North Country REMSCO and FDRHPO Host over 130 Regional EMS Providers and Present Local and State Awards at 2025 EMS Spring Fling Conference

The Annual North Country REMSCO's Spring Fling Conference was held April 10-12 at the Edgewood Resort in Alexandra Bay. Over 130 EMS providers from across New York State attended the event and participated in lectures on a myriad of topics, ranging from shock and resuscitation, pharmacology, approaching Alzheimer’s for first responders, pediatric cardiology, and more.

“This year we again were able to offer amazing training at a low cost to EMS practitioners from not only our region, but from across the State,” said Jonathan Cole, EMS Program Agency Director at Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO). “Networking at an EMS Education conference is invaluable. It creates opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and the exchange of innovative ideas that elevate patient care and professional development. By connecting with fellow educators, field providers, and industry leaders, we strengthen our collective knowledge, stay current with evolving practices, and build a stronger, more cohesive EMS community.”

On Friday, April 11th, North Country REMSCO and Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization staff presented awards to regional EMS and healthcare providers who were nominated by their peers.

Regional EMS Awards were also presented in the following categories:

• ALS Provider of the Year – Tonya Lafex - Indian River Ambulance Service, Guilfoyle Ambulance 

• BLS Provider of the Year – Jen Maracchion - Deputy Director, Lewis County Emergency Management, Constableville Ambulance, Inc.

• Youth Provider of the Year – Seth Strader - South Jefferson Rescue Squad

• Agency of the Year – Constableville Ambulance, Inc. 

• Educator of the Year – Robert VanCoughnett - South Jefferson Rescue Squad

• Physician of the Year – Dr. Ryan Coates - REMAC, SEMAC, St. Lawrence Health Systems

• Richard Beebe Education Award – Debbie Singleton - South Jefferson Rescue Squad, Chair of North Country REMSCO

• Communications Specialist - St. Lawrence County 911 Dispatch Center

• Registered Nurse of Excellence: Dawn Rennie, RN, Lewis County Health Systems, EMT-B

• EMS Leadership Award: Richard McDougall, Ret. EMT

The award for Communication Specialist was presented during the awards dinner to a 911 Dispatch Center that has gone above and beyond in their service. The award, presented to the St. Lawrence County 911 Dispatch Center, was presented by North Country REMSCO Vice Chair Mark Deavers. Mr. Deavers said, “For the past year, the St. Lawrence County 911 Dispatch Center has been operating out of its backup facility while renovations to the primary center are underway. Originally intended for short-term use during emergencies, the backup location is limited in space and resources. Despite these challenges, the dispatchers and their supervisors have continued to deliver exceptional service, skillfully coordinating multiple emergencies across the largest county in the state.”

The St. Lawrence County 911 Dispatch Center handled 124,912 emergency and non-emergency calls while simultaneously managing a wide range of additional responsibilities.

Mr. Deavers also presented Debbie Singleton, South Jefferson Rescue Squad, Chair of North Country REMSCO, with the Richard Beebe Education Award, writing, “Debbie began her EMS career in 1980 and became a Certified Instructor Coordinator in 2014. She currently serves as both Regional Faculty and Training Center Faculty for the American Heart Association. Passionate about advancing EMS education, Debbie continuously strives for innovative ways to enhance training, not only within our region but across the state. She pioneered one of the first high school EMT programs at South Jefferson School, which has since expanded to include two additional schools through distance learning. Thanks to her dedication and collaboration with State EMS, she successfully launched a pilot EMT/AEMT course, which she is currently teaching.”

Mrs. Singleton has been instrumental in the continuation and development of the EMS Spring Fling for countless years and continues to strive to enhance all EMS training offered in partnership with the FDRHPO EMS Program Agency.

From Lewis County, Jen Maracchion, Deputy Director of Lewis County Emergency Management and EMT with Constableville Ambulance, was presented with the award for BLS Provider of the Year. Maracchion was presented the award by Matthew Yelton, Chief of Constableville Ambulance Service who said, “Jen has volunteered for Constableville Fire and Ambulance since 2007, obtaining her first EMT card in January of 2008. Jen exemplifies what it means to serve one's community selflessly. Over the span of 17 years, she has impacted many lives. Her dedication to serving her community extends far beyond the local Fire and Ambulance Service. She is often found volunteering with local organizations to promote events in our small village, alongside the mayor and many others at places like the library, Constable Hall, the Fire Station, and the Village Band Stand. On top of all of that, she works with the Office of Emergency Management professionally, holding the role of EMS 1 as an EMS Coordinator.”

Maracchion was also credited for responding to a call for a 71-year-old male who had sustained multiple bee stings, leading to a severe anaphylactic reaction. Her quick response and deployment of a syringe epinephrine kit to administer a life-saving dose of epinephrine saved his life.

“The Regional EMS Awards play a crucial role in recognizing the unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions of our EMS providers. By celebrating those who go above and beyond, these awards not only honor individual achievements but also inspire others within the EMS community to continue striving for excellence,” said Mr. Cole.

He continued that the awards create a sense of pride among those who receive the awards and their peers, and they acknowledge the depth of talent, skill, and compassion that defines emergency medical professionals.

The North Country Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (REMSCO) carries out its responsibilities pursuant to Article 30 of the New York State Public Health Law and Part 800 of the NYS CCRR. This Council, comprised of 30 members, has representation from out-of-hospital emergency medical care providers from the fire service; community volunteers, not-for-profit and commercial ambulance service sectors; physicians; nurses; health planning agencies; hospitals; police services; county government; the business community; and other constituencies promoting good health. By statute, the Council is charged with several responsibilities, including the coordination of emergency medical services in the North Country Region.