Kingston, New York- In honor of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, County Executive Mike Hein recognizes all Emergency Medical Service professionals and volunteers serving in Ulster County. Ulster County has 21 volunteer and commercial EMS Agencies, and approximately 1500 professionals and volunteers who serve in various capacities throughout the county including first responders and firefighters.   

National EMS Week is a country-wide recognition and honoring of professionals and volunteers who dedicate themselves to day-to-day emergency lifesaving services, and also brings together local communities and medical personnel to raise safety awareness.

“I would like to personally thank all of Ulster County’s Emergency Medical Services professionals and volunteers who work around the clock serving Ulster County. First responders are critical in emergency situations and we are fortunate to have exceptional men and women who are dedicated to saving lives and keeping our residents safe,” said County Executive Hein. “It is important to recognize these everyday heroes as they risk their lives day in and day out to protect our entire community.”

Steven Peterson, the Director of Emergency Services said, “The men and women who serve in Ulster County’s Emergency Medical Services do so with compassion, dedication, and professionalism. Ulster County is a much safer place to live, thanks to their daily execution of courage and skill.”

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), presents the theme of this year’s National EMS Week as “EMS Strong.” EMS Strong is a ballad to the EMS members who go into work every day without knowing the challenges that they will be facing. EMS Strong recognizes the important work that Emergency Medical Service professionals and volunteers perform in difficult conditions, the courage that these individuals possess, and the effects that their dedication has on the people they serve.