New York State Department of Health Honors Fallen Emergency Medical Providers at EMS Memorial Ceremony

Department Recognizes Eight EMS Providers, Unveils New Memorial

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 19, 2024) - New York State Department of Health, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and other State officials today honored eight Emergency Medical Services Providers who died while serving and protecting New Yorkers. The ceremony, honoring the fallen EMS providers, took place at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, and included the unveiling of a new memorial.

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said, "Today, we honor these brave New York EMS personnel who dedicated their lives to serving their communities and who put the safety and wellbeing of others before themselves. They are true heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and we recognize them and their families with our utmost respect and gratitude."

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "New York will never forget our fallen EMS providers who gave the ultimate sacrifice by putting their own health and safety aside to save countless lives. We honor their dedication to service and their selfless acts of courage, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to those who loved them."

The memorial ceremony honored the bravery of eight EMS professionals who died as a result of injuries or illnesses incurred in the line of duty. Their names will join the 117 other heroes etched into the New York State EMS Memorial.

Among the eight names that were added to the star of the memorial, one passed away following a medical episode while on duty, one passed away from smoke inhalation after responding to fire and six succumbed to illnesses that developed after responding to the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.

The brave men and women who responded to the 9/11 terror attack participated in search and rescue and cleanup at Ground Zero 21 years ago. They continue to pay the price for their courage today. As we honor their lives, we also remember their family, friends and loved ones whose lives continue to be transformed by that horrific day.

  • Lisa A. Scheuermann – Former Goshen Volunteer Ambulance Corps Captain and 911 dispatcher for the New Windsor Police Department who responded to the World Trade Center in the days following 9/11. Lisa passed away in 2018 due to a 9/11 related cancer.
  • Peter M. Bojmal - The NYC Emergency Management EMT who began his EMS career at the age of 14 died due to smoke inhalation from a multiple-alarm fire where he assisted with evacuation and treatment of several patients.
  • Peter Bushey - A 25-year veteran with the City of New York, this paramedic responded to the World Trade Center attacks taking part in rescue and recovery efforts. He later passed away from a World Trade Center related illness in 2023.
  • Frederick D. Whiteside – This City of New York emergency dispatcher was first appointed to the FDNY in 2002. He was found unresponsive while on duty in 2023 and succumbed to his sudden illness.
  • Hilda Vannata – This 27-year veteran for the City of New York spent most of her career serving residents in the Bronx. She took part in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and passed away in 2023 from a World Trade Center related illness.
  • Patricia Scaduto – Having served the City of New York for 33 years in all five boroughs, this EMS provider responded to the World Trade Center attacks taking part in rescue and recovery efforts. She passed away in 2023 due to a World Trade Center related illness.
  • Paul Daniels– This paramedic served FDNY for 30 years before retiring in 2006. He was a first responder in the September 11 terrorist attacks and passed away in 2023 from a World Trade Center related illness.
  • Andrew Enderes - A 25-year veteran of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service, this EMS provider served all five boroughs of New York City. He responded to the World Trade Center attacks taking place in rescue and recovery efforts. He passed away in 2023 due to a World Trade Center related illness.

New York State Department of Health Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne said, "While the EMS Memorial Ceremony is a somber occasion, it is also a true celebration of life and an opportunity to reflect upon and give thanks for the incredible contributions of the individuals to whom we are paying tribute today. Because they answered the call for help, countless others have been given another chance at life."

New York State Department of HealthDivision of State Emergency Medical Services Director Ryan Greenberg said, "It is an honor to recognize the brave men and women who gave their lives during or as a direct result of their service in the line of duty. Their selflessness and service will not be forgotten, and we know that generations of future EMS providers will be inspired by this incredible sacrifice in protecting others."

This was the 20th year that New York State has held this EMS Memorial Service. The ceremony included a presentation of colors by the New York City Fire Department Color Guard and the New York City Fire Department Medical Services Pipes & Drum Band. Chair of the New York State EMS Council Dr. Michael McEvoy and Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne laid the Memorial Wreath in honor of the EMS members who lost their lives.

Every year, more than 4 million calls for care are answered by the roughly 80,000 EMS professionals across the State, who work for 1,700 EMS agencies. To learn more about the EMS profession, visit the Department's EMS Professionals website.