Huntington Community First Aid Squad Member Awarded 'EMS Worker of the Year'

Submitted by Huntington Community First Aid Squad

Huntington Community First Aid Squad’s (HCFAS) Tom O’Leary has been recognized as the “EMS Worker of the Year” for 2014, by Suffolk County Leg. Lou D’Amaro. Nominated by HCFAS Chief Thomas Lemp, O’Leary has earned this honor for his outstanding service to the community as an EMS worker.

“Tom’s background and community commitment are extremely impressive and he is well-deserving of this honor, “ D’Amaro said at the Nov. 18 award presentation at the Suffolk Legislative Complex in Hauppauge.

Active in recruitment for HCFAS, O’Leary came to volunteer as a squad member in an unusual fashion. During the years he was the boys varsity soccer coach for Wantagh High School, his frequent opponent was Port Washington High School’s coach - HCFAS President Roger Winter. Roger was determined to recruit Huntington resident O’Leary to HCFAS and would inundate Tom with membership applications.

Before becoming a volunteer EMT, Tom had a long and notable career in teaching and coaching. He was a Jr. High/Middle School Physical Education teacher for 34 years and High School Driver Education instructor for about 10 years as well as sports coach for the Wantagh Public School District, leading several teams to impressive records.

With Tom as coach for 34 years for boys varsity soccer at Wantagh High School, the team won two New York State Championships and his second championship team ranked 10th in the nation. In a nod to his success, Tom was named Nassau County Coach of the Year three times.

After retiring from teaching and coaching in 2003, Tom took a delivery job driving for a local nursery, which greatly familiarized him with the local streets and serves him well in responding to the community’s emergency calls.

Remembering the energetic outreach that compelled his coming onboard to HCFAS, Tom has a passion for recruitment and serves as the Board liaison to the Recruitment and Membership Committees.

It is Tom’s overall involvement in HCFAS and the high number of calls he responds to that earned him the EMS Worker of the Year distinction. He averages between 300 and 400 call responses per year, and tries to make at least 365 calls per year. An HCFAS member since 2007, one year he responded to more than 400 calls. His availability during the daytime hours is an appreciated asset for the squad. Tom encourages his neighbors to consider volunteering and commented, “It’s a great opportunity to help your neighbors; you can reach out to assist someone who is possibly facing one of the worst days of their lives, and help make it better”.

Tom is a graduate of Nassau Community College and of Long Island University and earned his Master’s Degree in Health Education at Adelphi University. He has been a New York State EMT since 2008.