Stamford EMS Celebrates 25 Years of Serving Community & Honors National EMS Week

Tuesday evening over 200 community members gathered at the Stamford JCC to help Stamford EMS celebrate its 25th anniversary.  The event was paired with a special award ceremony in honor of National EMS Week.

Stamford EMS employees, volunteers and supporters, along with members of local government and vital safety departments commemorated the history and success of this private, nonprofit organization that serves the City of Stamford and the Town of Darien.  Proclamations from the City of Stamford, the Town of Darien and from the Connecticut General Assembly were made in recognition of the special event.  Michael Wiederlight and Jay Sandak were the evening’s honorees, each recognized for their laudable efforts in founding the organization.

“I want to thank Jay and Mike, their leadership has shaped this organization. I want to thank you for making our community safer,” said United States Senator Richard Blumenthal in a taped message.

Pointing to Stamford EMS’s prestigious C.A.A.S. accreditation and recognizing the organization as the only accredited ambulance service in the state of Connecticut, honoree Michael Wiederlight said, “Our organization went from a fledgling paramedic ambulance provider to a service that is recognized as one of the premiere organizations in the state of Connecticut and the United States.”

The history of ambulance service in Stamford evolved as the city itself grew in size, transforming from a city-run operation to a model nonprofit emergency service organization serving nearly 150,000 people.

“25 years ago, Stamford had a very good ambulance service for our community, it was a combination of city ambulances connected to the fire houses and ambulances operated what was then called the Stamford Ambulance Corps.  The system worked pretty well,” said honoree Jay Sandak, “but it was essentially a transport service with limitations.  As a result of these limitations, if someone suffered a heart attack … unfortunately the chances of survival were slim to zero.”

Today, Stamford EMS delivers top quality emergency medical services, and since 1992 has responded to an estimated 300,000 calls.

“There are people in this community who don’t know how wonderful this organization is.  It is extraordinarily professional and I could not be prouder of what they do,” said Stamford Mayor David Martin, a former member of the Stamford EMS board.  “For those of you at Stamford EMS, when you put that uniform on, we know you go into some really hairy situations and that you put your own health on the line.  I want you to know that I get it, I respect it and I extend a heartfelt thanks that you put yourself on the line every day.”

“As a mayor, the public health and safety of our residents is our primary responsibility.  Thank you for providing a critical link in emergency service in Darien,” said Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson. “The partnership between Stamford EMS and Darien’s Post 53 is a model for regional collaboration.”

Stamford EMS presented longevity awards to those achieving 10 years of service or more.  Award recipients with 25 years included: Jeffrey Sachtjen, Edward Browne, Edward Podgorski, Joseph Larcheveque, John Kalotai, and Robert Smith.  Robert Voss achieved 20 years, Chief and C.E.O. Patricia Squires received an award for 15 years of service.  Jessica Anderson, Eric Anderson, Dashiell Anderson, Brian Walsh, Eileen Brophy, Peter Kessler and Israel Leonardo received awards for 10 years of service.  Stamford EMS Board Chairman Larry Davidoff and board members Paula Sutliffe, Claire Fishman, Gary Purpura, Michael Wiederlight, Barbara White and Sharon Tappe received an award for over 20 years of service. Clinical excellence commendations were presented to Paramedic Justin Socha and EMT Robert Hackett for consistently providing the highest degree of medical care.

Second Chance Awards, honoring survivors of cardiac arrest and their rescuers, were presented to Donald Brandi and rescuers Pete Kessler and Rob Hackett, Chris Mira and rescuer Cameron Wallace and Christine Wayne and rescuer Eileen Brophy.

Closing remarks were made by Thaddeus Jankowski, Director of Public Safety, who stated, “The City of Stamford is grateful to have such a professional organization to serve us.”

Stamford EMS would like to thank the members of the planning committee for their tireless efforts in making this event a success, as well as the generous event sponsors, including: McNeil & Co.; Beldotti Bakeries; Carmody, Torrance, Sandak, Hennessey; County TV & Appliance; Four Corners Liquor Shop; Mish Mosh Market; Party City; Stamford JCC; Stamford Paramedic Association IAEP Local 684; and individual sponsors: Larry Davidoff and Joan Simonelli, Alan Kalter, Gary Purpura, Marsha Shendell, Sheila and Bernard Teig and Ronnie and Michael Wiederlight.

About Stamford Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (SEMS).

Connecticut’s only accredited EMS agency, SEMS services over 14,000 calls each year as a private, nonprofit organization.  Since it accepted responsibility for Stamford’s ambulance services in 1992, Stamford Emergency Medical Services has remained clearly focused in its mission to provide high quality, compassionate emergency care and education to the communities it serves.  To learn more, or to make a donation, visit stamfordems.org or call (203) 968-1118.

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Submitted by Stamford, CT

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