionally, he consistently demonstrates the very highest level of compassion for his patients.

Northwell Health CEMS is proud to nominate Benedict Gatto as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.

Brandon was hired by Mohawk Ambulance Service in 2011 as an EMT. In just a few months’ time, Brandon’s excellent leadership skills became apparent, and in 2012 he was promoted to supervisor. In 2014, he became a Paramedic, then rose to Station Leader. Because of Brandon’s dedication and expertise, he was able to seamlessly step in for six months to cover for a Regional Manager.

Brandon was born and raised in Gloversville, New York. After an active duty tour in the military, he returned to Gloversville, which he still calls home. He received his Certificate in Paramedicine from SUNY Cobleskill, and has earned two Distinguished Service awards during his tenure at Mohawk. He likes working with others and helping people in a fast-paced, high-stress job.

In Brandon’s spare time he is a volunteer firefighter. He also enjoys spending time in the outdoors hiking, hunting, and fishing.

Mohawk Ambulance Service is proud to honor Brandon as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.

Lance Hester perfectly embodies the spirit of EMS. His leadership appears effortless, and he is known for always finding a creative solution to problems, no matter how big or small. Lance’s talent led him to progress professionally over the years, rising through the ranks of EMT, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Critical Care Transport Paramedic, and, most recently, overnight Shift Commander.

Last fall, Lance responded as the supervisor in charge to a mass shooting at a local Boys and Girls Club. His command decisions impacting patient care and responder safety and thoughtful actions on the scene earned the praise of many of his colleagues and fellow responding agencies. While this critical incident stands out, Lance commands the respect and admiration of all who have the privilege of working alongside him.

Ian’s passion for EMS began more than 20 years ago when he witnessed paramedics in action treating a shooting victim. At that moment he realized that EMS was his calling.

He decided to become an EMT and subsequently, a paramedic. Ian has a true passion for EMS, and takes great pride in knowing that he can make a difference in the lives of others.

His peers at Northwell Health CEMS chose Ian as a Star of Life because he is both a role model for others and someone who demonstrates the utmost compassion for his patients and coworkers. To deepen his knowledge and skills even further, Ian plans to become an EMS instructor.

Ian and his wife, Claudia, are the proud parents to four-year-old Maria. He enjoys spending time with family and fishing.

Northwell is proud to recognize Ian Joseph as a 2016 American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Eric, who started his career in EMS while in the military, was involved in two very high profile incidents where his courageous and noble actions were highlighted. He now often provides guidance to fellow team members that have experienced difficult calls about how to best cope and move forward in a positive manner. Also, Eric’s communication with patients and families exemplifies the standards of an EMS provider by ensuring both are comfortable and confident that the best care is being rendered.

One area that stands out when talking about Eric is how he was so determined to adjust to civilian life and overcome the challenges of his time in the military. He hopes his experience will help others that are returning home and addressing similar challenges. Eric is currently pursuing his paramedic certification with the same determination and dedication that he has shown in all other aspects of his life.

David Spangler was hired as an EMT in 2012 and has worked at Mohawk Ambulance Service for over four years. David graduated from SUNY at Buffalo Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After graduation, David moved to Guilderland, New York and decided that he wanted to gain real life experience, so he began his career in the field of emergency medical services. David received his Certificate in Paramedicine from Hudson Valley Community College and in 2015 was promoted to Paramedic.

In December of 2015, David received one of Mohawk Ambulance Services Distinguished Service Awards. He enjoys working in a fast paced, demanding career that requires a high level of medical knowledge and hands-on training.

In his spare time, David enjoys hiking the high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains and is close to completing all 46 peaks over 4,000 feet.