By Laura French
NEW YORK — FDNY EMS Local 2507 President Oren Barzilay was recognized at the 2020 Whole Health Heroes Awards for his leadership and advocacy during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Whole Health Heroes Awards, sponsored by Crain’s New York Business and Empire BlueCross BlueShield, recognized New York region leaders who worked to ensure the safety and wellness of all New Yorkers throughout the pandemic, according to a press release. Barzilay was selected to receive the award for leading more than 4,000 FDNY union members as they grappled with historic call volumes and overwhelming health risks during the pandemic.
“Thanks to Mr. Barzilay’s staunch advocacy and leadership, New York, and the rest of the nation, were able to gain a better insight of the overwhelming medical crisis and address the crisis confronting the first responders he advocates for,” the press release stated.
“It is no secret that being a member of the FDNY EMS is a very dangerous and stressful job, and this award is about the women and men of EMS who bravely held our city together on the frontlines, answering tens of thousands of calls for urgent help throughout the pandemic,” Barzilay said in a statement. “Our members slept in cars, worked round the clock shifts and withstood countless stressful situations to administer medical care when there was little light at the end of the tunnel in New York City. Thank you to our great FDNY EMS workforce; this city is stronger specifically because of your dedication and sacrifices.”
https://local2507.com/video/OrenBarzilay.mp4