Albany, NY - May 23, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today recognized eight emergency medical service providers who died in 2017 as a result of injuries or illnesses sustained while performing their duties. The honorees - Yadira Arroyo, Mario Bastidas, Rose Scott, Mark Harris, Edith Torres, Cory Moore, Gregg Williams and Roderick Cota, were added to the Tree of Life EMS Memorial today on the Empire State Plaza in Albany.
"Each and every day, these professionals are on the front lines, and often placing their own personal safety at risk, in order to provide emergency services to those in need," Governor Cuomo said. "New Yorkers stand together to honor the emergency medical service providers that made the ultimate sacrifice, running toward danger to help and protect their neighbors and their community."
The ceremony was attended by EMS professionals and first responders from across New York State.
"Every day first responders across the state put their lives on the line to save our fellow New Yorkers, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "As we reflect on the eight emergency medical service workers who were lost in 2017, let us always remember their remarkable lives and dedication to a noble profession."
Each year New York State honors the brave men and women that make the ultimate sacrifice while serving their fellow New Yorkers as emergency medical service providers. This year's honorees join 67 other EMS professionals represented on the memorial.
The EMS providers honored today are:
"New York's emergency medical providers respond when the call for help goes out; sometimes at great personal cost to themselves and their families" said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. I thank all of our EMS professionals for their dedication. Today we honor and remember those we have lost."
EMS professionals in New York State include certified first responders, EMTs, advanced EMTs, and paramedics who provide pre-hospital emergency patient care and transport. New Yorkers are served by nearly 2,000 ambulance and emergency medical response and transportation agencies that provide Advanced Life Support or Basic Life Support services.