News

Mohawk Ambulance Service Partners with Albany City Schools to Host “Summer Celebration and Safety Day”

Mohawk Ambulance Service and the City School District of Albany today partnered with local community agencies to offer the Summer Celebration and Safety Day to local children and families. The event at Albany’s Krank Park featured a free picnic-style cookout, games and giveaways, and safety information from participating organizations on staying safe this summer season.

Representatives from partnering agencies included the New York State Police, Albany County Department of Health, Albany County Department of Public Works, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, Albany Fire Department, Albany Housing Authority, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Ronald McDonald House Charities and St. Peter’s Hospital Care Mobile, Albany Community Action Partnership, First Student, First New York Federal Credit Union, Albany Public Library, and Cole’s Collision Centers.

Highlights of the event included a demonstration from an Albany County Sheriff’s K9 deputy, fire engine and ambulance tours, and Operation SAFE Child ID’s from the Albany Police Department. The cards include a photo, fingerprints and other vital information that can be helpful in the event a child goes missing. Alongside the educational activities, children and families enjoyed a complimentary barbecue and giveaways. Entertainment was provided by local band “Legacy.”

“Summer Celebration and Safety Day allows us to keep educating students and families even when school is out. It’s a great opportunity to focus on staying safe and healthy during summer months, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our community partners,” said Kaweeda G. Adams, superintendent of the City School District of Albany. “Thank you to all of you, and a special shout out to the folks at Mohawk Ambulance Service who have stepped up once again to make the event a success.”

“We want to remind children to be aware of their surroundings and potential dangers that go along with their favorite summer activities. This event conveys those messages in a fun and interactive manner,” said James P. McPartlon, president, Mohawk Ambulance Service. “We’ve added a number of new partners this year I’d like to sincerely thank them for their participation.”

 

Mohawk Ambulance Service Vehicle Involved in Traffic Accident

A Mohawk Ambulance Service emergency vehicle was involved in a two-car accident today at approximately 12 p.m. at the intersection of Quail Street and Woodlawn Avenue in Albany. The ambulance and its crew were responding to an emergency call when the accident occurred. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured. The two Mohawk Ambulance crew members were transported to Albany Medical Center for evaluation. The emergency call this crew was responding to was reassigned to another crew for an immediate response.

###

Two Mohawk Ambulance Service Employees, Paramedic and Business Office Manager, Honored with Stars of Life Awards

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Mohawk Ambulance Service is proud to announce that two of its employees are being honored this year by the American Ambulance Association (AAA) with a Star of Life medal, the highest award that an emergency medical service worker can receive. Wendy Becofsky and Rebekah Garcia will be among the 90 EMS workers from around the country to receive the recognition at the Association’s 19th annual event held in Washington, D.C. June 11 – 13.

Wendy Becofsky has been with Mohawk for more than 30 years, not only developing Mohawk’s first in-house collections department, but also the company’s first front-end verification department. Wendy’s exceptional leadership skills led to her promotion to business office manager in 2004. Four years later, she was appointed as compliance officer for Mohawk. Wendy has held leadership roles in the American Ambulance Association (AAA) and the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN). She was the chairwoman of the AAA Medicare Regulatory Work Group and continues to be an active member of this group. In addition, she has been the Reimbursement Chairwoman for UNYAN since 2010.

Rebekah Garcia joined Mohawk Ambulance Service as an EMT following Stars of Life 2018several years as an Albany Medical Center ED patient care technician. In the three short years since joining Mohawk, Rebekah has come to embody the core spirit of the job. She challenged herself to complete her certificate of Paramedicine at Hudson Valley Community College. She now serves as a paramedic and is a well-respected field training officer for newer employees. Her exemplary work has earned her the company’s Distinguished Service Award.

“Wendy and Rebekah have proven to be exceptional leaders and role models, and have become invaluable members of our family,” said James P. McPartlon III, president of Mohawk Ambulance Service. “We are extremely proud of both of them and congratulate them on this special recognition and achievement.”

Becofsky and Garcia join 15 other Mohawk Ambulance servicemen and women who are Stars of Life recipients. Other past award winners include first responders who served following the September 11th attacks, Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, and other national disasters.

AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States which provide emergency and non-emergency care and medical transportation to more than 75 percent of the U.S. population. The Association’s annual Stars of Life awards publicly recognize and celebrate the achievements of its members.

About American Ambulance Association:
Founded in 1979, the American Ambulance Association promotes health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provides research, education and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve. The AAA represents ambulance services across the United States who participate in serving more than 75 percent of the U.S. population with emergency and non-emergency care and medical transportation services.

Mohawk Ambulance Service Hires Human Resources Generalist

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Alexandra Hennessy as Alexandra HennessyHuman Resources Generalist. In this position, she will be assisting Human Resources Director Ann DeVost with all incoming human resources inquires, recruitment and onboarding as well as assisting with employee relations and communications.

Hennessy has previously held human resources positions at UPS and Brown & Brown Insurance. She is excited to bring her energy and experience to her new role at Mohawk Ambulance.

Hennessy received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Le Moyne College in Syracuse.

Mohawk Ambulance Service Welcomes New Human Resources Director

Mohawk Ambulance Service is pleased to announce the hiring of Ann DeVost as Human Resource Director. In this position, she is responsible for all human resource functions within Mohawk Ambulance Services and will work closely with company leaders to manage human resources programs, provide consultation on strategic staffing plans, manage hiring, benefits and employee relations, and promote process improvement by building relationships and retaining employees.

Joining Mohawk Ambulance from Daughters of Sarah Ann DevostSenior Community, DeVost brings experience in employee recruitment and retention, staff development, conflict resolution, benefits and compensation, HR records management and policy development, strategic planning and more to her new role. Previously, she’s held human resources positions at Paychex Inc., TempurSealy International Inc., and CHA Consulting.

DeVost studied Human Services at Hudson Valley Community College and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Psychology from University at Albany.