By Laura French
YORK COUNTY, Pa. — A veteran Pennsvylania EMT died Friday following a three-week battle with COVID-19.
Community LifeTeam (UMPC Pinnacle) EMT Doug Dzubinski, 53, served as a first responder in York County for more than 30 years, according to the York Daily Record. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Penny, and his stepdaughter Bryanne.
Dzubinski was a dedicated and compassionate EMT who never refused a shift because he always wanted to be there for someone in need, according to family members and colleagues. He is also remembered as a loving husband and a supportive and encouraging stepfather to Bryanne, who has cerebral palsy.
Both Dzubinski and his wife contracted COVID-19 about three weeks ago; Penny Dzubinski said she had a milder case, but her husband’s condition worsened, causing him breathing problems that ultimately led to him being placed on a ventilator about a week before his death.
Local first responder agencies shared their condolences on social media over the weekend. Grantley EMS 89 posted on Facebook, “Dedicated to EMS, and the training and mentoring of new providers, Doug was truly an amazing friend to everyone.”
Porters Fire Company posted, “York County has lost one of its finest EMS providers to COVID-19 ... Our thoughts are with Doug’s family, friends and co-workers. May he rest in peace.”
According to Porters Fire Company, Dzubinski was also a member of the former Springettsbury Township EMS and a longtime volunteer with the Laurel Fire Company.
https://www.facebook.com/PortersFireCompany/posts/3830717973607322?__cft__[0]=AZWvcIEyyafu9fsTbSGYBUOEhoy21KmjqLzr_TSqBgxpD1OYjr415OJQb0k4Pc0azWmxUfz6ZeVhUx1ZIoEjOYzcNCdQzXw75_G7QkWtKRB1qkWAzv5_uyU1-sZNz9zbFGOxo1NsiKBoi0THMNNOt4DF&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R https://www.facebook.com/grantleyfire/posts/1316339852047790?__cft__[0]=AZVrFmKgwDjttSqRSlhFCtvF6gVqknSTgizgl_kxyjrbWw7PPyOuIpMpJ_OBS_t7vA7N0jtWLGGBGOa9GOE2SQt8Jgj0N_lSbgEpWOC5gtIw0bVUWOG8uAioSS6rlwMO8os7IqYpak-hmBEQrt12odSO&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R