The Pulse Summer 2026 public version

EMPRESS

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

TRANSFORMING CARE IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

• PATIENTCARE EXPANDS REACH WITH EMS ACQUISITION IN TEXAS BIKE RIDE RAISES MONEY FOR EMS MEMORIAL SERVICE

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

Welcome to The Pulse: Summer edition

Happy summer from The Pulse!

It’s been a busy time here at Empress, with EMS Week in May, the EMS Memorial Bike Ride and the first ever Yo-Pough-Yo Bike Ride in June that raised $1,200 for the National EMS Memorial Service. We hired a new Manager of Risk and Safety and our parent company, PatientCare, acquired Superior Mobile Healthcare in Texas.

Our fleet director Kyle Stevens went to Florida for the For Paul Foundation’s Heroes Dinner and award ceremony to receive recognition and thanks for the ambulance that Empress donated to help the foundation support first responders in emergency situations and provide support to families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

We are excited to announce the hiring of a new Risk and Safety Manager, who brings a depth of experience to this important role, working to assure that our

employees and patients alike are safe.

During EMS Week, our staff members received numerous awards for excellence in the field.

We also treated our staff members with food trucks and other treats to show our appreciation.

In addition, several staff members were recently honored for reaching significant milestones in their years of employment with the company.

We are featuring our Employee of the Year for 2025, Paramedic Patrick Baia, who continues his family’s tradition of dedication to health care, and at 23 has already distinguished himself for exceptional performance.

We also honor the memory of Paramedic Dick Harvey, who passed away last year after more than 20 years with the company.

For him, EMS was a second career.

He started in his 50s and earned distinctions for his great work.

We hope you enjoy this edition of The Pulse!

— Dugan Radwin Marketing & Communications Manager

ON THE COVER

Empress staff took part in a recent Health/Safety Fair Mamaroneck Avenue School in White Plains, informing students about emergency medical services, patient care, and equipment. If you have 1

THE PULSE

photos of Empress staff or vehicles out in the community that you would like to share, please send them to dradwin@empressems.com.

We will use what we can on social media and in The Pulse.

ABOUT EMPRESS Since its inception in 1985, Empress has made a firm commitment to the development of Emergency Medical Services and quality after-care transportation.

Our coverage area includes the Bronx, Columbia Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, as well as New York City and Litchfield County, CT. With a primary focus on state-of-the-art patient care in a personal and compassionate manner, the success of our approach is reflected in a reputation that is unparalleled in the region.

Employing some of the most capable and experienced individuals in the business, Empress handles more than 200,000 transports a year.

Through our dedicated staff and experienced management team, Empress EMS continues to raise the standards in the ambulancecare workplace.

Visit empressems.com to learn more about services, job opportunities and more.

Have questions? Submit them at empressems.com/ contact-us We look forward to hearing from you!

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

Meet Susmita Bandekar, our new Risk & Safety Manager My name is Susmita Bandekar, and I am honored to join Empress Emergency Medical Services as its new Risk & Safety Manager. I am excited to become part of such a dedicated organization and look forward to getting to know the staff over the coming weeks and months.

I bring over nine years of progressive experience in Environmental, Health & Bandekar Safety (EHS), Risk Management, Occupational Safety, Regulatory Compliance, and Incident Investigation across healthcare, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory, and industrial environments. Throughout my career, I have partnered with employees, supervisors, and leadership teams to develop practical safety solutions, improve compliance, conduct incident investigations, reduce workplace risks, and foster positive safety cultures built on trust and collaboration.

Before joining Empress, I served as an Environmental, Health & Safety Manager within the pharmaceutical industry, where I worked closely with operations, engineering, quality assurance, and executive leadership to strengthen safety programs while supporting business operations. Prior to that, I worked in healthcare as a safety officer, where I gained valuable experience in patient safety, infection prevention,

emergency preparedness, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance.

Although every industry has its own unique challenges, one thing has remained constant throughout my career: People are always our greatest asset. That philosophy aligns perfectly with EMS. Every day, our crews dedicate themselves to caring for patients during some of the most critical moments in their lives. My responsibility is to help ensure that the people who care for our communities are also protected while performing that important work.

One reason I was excited to join Empress is the organization’s strong commitment to its employees and the communities it serves. Over the next several weeks, my focus will be on learning the operation from those who know it best — our employees. I will be spending time at our stations, riding along with crews, meeting supervisors, visiting departments, and learning how each part of the organization contributes to our mission.

I firmly believe the best safety programs are built by listening first.

Our staff’s experiences, ideas, and observations are invaluable, and I encourage everyone to share them.

Whether it is a concern, a near miss, a suggestion for improvement, or an idea that could make someone’s job safer, I want to hear it.

As we continue building our safety culture together, my goal is to work alongside each of you to reduce injuries, vehicle accidents, and

FAST FACTS

Education: M.S. in Environmental, Health & Safety Engineering & Project Management (Rochester Institute of Technology) Originally from: Mumbai, India Experience: 9+ years in Healthcare, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Industrial Safety & Risk Management At Empress: Passionate about partnering with our crews to strengthen safety and reduce workplace injuries and vehicle incidents Fun fact: Proud cat parent to an orange Persian named Siro Favorite quote: “Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone deserves to return home safely to their families after every shift.”

workplace incidents while creating an environment where safety is proactive rather than reactive.

I truly believe safety is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone deserves to return home safely to their families after every shift. More than anything, I want to be a resource for every employee at Empress. Whether you are a field provider, dispatcher, fleet technician, educator, supervisor, administrator, or member of our support staff, I hope everyone will feel comfortable introducing themselves, asking questions, raising concerns, or sharing ideas.

Please reach out to me by phone at 914. 965.5040, Ext. 3086, on my cell at 914.708.8126, or email SBandekar@empressems.com I am truly grateful for the warm welcome I have already received and am excited to begin this journey. I look forward to building strong relationships, learning from your experiences, and working together to make Empress an even safer place to work.

THE PULSE

2

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

EXPANDING COVERAGE

PatientCare acquires Superior Mobile Health PatientCare EMS, the parent company of Empress EMS, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Superior Mobile Health (SMH). SMH provides basic life support and advanced life support emergency medical services, nonemergency transport, and standby care for San Antonio and SouthCentral Texas.

As the only NEMTAC-accredited paratransit provider in Texas, Superior Mobile Health delivers scalable, accessible, and accredited non-emergency medical transportation. Their services ensure safe transitions between healthcare settings, supporting patient flow and reducing delays for discharges, appointments, and facility transfers.

“We are a stronger, more capable company today than we were yesterday, with a wider reach and a deeper commitment to the communities we serve,” PatientCare CEO Jeff Shullaw said.

“Our new partnership also creates real opportunities for innovation and collaboration across both organizations, which we believe will be critical as we continue to scale our footprint.

Superior Mobile Health has built 3

THE PULSE

a highly respected organization grounded in quality care, operational discipline, and strong local leadership. We are

excited to welcome Superior to the PatientCare family and look forward to supporting the team as they continue serving their patients,

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

employees and communities with the same dedication and professionalism that define their organization today.

Superior’s team has built an exceptional company in San Antonio and across South Central Texas. The care they deliver and the reputation they have earned in their communities reflects the same values we hold here at PatientCare,” Shullaw added, noting that Superior Mobile Health’s founder and CEO, Aaron Castro, would remain at the helm of the company.

“I look forward to working alongside him and their leadership team. We win and lose as a team, and today our team got bigger and better,” Shullaw said.

Castro launched the San Antoniobased EMS provider in 2011 to expand access to quality, affordable medical transport.

A growing company Since then, it has grown from one ambulance to more than 45 units and 300 team members. It now serves thousands annually across multiple Texas counties.

As Vice President of the Texas Ambulance Association, Castro advocates for EMS policy, education, and innovation, driving system integration and sustainable growth in healthcare transportation.

“Joining PatientCare provides Superior with a partner that shares our values and long-term commitment to our people and the

Meet our parent company PatientCare EMS Solutions is the parent company of both Empress and Superior Mobile Health, as well as several other EMS operations around the country. This story is part of a series of stories about our sister companies.

PatientCare is a leading provider of ground-based 911 emergency ambulance services and other critical healthcare logistics solutions.

PatientCare provides its partners transparency via technology and data, to deploy specialists and dispatch transportation in the most timely manner possible communities we serve,” Castro said.

“This partnership enhances our ability to invest in our operations

for more than 400,000 patients a year.

PatientCare EMS Solutions was established in March 2018 as Paramedics Logistics Operating Company, LLC, and rebranded in 2018 as PatientCare EMS Solutions.

It operates under several local brands including Empress, FleetPlus, MedFleet, PatientCare EMS, Sioux Falls and Superior Mobile Health.

Watch for another story in our next issue showcasing another of our sister companies! and team while maintaining the local relationships and patient-first approach that have been central to our success.”

THE PULSE

4

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

Empress fleet director accepts honors for ambulance donation Gift acknowledged during group’s annual Heroes Dinner in Fla.

Empress Fleet Director Kyle Stevens was recently a special guest at the For Paul Foundation’s 7th Annual Heroes Dinner and Scholarship Awards held on May 16 in Weston, Fla. He accepted a picture of the refurbished ambulance that Empress had donated, which sat outside the venue during the event, which also included the awarding of scholarships to people entering EMS fields. The For Paul Foundation offers support to first-responders, aspiring firstresponders, and the families of first responders who have passed away in the line of duty, The ambulance makes it possible for the foundation to deliver critical supplies to EMS workers during disasters such as hurricanes and also to bring treats and holiday cheer to families of EMS workers who have passed away in the line of duty.

Stevens said his connection to the

Empress Fleet Director Kyle Stevens, left, accepts a photo of the ambulance Empress donated to the For Paul Foundation during the organization’s annual award ceremony and memorial dinner. At right is Dawn Witherspoon, founder of the organization. In the middle is Matt Delaney, executive director of the For Paul Foundation. cause began with his parts vendor, Mike Kramer, who was a cousin of Dawn Witherspoon, founder of the For Paul Foundation.

Kramer told him about who they are and what they do.

“There was a death in their family. It was his aunt, and they hadn’t talked in 20 years. He came to me and said ‘You guys have ambulances. I just talked

to my cousin who has started a foundation.’ ” He said the donation didn’t work out at once.

“The first ambulance I tried to donate fell through, and I felt like this had to go through and got it all running. I wanted to help.

I didn’t think it was a crazy big deal. I know it helps; they had said it changes the outreach.

THE FOR PAUL FOUNDATION The For Paul Foundation supports and honors first responders and their families. They also offer scholarships for individuals wishing to 5

THE PULSE

become EMTs, paramedics, or firefighters.

Learn more at theforpaulfoundation.org.

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

“We ended up getting a Montefiore truck, and we reached out and let her know we had the bus. Her husband Paul had worked with FDNY, so he had ties based on that.”

He said they initially planned to have it towed to Florida but things changed.

“We started bringing it in, replacing some tires, and they ended up coming to New York,” to drive it to Florida.

He said they are planning to return to Empress next year with the totally refurbished unit.

“They go country-wide, and they have a website where we are listed as their top sponsor.”

Stevens added there are plans to aid the Foundation with scholarship contributions from Empress’s sister PatientCare Company, the School of EMS.

Above: Empress Fleet Director Kyle Stevens, above, stands in front of the ambulance Empress donated last year, which was parked in front of the building where the For Paul Foundation’s Heroes Dinner was held. Below: Future EMS workers pose in the back of the refurbished ambulance with a sign acknowledging Empress/Patient Care for the donation.

“They gave out probably 15 different scholarships, and they have agencies that represent them,” he said. “We are looking to talk because they provide scholarships, and getting the School of EMS involved so we can all benefit. We’re looking to see if we can make it into a scholarship.

“Going down there put a lot of perspective into what they do and what that ambulance is to them,” he said, noting it is used for things like transporting gear to first responders handling natural disasters such as hurricanes.

“They can actually get things

to people. They’ve done all the hurricane responses. Before, they didn’t have emergency-style vehicles, but now they can get

through.

“They needed the tools to do that, and now they have them,” he said.

THE PULSE

6

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

IN THE COMMUNITY

Above: While posted in New Rochelle recently, Paramedic Brenda Valencia and EMT Mirsha Hernandez saw kids picking up garbage at New Rochelle High School and decided to help out.

Right: Empress participated in a recent health fair hosted by Mount Vernon High School.

During the event, Lt. Omar Stout showcased the equipment utilized on the ambulance and provided students with insight into the operational aspects of the 911 emergency medical services system.

7

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

IN THE COMMUNITY Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital recently opened its expanded and renovated Emergency Department. Empress is proud to partner with them in providing exceptional patient care. Here, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard (in blue at center right) cuts the ribbon with Montefiore Einstein President and CEO Philip O. Ozuah, MD, PhD, left of Williams. Left of Ozuah is Peter P. Semczuk, DDS, MPH, Regional Senior Vice President for Montefiore Einstein New York City and Executive Director, Moses Campus & Faculty Practice Group.

Left: Paramedic Mariah Franco and EMT Anna Miguel recently presided at a table at a Stroke Fair at St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers.

The event is now in its fourth year.

THE PULSE

8

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

BIKE RIDE BENEFIT

85-mile trek raises $1,200 for memorial service YONKERS & POUGHKEEPSIE — Ten cyclists took part in the YoPough-Yo bike ride on Saturday, June 13, to benefit the National EMS Memorial Service, held annually in the Washington, DC, area. This year’s memorial service in July honored 37 EMS staff who passed away in the line of duty.

Event organizer Paramedic Bill Rothchild said about half of the cyclists were Empress employees.

Two support volunteers were on hand to pick up riders who were ready to stop.

Riders started at the Empress stations in Yonkers and Poughkeepsie, both located near sections of the Empire State Trail. They met for lunch at a midpoint, Castle Park in Brewster.

The full route from Yonkers to Poughkeepsie (or vice versa) covered 85 miles. Lunch was donated by Empress.

“A lot of people went only the first 45 miles,” Rothschild said. “They said in advance they would only go to Brewster. So, the support volunteers were available to shuttle people wherever they needed to go once they were finished riding.”

He said representatives of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics met them for lunch, “to cheer us on and make us feel loved.” The union also donated breakfast for the participants.

Rothschild said the event was a success, and he plans to organize it 9

THE PULSE

Above: Cyclists and supporters pose in front of the Yonkers Empress station before the ride. Below: Four cyclists who did the whole 85-mile ride pose in front of the Poughkeepsie Empress station at the end of their trip.

again next year.

“It went flawlessly — really good weather, and no one had any mechanical failures. There were no complaints from the participants.

We had good conditions, and the trail was pretty flat. We raised

$1,200, with each $25 participation fee being matched three times by Empress as well as the local and national branches of the union.”

Empress Paramedic and Dutchess County EMS Coordinator John Mahoney started at the Poughkeepsie station and went

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

south to Brewster.

He said his interest in cycling was longstanding, “I have been an avid cyclist since doing my first century ride in 1998 honoring a Yorktown Ambulance Corps member’s fight with blood cancer.”

Mahoney said he became a paramedic after losing a friend in a fireworks accident.

“The ability to help those in need is the most fulfilling part about EMS,” he added.

Empress Paramedic Andrew Pinney was also among the cyclists, crediting Rothschild for sparking his interest in long bike rides. He has taken part in the EMS Memorial Bike Ride for two years.

“I hadn't done long bike rides until I was a paramedic student with Bill Rothschild,” Pinney said.

“It took him about five minutes before he sat me down in front of the computer in the New Rochelle Fire Station and showed me the websites related to the EMS Memorial Service and the EMS Memorial bike ride. He regularly refers to it as the ‘best-kept secret in EMS.’ ” “Training for the EMS Memorial Bike Ride in 2025 got me back onto the road,” he said. “At one point, I used to ride to work while in the UK.” Paramedic Ron Pugh, who works for Empress in Westchester, said he also got involved with the EMS Memorial Bike Ride through Rothschild.

“I rode a lot when I was younger and started riding again when

Above: Cyclists and supporters pose during lunch in a pavilion at Castle Park in Brewster. Below: Cyclists on the trail.

COVID started — with Bill’s help, of course,” he said, adding that he has ridden in the EMS Bike Ride for the past four years, and attended two DC rides/memorial services, referring to the Weekend of Honor, which is held in the Washington, DC, area in July and also includes a bike ride, the Ride of Honor.

Pugh said he finds EMS work fulfilling and enjoys helping people. “Nobody is immune from help, everyone will need it eventually,” he said.

For Pinney, EMS was a career change. He was formerly an applied statistician and director

of Statistics for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit providing statistical support to projects seeking sustainability.

When related projects dwindled, he began exploring new opportunities.

“I had become a volunteer EMT soon after arriving in the U.S. I enjoyed the role of providing patient care, so I pivoted to medic school in 2025. … Being a paramedic provides a challenge on so many levels: Clinical, compassion, management, leadership, and logistics. So, there’s plenty to work on and plenty to strive for in my semi-retirement,” he said.

THE PULSE

10

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

AWARDS & PROMOTIONS

Crew who helped rescue teen who fell from roof receive Meritorious Award Fall from abandoned factory roof was about 50 feet down

Captain Paul Mellamphy, Lt. Rose Moran, Paramedic Bryan Lucero, EMT Arnol Ramires and EMT Elinor Williams were honored with a Meritorious Award from WREMSCO (Westchester Regional EMS Council) for their rescue of a 16-year-old male who had fallen approximately 50 feet from the roof of an abandoned factory.

The crew, in coordination with the Yonkers Fire Department and Yonkers Police Emergency Services Unit, demonstrated exceptional teamwork and professionalism during the rescue.

Operating under challenging conditions, including poor lighting in the early morning hours, the crew located the patient unresponsive with snoring respirations, indicating a compromised airway.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the team rapidly initiated advanced airway management.

Rapid Sequence Intubation was successfully performed using video laryngoscopy, and intravenous 11 THE PULSE

Mellamphy

Moran patient. Utilizing a Stokes basket and maintaining strict cervical spine immobilization, the team ensured safe removal from the scene.

Ramires

Williams

Through the swift, skilled and collaborative efforts of all agencies involved, the patient ultimately made a significant recovery. access was promptly established.

Due to the difficult location of the patient, coordinated efforts with fire and police personnel were required to safely extricate the

The patient was transported as a Level One trauma activation to Westchester Medical Center.

Through the swift, skilled, and collaborative efforts of all agencies involved, the patient ultimately made a significant recovery and was later transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital for rehabilitation.

This incident reflects the highest standards of emergency medical care, inter-agency cooperation, and dedication to patient outcomes.

The actions of all personnel involved are worthy of recognition and commendation.

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

AWARDS & PROMOTIONS

Robert Lunde honored as EMT of the Year EMT Robert Lunde was named EMT of the Year at the recent WREMSCO (Westchester Regional EMS Council) in May. “Bobby Lunde represents all that is good about being an EMT,” said Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien. “He has been the foundation of the EMS response in New Rochelle for longer than any other EMT assigned to the ambulance system for that city. He is a mentor to younger EMTs, and he is someone any smart paramedic would want

for a partner. His maturity and respect for others set the bar high for others to replicate.”

“He is respected by members of other EMS organizations as well as members of the New Rochelle Fire and Police Departments. If you find one person who has a bad word to say about Bobby Lunde, go buy a lottery ticket because you’ve found that one person!”

human being and well deserving of this honor. I’ve worked with Bobby off and on for many years.

He was always a preferred partner, especially on very difficult calls.

You never had to worry if he was doing his job and doing it right. He carries his competence, confidence, and integrity with a calming sense of humility.”

“There is a phrase: ‘Paramedics save lives. EMTs save paramedics.’

“Bobby is a great EMT and that is only surpassed by him being a good Bobby is one of those EMTs.”

2025 LIFE SAVING AWARD WINNERS

Jan. 1: Paramedic Andres Rivera and Matthew LiVigni Jan. 17: Paramedic Myquan Alston, Paramedic Jonathan Castillo, Paramedic Toni Lemke, EMT Jordan Ford, EMT Abdul Malik-Akbar and paramedic student EMT Dan Breitman Jan. 25: Paramedic Jeremy Portorreal and EMT Olivia Spano Feb. 9 and April 13: Two awards to Paramedic Lirjie Mustafaj Feb. 12: Paramedic Juan Granda and EMT Ashley Scott April 3: Paramedic Daryn Baia and Paramedic Ron Pugh April 19: Paramedic Alex Santaquilani, EMT Cargill, EMT Alyssa Elysee and EMT

Janisha Philibert March 26: Paramedic Robin Finkelstein and EMT Julio Gonzales May 16: Paramedic Rose Moran, Paramedic Kareem Mosead and EMT Kashawn Barnes July 12: Paramedic Michael Ceriani and EMT Vanessa Morales July 15: Paramedic Lauren Diamond and EMT Boluwatife Oduguwa July 22: Paramedic Kris Hansen and EMT Robert Lunde Oct. 8: Paramedic Kareem Mosead, Paramedic Gonzalo Cavajani and EMT Marc Collazo Sept. 17: Paramedic Gonzalo Cavajani, Paramedic Myquan

Alston and EMT Marc Collazo Sept. 19: Paramedic Raul Pimentel and EMT Vanessa Morales Oct. 16: Paramedic Kris Hansen and Paramedic John Scalzo Oct. 16: Paramedic William Rothschild and EMT Joshua Horowitz Nov. 2: Paramedic Jayvee Delossantos, EMT Gustavo Garcia-Say and EMT Elinor Williams Nov. 14: Paramedic Jonathan Castillo, EMT Suanu Barima and EMT Isabel Bravo July 28: Paramedic Raul Pimentel and EMT Thomas Salvatore and Paramedic student Amanda Nicoletti THE PULSE

12

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

AWARDS & PROMOTIONS

Kimberly McCoy Fagan recognized for excellence in EMS Quality and Safety

work-related injury. From the very beginning, Kimberly stood out as a dependable and highly knowledgeable resource someone everyone in the QA department could rely on,” Paramedic Steven Goodstein said. “Having worked for many years under the direction of Daryn Baia, she has built a strong foundation of skill, leadership, and professionalism.”

Kimberly McCoy Fagan was honored with the Excellence in EMS Quality and Safety Award at the recent WREMSCO (Westchester Regional Emergency Medical Services Council) Awards.

The Quality Assurance and Safety Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to creating a safer environment, preventing hazards, and driving meaningful improvements for EMS personnel.

The honoree consistently exceeds expectations, serves as a role model, upholds a high level of accountability, and proactively identifies and addresses potential risks before they result in incidents which could possibly lead to

Above, Kimberly McCoy Fagan poses with her award plaque at the recent WREMSCO awards ceremony in Westchester. injuries to all involved.

“I first met Kimberly Fagan in 2022 when I joined the QA office on light duty following a

CHILDBIRTH AWARDS

Feb. 20: Paramedic Inisia Yearwood and EMT Stephanie Loor Feb. 23: EMT Stephanie Dorney and EMT Emerson Russell-Grad

Paramedic Inisia Yearwood, right, was among those who received childbirth awards from WREMSCO.

MORE PHOTOS ONLINE

View more photos from the WREMSCO awards with the story at www.empressems.com or check out the photo gallery from the event on Facebook.

13 THE PULSE

“Her training methods and techniques have been incredibly impactful, especially in mentoring and guiding EMT students as they develop in their careers,” Goldstein continued. “Her dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to academic and operational excellence have made her an invaluable asset to the Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Safety Program here at Empress EMS.”

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

EMS WEEK 2026

Putnam County EMS Council gives awards

From left are Paramedic Seth Butler, Paramedic Patrick Baia, Paramedic Daryn Baia, Ruben Castillo Jr., Paramedic Ruben Castillo, Paramedic Chris Casey, Paramedic Lauren Diamond, Paramedic Allison Gorski and Lt. Chris Aiello.

2025 PUTNAM COUNTY HONOREES ALS Provider of the Year: Paramedic Daryn Baia Excellence in Pre-hospital Care: Paramedic Allison Gorski, Paramedic Lauren Diamond, Paramedic Michael Blatus, Paramedic Seth Butler, Paramedic Jennifer McSorley, EMT John Schlusser IV, EMT Matthew Chan, Paramedic Jake Knibbs and Lt. Chris Aiello

Class B Lifesaving Award: Paramedic Ruben Castillo, Paramedic Christopher Casey, Paramedic Jennifer McSorley, EMT Matthew Chan, EMT John Schlusser IV and Daniel Fernandez Class A Lifesaving Award: Paramedic Eric Kennett, Paramedic Lisa Bendo and Paramedic Lauren Diamond

THE PULSE

14

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

EMS WEEK 2026

2 honored by Dutchess EMS Council for excellence in EMS education Awards presented for Mentor and Instructor of the Year

Kelly Kohler, EMT-P, CIC, and Mary McGhee, RN, EMT-P, CIC, were both honored at the Dutchess County EMS Awards recently: Kohler was named EMS Mentor, and McGhee was named EMS Educator of the Year.

Kohler is a critical-care paramedic from Poughkeepsie who works full-time at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown running the simulation lab.

She teaches in the EMS Program at Dutchess Community College and has worked for Empress EMS for over 10 years.

She is a national conference speaker, member of the NAEMT AMLS Committee, and author of the NAEMT GEMS course and the AMLS course. She has also been appointed to the Lighthouse Leadership Committee. She has won the iSimulate Excellence in Simulation Award as well as the NAEMT Education Service Award.

Kelly has her master of science in EMS from New York Medical 15 THE PULSE

Kelly Kohler, EMT-P, CIC, and Mary McGhee, RN, EMT-P,CIC, pose with their awards during the Dutchess County EMS Council’s 2026 Award Ceremony.

College and her IBSC Critical Care Paramedic Certification.

service. She is also an American

McGhee is a NYS-CIC, RN, an RN Paramedic and previous paramedic supervisor with Northern Dutchess Paramedics with over 12 years of

ACLS, PALS and BLS. She

Heart Association instructor for recently graduated from nursing school and is currently an RN.

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

EMS WEEK 2026

From left are, a representative from N.Y. State Senator Rob Rolison’s office, County Legislator Chris Drago, Dutchess County Emergency Services Commissioner Bill Beale, County Executive Sue Serino, award recipient Kelly Kohler, EMT-P, CIC; Jeff Cotter, Vice President of the Dutchess County EMS Council; Rob Matragrano, president of Dutchess County EMS Council; and Dawn Marie Klingler, Dutchess County EMS Council Secretary.

ULSTER COUNTY EMS AWARDS Lifeaving Awards: Paramedic Gerrit Blauvelt Paramedic Abigail D’Aquisto EMT Crystal Santiago Paramedic Franciso Santos

THE PULSE

16

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

35

YEARS

25

YEARS

Deputy Chief/Director of Education David Grass, center, is marking his 35th year with Empress. At left is Senior Director of Operations Scott Holland; Vice President of Operations and COO Daniel Minerva is at right.

EMT Denise Jones, right, is marking her 25th year at Empress. With her at left is EMT Emmanuel Vasquez, who was marking his fifth year with the company.

17 THE PULSE

30

YEARS

Senior Director of Operations, Scott Holland, right, is marking 30 years with Empress. He is with Vice President of Operations and COO Daniel Minerva.

25

Lt. John Hill, second from left, is marking his 25th year with Empress.

At left is Mark Browne, at far right is Deputy Chief Joe Bilotto

YEARS

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

20

Lt. Thomas D’Anna, right, is marking 20 years with Empress. At left is Deputy Chief David Grass.

25

Paramedic Brent Penfold is marking 25 years with Empress.

YEARS

YEARS

20

YEARS

25

YEARS

Lt. Marc Engleman, left, is marking 20 years with Empress. At right is Deputy Chief Walt McCabe.* * No longer with Empress

Lt. Manuel Perlera, center, is marking 25 years with Empress. At left is Deputy Chief Scott O’Brien and Deputy Chief Walt McCabe* is at right. *No longer with Empress

THE PULSE

18

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Patrick Baia continues his family’s tradition of dedication to healthcare Paramedic Patrick Baia, 23, was recently named Employee of the Year for 2025.

"It's been a pleasure watching him grow as a provider, consistently deliver exceptional patient care, and serve as a strong mentor and role model to his BLS (Basic Life Support) partners,” said Lt. Rose Moran when announcing the award. “Congratulations, Patrick — and thank you for everything you do!”

Patrick said the award was a great honor and surprise.

“I am extremely honored and humbled by it. I was shocked when I got the email. Empress has gotten so much larger than when I started here when I was much younger, and I think it shows that I’ve earned the respect of my supervisors and coworkers. I am super honored to get the award.”

Paramedic Patrick Baia poses in front of the Putnam County fly car.

He often works in Putnam County.

Patrick Baia is the third generation in his family to be involved with health care. His father, Daryn Baia, is a paramedic with Empress; his mother, Erin Baia, is a nurse at Westchester Medical Center, and his younger brother, Connor Baia, is an EMT with Empress. His grandfather, Dr. John Sheridan, was an emergency room doctor at St.

Vincent’s Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital as well as a telemetry doctor for the New York City Fire Department. His grandmother, Mary Sheridan, was a nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital and New Rochelle Hospital. On the other side of his family, his grandmother Lori Baia and his grandfather Jim Baia volunteered

19 THE PULSE

for Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Patrick is also a thirdgeneration volunteer for the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Patrick said he didn’t originally intend to go into EMS work, but that his involvement started when he volunteered to fulfill a high

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

school requirement.

“I joined a volunteer youth corps when I was around 14-15. When I first joined, I wasn’t necessarily interested in EMS, but I just needed to get community service for high school, and then I enjoyed it. I did it as community service — and I kind of got addicted to it — and I decided to just keep going up the chain and continue to try to get better. After that, I took my EMT at Phelps Hospital during my senior year; it was a night class. I finished in December 2019, and I started working as an EMT during COVID.” “When I first got the certification, I had heard what was coming down the pipeline,” Patrick Baia said. “It was a very brief timeframe before it happened in New York, but I did want to be part of it and do my best to help out.”

His father said it wasn’t long before Patrick got to the frontlines.

“He was with the Yonkers Medical Evacuation Transport Unit (METU). It’s like a giant ambulance that holds up to 40 people. The Yonkers police ran it with Empress.

He worked like crazy helping out, and that’s when he decided he wanted to become a paramedic.

I told him I wanted him to get a degree,” Daryn Baia said.

Patrick Baia went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in paramedicine and a master’s degree in healthcare administration at the University of New Haven, where he received the

Above: Paramedic Patrick Baia, left, poses with his father, Paramedic Daryn Baia, and his brother EMT Connor Baia in front of a Yorktown ambulance, where they volunteer. Below: Patrick and Connor pose in front of an Empress paramedic fly car as children. school’s Presidential Scholarship.

Now he is taking his critical care flight paramedic certification at Yale New Haven Hospital Center for EMS while working full-time at Empress.

“My motivation is that I’m just trying to become as educated as I can be and be a better provider. It’s more just having that knowledge of critical care and maybe doing something like that down the line.

I’m always trying to improve,” Patrick Baia said.

He said the different situations encountered on the job is one of the things he likes best about the work.

find yourself in. I think it’s one

“I like the variety of situations you

same. That’s what I like about

of the few jobs where every day is truly different. It’s a medical emergency, but no patient is the THE PULSE

20

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

where I work. One shift, I could be in Yonkers working in a fly car, then I could be in a critical care unit in New York City, then in a fly car upstate in Putnam County.

In one week, you can have three completely different environments.”

“When you’re a new medic, you start in Yonkers on an ALS ambulance, and after a few months, and you’re a cleared A medic, you can be cleared to work in a fly car.

From there, you can go through the clearance process for various different systems throughout multiple counties, cities, and towns.

I primarily work in Putnam County and Yorktown in a fly car.”

When he’s not working, Patrick Baia said he enjoys skiing, golfing, and traveling.

“In the winter, I ski a lot. In the summers, I golf, and I try to travel a good amount with my friends and family. Nothing crazy with hobbies, just the average things for a 23-year-old.”

Above: Patrick Baia in 2020, when he was a new EMT at Empress during COVID. Left: Patrick poses with his father, Paramedic Daryn Baia, in front of a fly car in Putnam County.

21 THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

PROMOTIONS

Bob Szeli becomes Deputy Chief, Assistant Director of Quality Assurance We are pleased to announce the promotion of Robert Szeli to Deputy Chief and Assistant Director of Quality Assurance.

Szeli began his EMS career in 2008 as an EMT, later EMT-I and then paramedic and has developed deep expertise across clinical operations and quality systems. He holds a master of business administration and a master of science in data analytics, credentials that directly inform his evidence-based approach to QA/QI program development and performance measurement.

Prior to the Empress acquisition, Szeli led the Quality Assurance program at Mobile Life Support

Services — a role that transitioned well into his position heading the North Quality Assurance Department, Szeli reflecting both organizational continuity and his established mastery of the function. His QA work spans case review, protocol compliance, clinical outcome tracking, and provider feedback.

Beyond his organizational role, Szeli is an active contributor to the

Hudson Valley EMS community, serving as chair of the Protocol and Policy Committee — a position that keeps him at the forefront of regional clinical standards and interagency collaboration. He also brings experience in Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS), adding operational depth to his clinical and administrative profile.

In his new position, he will oversee Quality Assurance across all divisions.

“We look forward to Robert utilizing his expertise and knowledge to benefit the department,” said Scott Holland, Senior Director of Operations.

EMT Jada Singletary is named lieutenant

By Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien We are pleased to announce Jada Singletary’s promotion to lieutenant. She began her journey with Empress in April 2021, shortly after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She first joined as a Phoenix High School Cadet, where her dedication and passion for EMS quickly stood out.

She attended the Empress EMS Academy and earned her EMT certification, transitioning into a full-time EMT role, where she gained valuable field experience, consistently demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and a

strong commitment to patient care.

As her career progressed, she expanded her responsibilities by joining the Quality AsSingletary surance team and eventually taking over leadership of the Phoenix Cadet Program.

Her ability to mentor, educate, and inspire future EMS professionals made a lasting impact.

She later transitioned into dispatch, becoming a certified emergency

medical dispatcher. Her extensive operational knowledge, calm decision-making, and dedication to supporting field crews quickly made her an invaluable member of the communications team.

She has consistently demonstrated exceptional knowledge, leadership, patience, and a willingness to help others succeed. These qualities have led her to take the next step in her career as a supervisor.

We are confident she will continue to make a positive impact in her new role, and we look forward to seeing all she accomplishes.

THE PULSE

22

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

SCENES FROM THE ACADEMY

Top left: North academy cadets practice driving ambulances during a EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course) training. Right: Cadets practice splinting during a skills lab. Bottom right: South Academy Cadets pose for a photo inside an ambulance. Bottom left: South cadets pose while practicing stretcher skills.

23 THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

IN MEMORY

EMS was a second act for Dick Harvey, who handled difficult calls with grace Paramedic Dick Harvey recently passed away after a distinguished career of more than 20 years with Empress. But what makes his story even more remarkable is that Harvey didn’t begin his EMS career until his 50s, a time when some people start planning their retirement.

Paramedic Bill Rothschild, who organized a luncheon in December to honor Harvey’s memory, said he once asked Harvey’s wife, Linda Harvey, what made him want to enter the EMS field at that point in his life, and she said it was because someone told him he couldn’t do it — that got his back up, and he thought, “I’ll show you.”

Above: Paramedic Dick Harvey stands in front of the Yorktown fly car. Below: Harvey with his award-winning classic Buick Riviera.

Harvey had already had a successful career running steakhouses in New York City. He owned a boat, and, according to Rothschild, had appeared on the cover of Wooden Boat Magazine.

He was also a classic car enthusiast whose distinctive green Buick Riviera won awards at car shows.

Paramedic Daryn Baia said that Harvey showed up for his interview at Empress expecting not to be hired.

“When I interviewed him, he didn’t think I was going to hire him THE PULSE

24

THE PULSE

SUMMER 2026

because he was 50 years old. He gave me the typical Dick Harvey look, and he said, ‘You’re not going to hire me because I’m 50,’ Baia recalled. But he was hired and went on to have a lengthy career at Empress.

Rothschild, who has worked at Empress for 38 years, said he helped train Harvey when he was new on the job more than 20 years ago.

“He was my student and partner.

When you’re new here, you work with someone who’s experienced,” he said.

Not only did Harvey become a paramedic, he even developed a reputation for handling some of the most devastating emergency situations.

“He was truly on some of the worst calls in this company’s history,” Rothschild said. “Just on a regular basis, he would be involved in a horrendous call. When someone had a lot of bad calls, they would say, ‘That’s like a Dick Harveylevel shift.’ ” As an example, Rothschild mentioned that Harvey and an EMT responded to a call to a quadruple fatality on the Taconic State Parkway. A man in his car with his two kids had run over the center divider, hitting a car going the opposite way on the other side.

Harvey and the EMT were the only 25 THE PULSE

Above: Paramedic Dick Harvey, second from left, stands with Paramedic Alanna Badgley, far left, Paramedic Alex Molina and Lt. Manuel Perlera at the First Responders Children’s Foundation Gala in 2022. Below: Harvey’s three children Scott, Holly and Matt, with his wife, Linda, at his memorial luncheon in December.

SUMMER 2026

THE PULSE

people on the scene for 20 minutes because it was a busy day and other first-responders could not get there immediately.

Harvey was so used to difficult calls that Rothschild said he was unruffled when a new one happened.

He was also known for his physical resilience.

“He had his knees replaced and returned to work in six weeks.

Normally it takes more like 12 weeks. He had both done at the same time. He was always very determined to get things done,” Baia said, adding that Harvey was very devoted to his family — he had two sons and a daughter — and to his work as a paramedic.

“He worked 80 hours a week. He would come in and work, and he had some of the worst calls that you can imagine. He was the only paramedic to receive a supervisor’s award. He thought he was never going to make it as a paramedic, but he proved to all the supervisors that he could be a great paramedic. He was given the Empress Supervisor’s Award.

They made up an award for him.

He outperformed what everyone thought he could do. He kept proving everyone wrong.”

Baia said he only retired three years ago.

“He had to stop because of heart issues, which broke his heart.”

When COVID hit, Harvey had not

Above: Dick Harvey’s wife Linda, second from left, and his children Scott, Holly and Matt pose in front of the Yorktown fly car at his memorial luncheon in December. Below: Dick Harvey’s tag from the EMS Memorial Bike Ride East Coast route that was held in May. been working for a while.

“He had stopped a year or two before that. He was on medical leave, and we were giving the COVID shots. We called him, and he was here for every possible thing we could do. We were all over the state. New York was hiring Empress to go all over the state to give vaccinations.”

While Harvey was a skilled paramedic, Rothschild recalled that he was not a lover of technology.

“He made me look like Albert Einstein when it came to computers,” Rothschild joked, noting that during shift changes, when people would hear the sound of Harvey climbing the stairs and putting down the bag where he kept his supplies, a hush would fall over the room as those who were there waited for the inevitable.

“Everyone would be trying to stifle their laughter,” he recalled. “You’d

hear a click or two of the mouse, and he would inevitably explode in a rush of curses. It was the same thing every week,” he recalled.

“It was literally just entering your name and password, but he would mess something up every time and get frustrated. It was like that movie Groundhog Day where the same thing kept happening over and over.”

Empress employees, including Rothschild, rode in his memory at the EMS Memorial Bike Ride in May. THE PULSE

26

EMPRESS EMS

THE PULSE

A PatientCare Company

Empress EMS, a PatientCare Company, is one of the largest, most experienced emergency and non-emergency response providers in the Bronx, Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, as well as New York City and Litchfield County, CT. EMPRESS SOUTH 722 Nepperhan Ave., Yonkers 914.965.5040 EMPRESS NORTH 10 S. White St., Poughkeepsie 845.621.9300 EMPRESS BRONX 1315 Loomis St., Bronx 888.965.5040 EMPRESS RHINEBECK 3 Hook Road, Rhinebeck 845.876.0448 EMPRESS ROCKLAND 16 Carol Ave., Suite 5, West Haverstraw EMPRESS SULLIVAN 266 Main St., Hurleyville 845.436.9111 @empressems

@empressems

@empressems