Kerry Carville, Sergeant, Utica Police Department
Since I was little, I have been that protector of others- whether it be my siblings, friends or even my parents- always wanting to do whatever possible to make their lives easy and happy. I strive to help others and it brings me so much joy in my career to protect and serve my own community.
Early in my career there was a young woman in her teens who was brought here from an island to be adopted. She struggled so much overcoming the trauma from her childhood – she often became aggressive, destructive and acted out and this led to almost destroying the adoption. I responded to many calls at her home and eventually created a trusting relationship with her- it took years, but seeing her light up when she saw it was me that showed up at her house to help her and how I was always able to calm her down really meant something to me. I made it my duty to try to connect with the “difficult ones” and to see hope when others couldn’t. She showed me that glimmer of hope in her eyes and it guided me throughout my career – I still think of her when things sometimes feel hopeless and it helps me remember why I do this work and love to help.
I will always answer this question by saying my faith and my family. I love the work I do but it doesn’t come easy. My family supports me each and every day through the lowest and proudest moments of my career and I would not be able to do this job without them.
Nicholas Capon, Lieutenant/ Paramedic- Boonville Fire Co & Paramedic Supervisor- Amcare Ambulance
What got me interested in becoming a first responder was growing up around it, my mother was an EMT and a member of our local fire department so it only felt right to continue that. What truly keeps me committed is the fact that I can truly make a difference in someone’s life on their worst day.
A call that impacted me was when I was a Basic EMT, I had a lady that was unresponsive. The cause was unknown but I had done everything that I could do. I knew I needed a Paramedic and there wasn’t any available. At this point I realized that I needed to further my education and take my Paramedic class to provide a higher level of care to the patients in my community.
I am most grateful for my wife, family, and my work family. They are there to help push through the tough moments when things don’t go right. My work family especially helps when there is a rough call and you are all just there together.
Zachary Capron, Paramedic, AMR of CNY and Amcare Ambulance
I was raised in a family of first responders, and some of my earliest memories are of spending time at the firehouse with my mother, who began her career as an EMT and later became a nurse. Her dedication to helping others made a strong impression on me from a young age. As soon as I was old enough, I joined the local fire department and quickly realized how meaningful it was to serve my community. That experience motivated me to pursue my EMT certification, and eventually, I became a paramedic to expand the ways I could help others. While the work can be demanding, I find constant motivation in the opportunity to make a difference. Each day brings new challenges and chances to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and that’s what continues to fuel my commitment to this field.
During my time as a first responder, I’ve responded to a wide range of calls — from routine transports to high-acuity emergencies. The ones that stay with me the most are the moments where I’ve had the opportunity to truly make a difference in someone’s life. One call that had a lasting impact on me was the first time I was part of a team that successfully resuscitated a patient in cardiac arrest ,something that’s rare to see in the field. Being there in that critical moment and watching everything we train for come together reminded me why this work matters. It showed me the power of teamwork, preparation, and staying calm under pressure. That experience really solidified my commitment to this profession.
I’m most grateful for the opportunity to help train the next generation of first responders. In my current role, I’m not just a paramedic, I’m also a preceptor, which gives me the chance to guide new providers as they step into a career of service. Watching someone grow from a nervous student into a confident, capable provider is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to pass along the knowledge, lessons, and experiences I’ve gained, knowing that what I share today can help save lives tomorrow. Being part of someone’s journey in this field is one of the most meaningful parts of my career.
Stan Dorozynski, Lieutenant/Paramedic, Ilion Fire Department
I began this journey in 1998 as a volunteer for the Frankfort Fire Department. I became an EMT in 1999, was hired as a career in 2010, and became a paramedic in 2011.
I’ve always strived to help others, be there in need. Protect and provide for my community and those surrounding. I’m fortunate to have been given the privilege to serve our residents of Ilion.
It’s pretty difficult to nail down one particular incident that has made a lasting impact on me. We work together as a team, either a house fire that may have impacted us as a crew, or a positive outcome during a cardiac arrest. It’s all of us together that make a difference. Not one individual.
I’m grateful for the opportunity and the ability to serve as a firefighter and as a paramedic. The men and women that I work with are what makes this career possible. We are a small department, and rely on one another day in and day out. We are a family and it takes all of us to be successful.
Victoria Finley
Paramedic Supervisor at AmCare Ambulance
I was looking for a career change from waitressing, so in 2014 I took the EMT course and became an EMT shortly after. Being able to walk into a stranger’s house on their worst day, quickly gain their trust and truly be able to help them when they really need the support keeps me committed to the work.
To me, it’s not always the major traumas or near-death saves that change your life. The decisions you make for other people when they are most vulnerable impact my life. The decisions are not always easy and not always black and white, but they are important to the patient and they are important to me.
I am grateful for my husband who has continued to support me with every move that I have ever made. AmCare, who has become more than a family to me. Also my community which has given me the opportunity to grow into the person I am today.
Rachel Gural, Flight Nurse, Mercy Flight Central, Griffiss International Airport
When I was a new nurse, being a flight provider seemed like the pinnacle of what I could achieve – it was a “someday” goal. Now, it’s an “every day” goal to keep showing up, putting up, and being part of a team I am very proud of.
About seven years ago, when I was new to HEMS, my partner and I responded to a scene call where a law enforcement officer lost his life. It was eye-opening for me to experience the true professionalism and dedication of the providers around me as they responded valiantly to a tragedy involving an individual that several of them knew on a personal basis. When faced with similar situations, I now strive for that level of exemplary behavior in hopes that it will allow me to support those around me, just as I felt supported years ago.
I’m beyond grateful for the members of my team: the pilots, paramedics, and nurses at MFC are a fantastic example of symbiosis in what can be some of the highest-stakes situations possible. Without each other, we are nothing.
Richard Harvey Critical Care Tech, Supervisor for AmCare Ambulance
Seeing my father being a volunteer and helping others inspired me to become a first responder. My father was and always will be my hero, and helping others in their time of need — and helping new providers exceed — continues to inspire me.
A 9-year-old cardiac arrest that was a code save. Going to see him in the hospital the following day and having him run up to me, give me a hug, and say “thank you for saving my life so that my parents and brother and sister won’t be sad” — that moment will stay with me forever.
I’m grateful for my coworkers — with the demand on EMS, they’ve all stepped up. Some of my coworkers have really come out of their comfort zone and have exceeded expectations to become outstanding providers. I’m also grateful for the support of my wife as I’m in a paramedic online class.
