By Shaina McLawrence
Staten Island Advance
NEW YORK — While many people flee from danger, Staten Island’s courageous EMS professionals charge right into it.
On Monday, these fearless individuals were honored for their bravery, dedication, and lifesaving efforts at the 31st annual EMS Recognition Ceremony, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield.
Organized by Staten Island Borough President Vito J . Fossella’s Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, the event brought together EMS professionals from all over the borough.
The ballroom buzzed with family, colleagues, and supporters who came together to pay tribute to those who devote their lives to serving the community in the most critical of times.
The event kicked off with a touching letter that set a heartfelt tone for a night filled with emotional tributes and inspiring personal stories. One of the most moving moments came from Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, who read a letter from Sergeant Steven Esposito of the 122nd Precinct Detective Squad.
In it, Esposito recounted how two EMTs helped deliver his daughter at home during an emergency.
“From the moment Joey’s water broke to baby Josie being born, it was barely 18 minutes,” wrote Esposito. “Childbirth is risky not just for the baby but for the mother too. I couldn’t have asked for two better first responders.”
EMTs Joseph Pierre-Giovani and Victoria Gonzalez were praised for their professionalism during the stressful delivery, even as the baby arrived in a narrow hallway with the umbilical cord wrapped around the newborn’s neck.
Their quick actions ensured the safe arrival of baby Josie — now affectionately known as “Miracle Josie.”
The Esposito family joined McMahon on stage as the EMTs and their supporting team — including Al Bedford, Joy James Taravecchio, Michael Kaden, and Mike Gomez Rivas — were formally recognized for their outstanding work.
“There is something so special when someone makes it their life’s mission to serve others. These are the people who embody selflessness, and go head-first into a dangerous or life-threatening situation with courage, calmness, and determination to help somebody in dire need,” Fossella said in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com. “We honor each and every one of these EMS workers, not just today but every day, for answering the call and saving lives.”
Fossella was not able to attend the event due to a scheduling conflict.
The ceremony also featured a heartfelt keynote speech by Dr. Theodore Strange, the associate medical director of Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, who shared his own positive experiences with EMS workers.
“EMS is not just a service, it’s a lifeline. It’s a force of calm in our darkest hours. It’s a team of professionals who show up no matter what time, no weather, the risk, or even the race,” said Strange. “You show up when there’s a car crash on a rainy night. You show up when there’s a childhood fever that just won’t break.”
Award recipients
Frank W. Geib Memorial EMT Student of the Year Award winners include EMT Colin Bennett of Staten Island Emergency Medical Training and Kaitlyn Kilimnik of Training Institute for Medical Emergencies and Rescue.
Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Awards recipients are Dillon Digenova of FDNY Station 22; Matthew Adams FDNY Station 23; Leeor Reichman and Berel Elewitz EMT-P of Hatzolah of Staten Island; Kinderlyn Romhin and Thomas Hopkins of North Shore Rescue Squad; Randy Rasmussen MVO and Pedro Meza Lopez of Primary Care Ambulance; Joe Piergiovanni and Victoria Gonzalez of Richmond University Medical Center; Yee Lam-Torres and Joseph Israel of Northwell Staten Island University Hospital; Elizabeth Bova and Kristina Guadalupe of Volunteer Heart Ambulance; Daniel Szabo of Richmond County Ambulance; Marcin Bogut and Louis Morales of Priority One.
EMT Instructor of the Year Award recipients are EMT William Lauriat of Staten Island Emergency Medical Training and Michael Gutmajer of Training Institute for Medical Emergencies and Rescue.
Paramedic of the Year Award winners include Anthony Reiner of FDNY Station 22; Joshua Hermann of FDNY Station 23; Al Bedford and James Terravecchio of Richmond University Medical Center; Antonio Jimenez and Daniel D’Angelis of Northwell Staten Island University Hospital; and Christopher Gilkes of Richmond County Ambulance.
The Lifetime Achievement Award winner is William “Billy” Amaniera.
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