Last year, the Suffolk County Legislature approved a resolution to designate the third week of May as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Appreciation Week in conjunction with National EMS Week.
This year, Legislator Leslie Kennedy of the Twelfth District made sure to emphatically honor said mandate.
Kennedy attended a May 19th joint press conference at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank wherein County Executive Ed Romaine, the Suffolk Legislature and numerous EMS Agencies took turns signifying their shared goal and commending the results produced.
All leaders in attendance, Kennedy included, delivered remarks as to how vital EMS workers are to maintaining public safety.
The very next day, Kennedy joined Legislator Dominick Thorne to acknowledge members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Medical Crisis Action Team (MedCAT). These are highly trained officers tabbed to provide advanced life support and medical assistance in critical situations as EMS personnel are in the midst of responding.
Legislators Kennedy and Thorne bestowed upon the agency certificates of recognition; they go above and beyond what their MedCAT responsibilities require—and this ceremony demonstrated that fact wholeheartedly.
Later that same day, Tuesday, May 20th, the Suffolk County Legislature held a ceremony to honor EMS personnel from across the eighteen legislative districts within Suffolk.
Kennedy’s selection to represent the Twelfth was Brian Roth, an EMS worker based out of the Nesconset Fire Department.
Earlier in 2025, Roth was named Nesconset Fire Department’s "EMS Worker of the Year."
“EMS workers are most effective when they have the necessary tools and supplies to respond to crises,” Kennedy’s office released in a statement.
“That’s why Legislator Kennedy is always in support of approving funds for essential lifesaving equipment for Suffolk County’s Emergency Medical Services, and why the Legislator is so keen on holding blood drives.”
Speaking of blood drives: Kennedy put a crescendo on the tag of EMS Appreciation Week with a blood drive booth set up at the Memorial Day Week Hawkins Street Fair in Ronkonkoma on Sunday, May 25th.
25 pints of blood were donated on the day, per reports.
Another Kennedy and New York Blood Center-sponsored blood drive is planned for Sunday, June 1st, at the Smithtown Street Fair. It will take place at the corner of Elm Ave and Main Street.
To participate, donors must: be at least 17 years old (or 16 with a parental consent form), eat well and hydrate, bring a photo ID, be symptom-free, and meet minimum weight requirements.
“Every donation is a home run,” reads the flier. “Swing in to donate and you’ll be entered to win five tickets to the 2025 MLB Subway Series on July 6 at Citifield.”