Awards and Recognition Program for Ulster County’s Emergency
Service Providers
Kingston, NY – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announced today the creation of an annual Awards and Recognition Program "Heroes Among Us."
This comprehensive awards program is for Ulster County’s police, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, as well as citizens who exhibited bravery or took other noteworthy actions. Award categories include: heroism, lifesaving, meritorious service, distinguished service, length of service, unit citation, youth member and citizen award.
"All of our first responders are amazing but this is an opportunity for Ulster County to acknowledge and thank the heroes among us, those who have done something extraordinary for our community," said County Executive Hein.
Nominations will come from emergency services personnel and awardees will selected by a board of their peers. The County Executive has asked Art Snyder, Director of Ulster County Emergency Communications/Emergency Management; Ulster County Chief Fire Coordinator Charlie Mutz; Ulster County Emergency Medical Services Coordinator Ritch Parrish; and Shawangunk Police Chief and President of the Ulster County Police Chief’s Association Frank Petrone, to serve as the 2010-2011 Awards Board Members. To protect the integrity of the awards the County Executive felt strongly that the Awards Board should be comprised exclusively of members of the emergency management community. The appointed board will have the sole authority to choose the awardees.
"Every member of the police, fire and EMS community deserves special recognition for simply doing what they do each and every day," said Art Snyder, Ulster County Emergency Communications/Emergency Management Director. "This program will provide the general public with a glimpse of the dangers they face, the sacrifices they make, and the dedication possessed by these brave men and women. Hopefully it will inspire others to emulate their actions."
"I appreciate being chosen by the County Executive for this Awards Board because of the incredible importance of recognizing Ulster County’s firefighters, EMS, police and citizens," said Chief Petrone.
"The Ulster County Recognition Program will recognize the dedicated members of Ulster Counties Emergency Services. These are everyday people making a difference in their communities and this is the least we can do to support their efforts," said Ritch Parrish, Ulster County Emergency Medical Services Coordinator.
"The award program offered by the County Executive will mean a lot to our emergency services workers and their organizations, said Charlie Mutz. I believe that when the awards are given in September, the winners and the organizations they represent will feel more pride in their accomplishments. I hope that this program will lead to increased recruitment in our emergency services. "
Awards will be given out at a ceremony to be held during the month of September, on or around our country’s National Day of Service and Remembrance and the National Day of Volunteerism.
The Nomination Form is attached and can also be found on the County’s Emergency Communications/Emergency Management website at:
http://ulstercountyny.gov/emergencyservices. Nominations for this year’s award must be submitted by September 1, 2011. They should be sent to the Emergency Services Recognition Program at 238 Golden Hill Lane, Kingston, NY 12401, by email to asny[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us or by fax at 845-331-1738.
