Volunteer Firefighters, EMTs Honored For Heroism

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Heroes who dedicate their lives to helping others were honored by Suffolk County Legislator Rudy Sunderman recently.

According to Sunderman, a resolution was created to honor firefighters and EMS personnel, designating October as Volunteer Recognition Month in Suffolk County. The resolution provides an opportunity for each legislator to formally nominate one volunteer in their district for their outstanding service as a first responder.

Because the Third Legislative District contains multiple fire departments and ambulance companies, Sunderman said he felt it was important to request that each individual department provide him with the name of a member they wished to recognize for their outstanding service and dedication through their volunteerism in the community.

Amy Thomas, chief of operations for South Country Ambulance, was chosen as Suffolk County Volunteer of Distinction for the Third Legislative District.

Thomas, a 20-year dedicated volunteer with South Country Ambulance, joined in 1998 when she was just 18 years old, he said.

"Amy gives freely of her time and works to constantly advance in her EMS education and career while serving the community," he said.

As a result, she has been a NYS EMT-B for 19 years while climbing through the ranks to become chief of administration, a position she has held since 2010. The title makes her the third in command of the busiest EMS agency in the Town Of Brookhaven.

“It has been a pleasure to personally observe Amy’s rise through the ranks over the years and to see what an asset Amy has become to not just the Ambulance Company but her entire community,” Sunderman said.

Sunderman also wanted to recognize all the nominees that were submitted by the individual departments. Those nominees were:

Firefighter Peter DiPinto Sr. of the Brookhaven Fire Department

2nd Assistant Chief Nicole Pannhurst of the Hagerman Fire Department

Firefighter Ronald Vogt of the Manorville Fire Department

2nd Lieutenant Fire Police Fred Stalker of the Mastic Fire Department

Lieutenant Artie Surrey of the Mastic Beach Fire Department

1st Assistant Chief Matthew Gropper of the Middle Island Fire Department

“Volunteers go above and beyond, taking time away from their families and putting their lives on the line in order to help the community. While this recognition singles out individuals for their exemplary work within the past calendar year, it is also important to remember that all volunteers deserve recognition for making their community a safer place to live," Sunderman said.

Patch photo courtesy Legislator Rudy Sunderman.