New York State Department of Health to Honor Fallen Emergency Medical Providers at EMS Memorial Ceremony
Department Recognized Bravery of Nine Emergency Medical Services Providers Who Died While Serving and Protecting New Yorkers
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 19, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health gathered today to honor the lives of nine Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers who died while serving and protecting New Yorkers. The ceremony started with the dedication of the expansion of the New York State EMS Memorial, which contains 130 permanently engraved names of honorees from prior years. State officials were joined by EMS professionals, legislators and members of the public to honor and remember the lives of fallen providers.
"Today we honor the legacy that these brave individuals leave for their families, their communities and their fellow responders," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "They are true heroes whose selfless acts of courage while caring for others will always be remembered. As we add their names to the Memorial tree, these nine first responders will continue to shine as role models in our society."
Among the nine names that were added to the Memorial, known as the Tree of Life, one passed away due to an accident, three following a medical episode while on duty, emphasizing the risk and danger first responders face in the field every day. EMS providers are exposed to higher amounts of stress and physical demands on the job than most careers, often working long hours and are first on the scene of a crisis.
There were five providers who succumbed to illnesses that developed after responding to the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. The brave individuals participated in search and rescue and cleanup at Ground Zero, placing their own health at risk to save the lives of others. They continue to pay the price for their courage today.
As we honor the lives of these fallen providers, we also acknowledge the sacrifice of their families, friends and loved ones.
2026 EMS Memorial Honorees:
Salih A. Abdur-Rahman –Fire Department of New York Paramedic who passed away due to cardiac arrest after completing his shift at the fire academy on October 29, 2025.
David L. Burke –Fire Department of New York Deputy Chief who was diagnosed with a World Trade Center-related illness and passed away on July 7, 2025.
Nancy Dart-Manello –Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad Member who suffered from an aneurysm while responding to a call and passed away on October 15, 2025.
Pamela S. Hehn –Fire Department of New York Lieutenant who was diagnosed with a World Trade Center-related illness and passed away on March 3, 2025.
James F. McGee IV –Fire Department of New York Lieutenant who was diagnosed with a World Trade Center-related illness and passed away on December 12, 2025.
Harold E. McNeil –Fire Department of New York Lieutenant who was diagnosed with a World Trade Center-related illness and passed away on September 8, 2015.
Kevin M. Robert –LifeNet 7-13 Flight Paramedic based out of Ticonderoga who had a medical emergency while on a rescue flight and passed away on August 27, 2025.
Lisa Jean Sillins –Ambulnz by DocGo Paramedic who was struck by a vehicle after finishing a shift outside her station in Newburgh and passed away on December 21, 2022.
Michael W. Skody Jr. –Fire Department of New York Paramedic who was diagnosed with a World Trade Center-related illness and passed away on August 5, 2025.
New York State Department of Health Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne said, "Today is a somber occasion, but it is also an opportunity to give thanks for the incredible contributions of the individuals to whom we pay tribute. These heroes answered the call for help. We will never forget them."
New York State Department of Health, Division of State Emergency Medical Services Director Ryan Greenberg said, "These brave women and men we are honoring today made great sacrifices in the pursuit of helping the people of New York. As we pay tribute to them, I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in this community that serves with a steadfast commitment to save lives and provide assistance whenever it is needed."
The names of these nine heroes who died as a result of injury or illness in the line of duty join the 130 other heroes etched into the New York State EMS Memorial, bringing the total number of names to 139.
This was the 22nd year that New York State has held this EMS Memorial Service. The ceremony featured a presentation of colors by a joint honor guard of New York City Fire Department Color Guard, New York Division of State EMS Honor Guard and the New York City Fire Department EMS Pipes & Drum Band. Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne and Chair of the New York State EMS Council Elizabeth McGown 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.
Photographs of the event will be posted here. Video will be posted here.
