SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Two Mohawk Ambulance Service employees are being honored this year by the American Ambulance Association (AAA) with the Star of Life Medal, the highest award that an emergency medical service worker can receive. Cheryl Schweinsburg and Jason Billington will be among the 80 EMS workers from around the country to receive the recognition at the Association’s 18th annual event held in Washington, D.C. June 12 – 14.
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.
Schweinsburg first entered the field as an EMT in 2006 and four years later 
received her certificate in paramedicine. She joined Mohawk Ambulance as a paramedic in February 2016. Schweinsburg has been recognized by her peers and supervisors as a “lead by example†role model who consistently maintains a positive attitude and commitment to patient care. In less than one year of employment, Schweinsburg earned Mohawk Ambulance’s Distinguished Service Award.
Billington joined Mohawk Ambulance as an EMT in July 2012. He proved himself to be a vital asset through hard work and dedication, and was promoted to Driver, Field Training Officer and Driver Trainer. Billington has received two Distinguished Service Awards in his less than five years with the team. He plans on obtaining his paramedicine certificate in the near future.
“As indicated by their past accolades, Cheryl and Jason exemplify Mohawk Ambulance’s continued commitment to care and service,†said James P. McPartlon III, president of Mohawk Ambulance Service.  “We are extremely proud of both of them and congratulate them on this special achievement.â€
Schweinsburg and Billington join 13 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.
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.
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EMT, promoted to supervisor a year later, and became a station leader and certified paramedic in 2014. In his years with the company, Hermance has received two Distinguished Service Awards and a Star of Life Medal, the highest award an emergency medical service worker can receive. He holds a certificate in paramedicine from SUNY Cobleskill and serves as a volunteer firefighter.
maintaining operational readiness, Mohawk Ambulance Service is participating in New York State’s “Check & Inject NY†demonstration project. The project, which is coordinated through the University of Rochester Medical Center, was launched through the extensive efforts of Dr. Michael Dailey, chief, Division of Prehospital and Operational Medicine and associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Albany Medical College.