Dutchess County Employee Honored with EMS Leadership Award 

Dutchess County Employee Honored with
EMS Leadership Award

Emergency Medical Services Council Awards presented Wednesday

Poughkeepsie, NY… The Dutchess County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council recognized EMS providers, EMS agencies and local hospital staff on Wednesday, June 26th, at the Union Vale Fire Department and Rescue Squad Station No. 1 in Verbank. The annual awards highlight the important role of first responders and the services they provide to the community. Catherine Tegtmeier, Assistant Commissioner for Community Health with the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health, was honored with the Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award, which is given to an individual who exhibits innovation, dedication, responsibility and leadership skills while expanding the role of EMS within the community.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients, especially our own, Cathi Tegtmeier. Thanks to her tireless work with the Department of Behavioral & Community Health, we have established beneficial relationships with our health partners, EMS agencies, and other service providers to offer a better quality of life for Dutchess County residents. The brave men and women who serve as first responders cannot be recognized often enough; we are grateful for their dedication to their community and Dutchess County.”

Ms. Tegtmeier joined Dutchess County government in 2009 and currently serves as Assistant Commissioner for Community Health with the Department of Behavioral and Community Health. With the County, she has served on the Dutchess County EMS Task Force, which has transitioned to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for EMS, to identify, develop, and recommend County-coordinated solutions for an EMS system that is patient centered, consistent, reliable, affordable, and sustainable. Ms. Tegtmeier has served on many other committees over the years, including chairing medical committees for the recent Special Olympics Summer Games as well as the Walkway and Dutchess County Classic marathons, and has consistently supported efforts to improve EMS in the community.

Dutchess County Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health Dr. Anil Vaidian said, “Cathi’s commitment to the vitality of our community is long standing. Her passionate advocacy helps us in our ongoing efforts to provide quality, effective health services.”

Ms. Tegtmeier began her EMS career at age 15 with the American Red Cross and Boy Scouts of America Explorer Program. She also volunteered and is a life member with the Roosevelt Fire District and has worked as an EMT with various agencies and, after receiving her nursing degree, as a Registered Nurse at St. Francis Hospital and Westchester Medical Center.

Dutchess County Commissioner of Emergency Response Dana Smith said, “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our EMS providers, agencies and hospital staff. Ms. Tegtmeier has been a valuable addition to the EMS Task Force and continues to help promote and advance EMS in Dutchess County through the Citizen’s Advisory Council. Congratulations to Cathi and all of this year’s honorees; we are grateful for the dedication and excellence you provide to our residents each and every day.”

This year’s recipients of the Dutchess County EMS Council Awards include:

Basic Life Support Provider of the Year
Deborah Cortes, EMTB – Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp

Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year
Thomas Stark III, EMTP – Northern Dutchess Paramedics

EMS Agency of the Year
Union Vale Fire District Rescue Squad

Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award
Catherine Tegtmeier, MPH, RN – Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health

EMS Educator of Excellence
Melissa Lawlor, CNM, IBCLC, RN, EMTB – Pleasant Valley Fire Department Rescue Squad

EMS Communications Specialist of the Year
Ethan McGhee, EMTD, EMTB – City of Poughkeepsie Police Department

Registered Professional Nurse of Excellence
Amanda Long, RN – MidHudson Regional Hospital

Physician of Excellence
Revinder Sidhu, MD – MidHudson Regional Hospital
David Nidorf, MD – Northern Dutchess Hospital

Author: Harlem Valley News