Published: May 30, 2008 12:00 am      

Area EMS providers honored at dinner

Top emergency service providers in Otsego County were recognized at an annual dinner held May 16 at the Howard Johnsons in Hartwick Seminary, officials said.

The event sponsored by the Otsego County EMS Advisory Council and Otsego Emergency Squads Inc., was held just before the start of EMS Week.

With about 165 people attending from squads around the county, Mark Zeek, a member of the county EMS Advisory Council and state EMS Council, said attendance was good.

The event represents an opportunity for people in emergency services to get together and honor those who have made a difference, he said.

Among those receiving recognition were Fred Lemister, who has answered 7,000 calls with the Cooperstown Fire Department since about 1970, Zeek said.

John Kantor, a member of the newly reformed Fly Creek First Responders, received the EMS driver of the year award. Brenda Jackson, a member of the Pittsfield Ambulance Squad, was recognized as intermediate life support care provider of the year, for her 20 years of service and for being there 24 hours a day, said Deb Klinger, chairwoman of the Otsego County EMS Advisory Council.

Others receiving awards were: Lester Olmstead, Richfield Springs Fire Department _ Dr. John Spoor Excellence in EMS; Heather Eastwood, Gilbertsville Fire Department; and Art Layton, West Edmeston First Responders _ provider of the year awards; and Gloria Robinson, Edmeston Ambulance Squad; Dr. James Hutchings and R.N. Patty Rood at Bassett Hospital Emergency Department; A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital Emergency Department staff; and Otsego County 911 Dispatch Center _ service and dedication awards.