Robert Lunde brings more than 20 years of dedicated service to Emergency Medical Services, having served as both an EMT and EMT-Intermediate. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to patient care, professionalism, and the advancement of the EMS profession. Known for his clinical knowledge, reliability, sound judgment, and calm approach in challenging situations, Robert has earned the respect of his colleagues and the broader EMS community. His contributions extend beyond patient care through his involvement in peer support, advocacy for first-responder mental health, and leadership as a former union vice president. He has consistently worked to improve operations, support providers, and strengthen the EMS system while serving as a positive and professional voice for the profession. Robert’s longevity, leadership, advocacy, and continued commitment exemplify a career dedicated to advancing EMS and supporting those who serve.

Michael Pugh began his EMS career following his service in the U.S. Air Force, joining AmCare Ambulance in 2020 as a BLS provider during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to patient care, he obtained his paramedic certification in 2024. In April 2026, Michael demonstrated exceptional leadership and courage when he rescued patients from a vehicle fire at a multi-car crash while simultaneously providing patient care. Beyond his clinical service, he actively supports the next generation of EMS providers, welcoming approximately 30 individuals to EMS through ride-alongs and fostering an environment of learning, encouragement, and transparency. His compassion, professionalism, and commitment to his community exemplify the highest ideals of EMS.

Since 1971, Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance has provided continuous emergency ambulance response to the Pittsford community, serving approximately 30,000 residents with a team of 75 responders and support personnel. Following its transition from BLS to ALS transport in 2018, Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance has continued advancing EMS through innovation, collaboration, and community-centered care. The agency led a county-wide workforce development initiative bringing together Monroe County EMS agencies, educational institutions, and public and private partners to reduce barriers to EMS careers through tuition assistance, supplies, childcare, transportation, and stipends. The initiative has already supported the training of 50 new EMTs, with 16 paramedics in training and 45 additional EMT candidates beginning education. Through workforce development, community outreach, and regional collaboration, Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance strengthens EMS recruitment, retention, and operational readiness while advancing the future of prehospital care.

Gene Iannuzzi has dedicated nearly 50 years to EMS as a paramedic, emergency nurse, and educator. Beginning his career as an EMT in Yonkers in 1976, he has served as an NYC EMS Academy Education Coordinator, Borough of Manhattan Community College Paramedic Program Director, and educator at Phelps Hospital, where he has provided EMS instruction for 19 years. A current Regional Faculty member, Vice Chair of Westchester REMSCO, and contributor to CLI instructor development, Gene has shaped generations of EMS providers and educators through curriculum development, practical skills examinations, and continuing education. Gene’s exceptional knowledge, leadership, and enduring dedication to advancing EMS education make him a deserving recipient of the Educator of Excellence Award.

Drew Anderson has demonstrated exceptional dedication to EMS and first responder wellness through nearly two decades of service with Delmar-Bethlehem EMS. As an EMT, Crew Chief, Behavioral Health Director, firefighter, and Captain, he combines clinical experience and professional expertise in psychology to advance behavioral health across the EMS community. Since establishing Delmar-Bethlehem EMS’s Peer Support Program in 2024, Drew has mentored peer supporters, assisted agencies in developing wellness programs, and educated hundreds of EMS providers statewide through educational presentations and specialized curriculum. His ongoing personal support of first responders in crisis, commitment to education, and leadership in advancing EMS wellness have made a lasting impact on the health, safety, and resilience of EMS providers throughout New York State.

Chief Sproul has demonstrated exceptional leadership by guiding EMS agencies through significant operational and financial challenges while strengthening the communities they serve. He played a pivotal role in the 2015 merger of East Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance with Canandaigua Emergency Squad and the 2022 merger with Naples Ambulance, preserving each agency’s identity and community commitment. His vision emphasizes collaboration, sustainability, and supporting struggling agencies rather than expanding territory. Leading with an “in-the-trenches” mentality, Chief Sproul remains actively involved in emergency response, crew support, and agency operations. He is known for treating his employees like family, mentoring future leaders, and fostering professional growth, he exemplifies dedication, compassion, and a commitment to strengthening the future of EMS.

Lindsay Gubala, RN, is recognized for her sustained commitment to strengthening collaboration between EMS and hospital-based healthcare. Drawing on her experience as a former volunteer with Lewiston #1 Fire Company and emergency department nurse, she bridges the prehospital and hospital environments through education, communication, and system improvement. Lindsay played a key role in developing the region’s first full-scale multidisciplinary cardiac arrest simulation, bringing together dispatchers, EMS providers, physicians, nurses, and hospital staff to improve teamwork, patient handoffs, and continuity of care. Through her ongoing work to advance patient safety, EMS offload efficiency, emergency department throughput, and respectful partnerships, Lindsay has made a lasting contribution to regional emergency care and exemplifies the qualities of a New York State EMS Clinical Partner of Excellence.

Dr. Harris has made significant contributions to EMS through physician leadership, pediatric advocacy, education, and research. His work has focused on improving pediatric readiness within EMS systems through protocol development, simulation-based training, and provider education in high-risk pediatric emergencies. He has also explored innovative techonologies, including RFID-enabled patient tracking and family reunification systems designed to improve coordination during pediatric disasters and mass casualtiy incidents. Through his work with the New York City REMAC, The New York State EMS for Children Advisory Committee, NAEMSP, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, he has helped strengthen pediatric prehospital standards and education across the country and most notably, here in New York. 

Hunter joined the Stony Point Ambulance Corps Youth Squad in 2022 and became Youth Squad Captain in 2024. After earning his EMT certification in 2025, he became the agency’s first cleared 17-year-old EMT, developing a clearance process addressing clinical competency and mental maturity. Hunter demonstrates exceptional leadership, compassion, and initiative. He has championed youth involvement in EMS by helping revive the Pulse Check Conference, moderating a statewide leadership panel, and developing an innovative call-tracking and resource management system for a major parade serving more than 50,000 attendees. Through his service, advocacy, and commitment to developing the next generation of EMS providers, Hunter exemplifies the leadership and dedication this recognition honors.