Cuomo: 'We Remember Their Courage and Commitment to Protecting the Lives of New Yorkers..'

 

Gov Honors Fallen Emergency Medical Service Workers

Governor Andrew Cuomo today honored Ross Huffer and Andre Maurice - two Emergency Medical Services providers who died in the line of duty. Their names were added to the ‘Tree of Life’ Memorial, which recognizes EMS providers who lost their lives in the service of others, during a ceremony earlier today that was attended by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and EMS professionals and volunteers from across the state. Huffer and Maurice join 58 other EMS professionals represented on the memorial.

“EMS workers deserve our gratitude each and every day for putting their lives on the line to protect the health and safety of our communities,” Governor Cuomo said.

“As we add the names of Ross Huffer and Andre Maurice to the Tree of Life, we remember their courage and commitment to protecting the lives of New Yorkers and pay tribute to their hard work and sacrifice.”

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "The brave men and women of our EMS community, along with their families, are in our thoughts and prayers ýas we honor their courageous actions. Ross Huffer and Andre Maurice were more than just heroes - they were devoted members and beloved by their communities. We commend their admirable service and New Yorkers are humbled to call them one of our own on this day."

The two EMS professionals who received special honors were:

Ross Huffer, 66, ex-Chief of the Nesconset Fire Department. A 48-year member of the Department, Mr. Huffer served the Nesconset Fire Department as an Emergency Medical Technician and operated the department’s First Responder Unit for 21 years. During his career, he received several honors for his bravery, including the Medal of Valor for saving a resident during a house fire. While on duty, Mr. Huffer responded to two EMS calls and was later found unresponsive. He was taken to the hospital and later died of apparent cardiac arrest.

Andre Maurice, 48, a driver/attendant with the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad (RVES). Mr. Maurice, the 2012 Member of the Year, was a vital member of RVES who was an exemplary EMS volunteer and an inspiration to others. After responding to a domestic violence call, Mr. Maurice stated he was not feeling well, went home to bed. Mr. Maurice and was found the next morning unresponsive, taken to the hospital and later diagnosed with a major stroke. Mr. Maurice’s organs were donated, helping five people.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “Today we honor the character and commitment of the men and women who provide EMS services throughout New York State. People like Ross Huffer and Andre Maurice are a testament to the bravery and selflessness that these heroes display every day as they work to protect New Yorkers in their greatest moments of need.”

There are more than 60,000 Emergency Medical Services professionals in New York State, including certified first responders, EMTs, advanced EMTs, and paramedics, who provide pre-hospital emergency patient care and transport.

New Yorkers are served by nearly 2,000 ambulance and emergency response agencies that provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Basic Life Support (BLS) services.

The ceremony is being held in conjunction with National EMS Week, which began on May 17.