Each November, as we pause to give thanks, we honor the men and women who never hesitate to answer the call. They are the ones who run toward emergencies, bring calm to chaos, and carry our community’s safety with quiet strength and compassion.
In this special issue, Mohawk Valley Living invited local first responders to share what drives them, the moments that shaped their calling, and the gratitude that sustains them. Their stories reveal the humanity behind the uniform—people guided by purpose, experience, and service to something greater than themselves.
Together, their words remind us that gratitude is not only felt, but shown. This issue is our way of saying thank you—to those who serve and to the community partners who stand beside them.
Presented with appreciation to our sponsors: CNY Brain & Spine, First Source Federal Credit Union, and Nascentia Health—organizations whose continued commitment to compassion, care, and community reflects the very spirit of those we celebrate here.
Sheriff Robert Maciol Oneida County Sheriff
As a 14 year old kid, I would ride my bicycle down to the New York Mills Fire Department and visit with the firemen and quickly began to look up to them, especially the Chief at that time – Ron Roman. I joined the department on my 18th birthday and 38 years later, I remain a lifetime member of the department. Joining the fire department gave me the opportunity to become friends with several of the New York Mills Police Officers and I proudly became a police officer with them two years later at the age of 20. Even after 36 years of being in law enforcement, I still wake up excited for what’s ahead along with knowing that whatever we do today, we will make a positive difference in someone’s life.
The most life changing call that I have ever been on was on June 7th of 2011 when Deputy Kurt B. Wyman was shot and killed in the line of duty. The events of that day and beyond were very difficult for Deputy Wyman’s Family, the members of the Sheriff’s Office, and the community.
Although it was more than 20 years ago while working as a Whitesboro Police Officer, I remember holding on to a toddler that had been very seriously injured in a car accident while Assistant Fire Chief Duane Evans and other members of the Whitesboro Fire Department performed life saving measures on her. One of the highlights of that year was when her parents brought her to the station to meet us and say thank you.
Over this past year, I am most grateful for the more than 500 dedicated men and women of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office who put their lives on the line day after day, during some of the most challenging times, to keep the people of Oneida County safe. Our Deputy Sheriffs, Investigators, Correction Officers, School Resource Officers, Special Patrol Officers, Court Security Officers, and civilian staff members all deserve recognition for what they do.
My wife Tammy and I operate a working farm at home where we raise a herd of beef cattle along with having several horses, chickens, dogs, cats, and a donkey. Although it’s a lot of work taking care of the animals and making lots of hay in the summertime, it’s awesome therapy – especially when you saddle up one of the horses !
The diversity in law enforcement is truly inspiring as I look to the future. Departments now have specialized units that never existed before like Domestic Violence Units, Crisis Response Teams, Unmanned Aerial Units (Drones), highly trained SWAT teams, and technologically advanced Forensics Units. The future of public safety, especially in our region, is in great hands.
Anthony Arrigo Paramedic/Operations Manager, Kunkel Ambulance Service
I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, an actual tangible difference and I found that in EMS. Seeing firsthand the positive impact we have on our community keeps me coming back day after day.
A cardiac arrest 2 years ago. The patient dropped in church, lifeless, no pulse, not breathing and between a coordinated effort from bystanders, FD and our ambulance we were able to bring the patient back to life! To the point they were talking to me on the way to the hospital which is unheard of! and they made a full recovery and now push for CPR training for all, and AEDs being installed in public locations that did not have one. We saved the patient’s life, and they are now responsible for possibly saving countless lives through their efforts and passion.
I am extremely grateful to have coworkers I can call family. We support and care for each other, we are there for one another and all share a very special bond, that bond is hard to find, but when you do, you cherish it!
When you believe in the mission, the reason you are here, it’s no longer a job, it’s a calling. While times do occasionally get stressful, we have each other to lean on. People with similar experiences who are always there to help lift you up and bring you back to center.
In the grand scheme of things EMS is still in its infancy as a profession, I love to see the new technology that is always evolving, each time making patient care and survivability more obtainable for both patients and providers. With that a new generation of hungry, compassionate providers steadily flowing in that we can impart our knowledge and experience on, passing the metaphorical torch to them.
Tressa LaBella, Lieutenant, Utica Fire Department
I like helping people. I’ve always been a big believer in small acts of kindness. Pursuing a job in such a fulfilling career made a lot of sense to me. I’m committed to my job because I’m committed to keeping the people I work with safe and the community I serve.
It’s not one call in particular. Some calls don’t always end well, so for me it’s being able to look a family member in the eye and relay good news. When those take place, it reminds me of why I’m in this profession.
For my support system, and that’s my family. I have a big support system and I pride myself on being there for others, but also knowing I have people there for me, both at home and with the people I work with.
That’s a tough one, because I think people in my profession are prone to burnout. My dad always says “ don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s all small stuff.” I try to remember that, and it helps me to navigate through the stressful times I’m faced with. I also like to read and workout, so those are definitely outlets for me.
I hope the next generation of first responders continue to mirror our community. For me it’s about visibility, I hope future generations see themselves in the diverse group of first responders we have and hopefully it gives them the inspiration to achieve their goals.
Matthew Borden, EMT-B, Kunkel Ambulance Service
At 18, I nearly lost my life to illness, and it was the calm, skilled medical team around me that kept both me and my mother grounded. That experience opened my eyes to the impact first responders have in someone’s darkest moments. It inspired me to dedicate my life to being that same source of strength and reassurance for others.
On July 17, 2023, my partner Anthony and I revived a patient whose odds of survival in the field were less than 10%. It was one of those moments that truly reinforced why I chose this career. Seeing that patient later visit the station and stay in touch over time reminded me how powerful teamwork and persistence can be.
I’m most grateful for my two sons, Brantley and Lucca, who give me strength and purpose every day. They remind me why it’s important to show up fully, both as a responder and as a father. My family keeps me grounded no matter how chaotic the work gets.
Balance comes from cherishing every second with my family and not taking time for granted. I make it a rule to never go to bed angry and to always remind my loved ones how much they mean to me. Even small moments of peace help recharge my mind and heart.
Despite all the negativity in the world, I still believe there are more good people than bad. The next generation is entering this field with stronger training, better technology, and a deep sense of compassion. Their drive and heart give me faith that the future of EMS is in good hands.
Marissa Vomer
Officer, Utica Police Department, Crisis Response Team, K9 Unit
I became a police officer because I’ve always had a strong desire to help people and I quickly learned that I wasn’t built for a desk job. From my first day on the job, I knew I had found my calling. The difficult days are inevitable, but the good moments when you know you’ve made a difference make it all worthwhile and keep me committed.
One call that has always stayed with me involved helping a woman reconnect with her adult son who struggled with addiction. After many conversations, he eventually entered rehab and stayed sober for nearly two years before sadly losing his battle with addiction. His mother later included me in his obituary, thanking me for helping give her that time with him. I keep that obituary on my desk as a reminder that what might seem small to me can have a profound impact on someone else.
In my work, I’m most grateful to serve on our Crisis Response Team and to work alongside my K9 partner, Penny. I never imagined my career would lead me here, and I truly love what I do.
In my life, I’m deeply grateful for my family. Their support means everything to me.
In my community, I’m thankful for the local agencies that work tirelessly to help those in need; their compassion and dedication inspire me daily.
I try to keep work and home separate as much as possible. When I’m home, my focus is completely on my family. They are like my reset button. Spending time with them reminds me of what’s most important and helps me recharge for whatever comes next.
I’m hopeful that the next generation will continue breaking down the stigma around mental health in law enforcement. It’s encouraging to see more agencies creating peer support programs and offering post-critical incident seminars to help officers process difficult experiences. As awareness grows, I believe we’ll see healthier officers, stronger communities, and hopefully, fewer officers’ lives lost to suicide.
Penny
K9 Partner
