Greg Myers, Flight Nurse, Mercy Flight Central, Griffiss International Airport
I’ve been a first responder for many years, dedicating nearly the last 13 to Mercy Flight Central. My inspiration comes from a deep family tradition of involvement in emergency services, with my parents, siblings, and grandparents all having served in some capacity. Today, my commitment is sustained by recognizing the significant, tangible impact we have on our community during its most critical moments.
What has been the most interesting or life-changing call you’ve responded to, or a save that’s had the biggest impact on you personally?
It is difficult to single out one call, as every incident where we respond to critical need is profound and impactful. My experience has quickly taught me just how fragile and precious life truly is, meaning every mission—big or small—holds significant personal weight. Ultimately, knowing we make a tangible difference in our patients’ lives provides the biggest, most consistent personal reward.
What are you most grateful for — in your work, your life, or your community — as you look back on this past year?
I am most profoundly grateful for the patience and enduring support of my family. This line of work often demands sacrifices, requiring us to miss important life events with loved ones. Those missed moments simply make the time we are able to spend together even more cherished and meaningful.
Jenn Samson, AEMT & Ambulance Captain, J.S. Koster Hose Company, Inc.
My inspiration to become a first responder began when my father suffered a heart attack. Although I wasn’t there when it happened, hearing about how the first responders’ quick actions and calm professionalism saved his life made a lasting impact on me. Their dedication motivated me to pursue a path where I could do the same for others, and I remain committed to this work because it allows me to provide help, hope, and care in someone’s most critical moment.
The most life-changing call I’ve responded to involved two young children who were seriously injured in a head-on ATV collision. One of the boys was critically hurt and barely hanging on when we arrived, and working quickly to stabilize him and get him into the ambulance for air transport was one of the most intense and emotional moments I’ve ever experienced. When he finally came home from the hospital, our department brought the fire trucks to his house to welcome him back, and seeing the tears in his eyes as he thanked us reminded me why I chose this profession—to be there when every second counts and to play even a small part in giving someone a second chance at life.
I’m grateful for my coworkers, who have become like family and constantly encourage me to step outside my comfort zone and grow. The experiences and knowledge I’ve gained through this work have not only made me better at what I do, but have also helped me become a stronger, more confident person.
Jaimie Stasio, Firefighter City of Rome
I was called to change professions and become a firefighter in my 30’s after assisting someone back to life from an overdose. Being the first female, first firefighter married to a fireman, and first pregnant woman in our department, I remain committed today because I get to be a trailblazer for those who serve after me. I hope to see women thriving in a male dominated profession one day.
After responding to a suicide call last year, I am more aware of the fragility of humans. We see many tragic incidents and are exposed to cumulative stress on the job, but seeing someone take their own life has made me pause more often to consider what others may be facing in silence.
I am most grateful this past year to have given birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy. Navigating motherhood and a full time career has had many challenges and adjustments, all of which I thank God for. I have a very full and rich life which I appreciate, even on the worst days.
Todd Stevens, Firefighter/Registered Nurse
My inspiration for becoming a first responder comes from my family. Growing up with my father being in law enforcement and my 3 older brothers all first responders as well ( 2 in law enforcement and 1 Fire service) I was always surrounded by it. The gratification of helping my community and the relationships built through my career has kept me committed to the work.
I have had many interesting calls in my career thus far. Though something that has stuck with me to this day came from my nursing career. It was a patient who talked about the importance of time. They talked about enjoying family, friends and all the little things early in life while we are still healthy and able. As most of the time people look towards retirement as being the time that you get to enjoy all the things you have worked most of your life for. Your health is never guaranteed and no one knows what the future may bring. So the best thing you can do is to enjoy as much of it as you can while you can.
In life, I am most grateful for my family. As demanding as the fire service and nursing can be, I have always had the best support when it comes to my family. I consider my brothers and father not just family but my best friends. We have always had a close relationship and are always there for each other no matter the situation. At work, I am most grateful for my coworkers. A 24hr shift brings a lot of opportunity for critical situations and emergencies. However my coworkers at the firehouse are like an extended family. We are all close and support each other both on the job and outside. I am very thankful for my coworkers and grateful for the opportunity given to me to give back to my community.
Larry Tamburrino Critical care tech at AmCare and Lake Delta FDI am a past Chief of the Lake Delta volunteer fire department. I served as Chief for 14 1/2 years and am now currently the first Assistant chief. I first joined the fire department in 1990 and I have been very active in participating in fire training and EMS.
I’ve often been asked why do you volunteer and do what you do without getting paid. Many people don’t realize that there are many areas in this country that aren’t covered by paid or career fire departments and rely solely on their volunteer departments. When I was chief of the fire department, I used to be very involved in the fun drive and I would read the special notes that Citizens in our community would write thanking us for responding to their emergency when we are called to a house, a school or on the side of the road to help somebody. I remember that this is that person worst day and we are there to help.
One call that comes to mind is we were called to respond to an elderly female who became tangled in a motorized stationary bicycle in her living room. Her ankle was caught in the pedal mechanism and the motor would not stop, once it felt the ankle getting caught in the peddle. The end result was a significant injury of her right ankle however, we run an advanced life support rescue with paramedics and EMTs,
They were able to medicate this patient while other fire department members help disentangle her ankle from the mechanism of the bicycle, and she was transported to a hospital and successfully went through surgery and is able to walk as if nothing has ever happened. That is a success. Every call does make a difference in someone’s life however, this one seems to stand out in my memory. Without the support of my wife and family, I cannot have continued to do this service.
Starr Wooden Lieutenant, Utica Police Department
What inspired me to be a first responder was when Officer Thomas Lindsey was killed in the line of duty. I was aware of the divide between the community and law enforcement and felt that by me being from the area maybe I could help foster better relationships between UPD and the community. What keeps me committed to being in this career is the fact that even though there is still a long way to go, each small act continues to add to the community bank account.
The most interesting call I have responded to was when I was a rookie officer. I was responding to a disorderly person call and while I was en route I stumbled upon a house that was on fire. I immediately stopped my patrol car and began evacuating the residents who were unaware that the house was on fire. I was able to get all of the residents out of the house with no one injured. Most recently I participated in a student program and one of the children that I helped get out the house was part of the group. It felt great to see that child had grown into a young adult.
I am most grateful for all of the positive interactions that I am able to forge day in and day out in order to facilitate building bridges to combat the distrust between law enforcement and the community they serve.
Matthew Yelton, Flight Paramedic & Clinical Supervisor, Mercy Flight Central, Griffiss International Airport
My drive to become a first responder was ignited by growing up in a rural community, where I watched friends, families, and neighbors consistently come together to help those in need. The opportunity to give back to the community that I call home ultimately fuels my commitment to continue this service. I am committed to serving to the best of my ability for as long as I am capable.
Having served as a first responder for the better part of 15 years, it wouldn’t do justice to the overall impact of all my patient encounters to single out just one as the most life changing. Instead, what impacts me most is the universal trust placed in us to care for someone during their darkest, most critical hour. These people often have no idea who we are or what we’re capable of, yet they unequivocally entrust us with the safety of their life or the lives of their loved ones without question.
I am most grateful for the opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s most talented professionals right here in the community where I began my pre-hospital career. This means I can continue raising my family with the confidence that my loved ones will receive exceptional care and compassion from my fellow first responders in the Mohawk Valley. Knowing I can trust my community’s caregivers while serving them myself is what I appreciate most.
“As we gather in this season of gratitude, I want to give thanks to the men and women who protect, serve and strengthen Oneida
County every day. Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and 911 dispatchers embody courage,
compassion and commitment in the face of challenge. The dedication of our first responders keeps our communities safe
and our families secure, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
— Anthony J. Picente Jr., Oneida County Executive
As we reflect on the stories shared throughout these pages, one truth becomes clear: courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of it. Every call answered, every life saved, and every quiet moment of service is the heartbeat of the Mohawk Valley. Our gratitude extends not only to those featured here, but to every first responder who protects and strengthens this community with compassion and resolve. We also honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their names, their service, and their families remain forever in our hearts.
Mohawk Valley Living proudly thanks our community partners and sponsors who share this commitment to service: CNY Brain & Spine and First Source Federal Credit Union, organizations that, like our first responders, continue to make a difference where it matters most – right here at home.
“It is an honor to support those whose quick actions and steady hands save lives every day. Their courage
inspires everything we do in medicine.”
— Dr. Nicholas Qandah, CNY Brain & Spine
IN MEMORIAM
Mohawk Valley First Responders Lost in the Line of Duty (2005–2025)
Over the past two decades, these fallen heroes gave their lives in service to others. Their courage reminds us that service is not simply what they did; it is who they were.
ONEIDA COUNTY
• Officer Joseph Daniel Corr,
New Hartford Police Department,
End of Watch February 27, 2006
• Officer Thomas M. Lindsey,
Utica Police Department,
End of Watch April 12, 2007
• Deputy Kurt B. Wyman,
Oneida County Sheriff’s Office,
End of Watch June 7, 2011
• Patrolman Kevin F. “Bing” Crossley,
Whitesboro Police Department,
End of Watch April 11, 2018
• Firefighter Michael D. Sowich,
New Hartford Fire Department,
End of Watch March 2, 2007
HERKIMER COUNTY
• Firefighter/Safety Officer Robert
Fitch, East Herkimer Fire Department,
End of Watch November 28, 2017
• K-9 Ape, Federal Bureau of
Investigation (assisting local and
federal teams), End of Watch
March 14, 2013
OTSEGO COUNTY
• Trooper Jill E. Mattice,
New York State Police (SP Oneonta),
End of Watch January 20, 2010
FULTON COUNTY
• Officer Robert J. Johnson,
Northville Police Department,
End of Watch July 4, 2017
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
• Trooper Jeremy J. VanNostrand,
New York State Police,
End of Watch November 27, 2018
SCHOHARIE COUNTY
• James Foote, Summit Fire
Department Commissioner,
End of Watch November 2024
