Michael Benenati, Lagrange Fire District, RetiredEMS AdministratorAn EMS provider since 1977, Michael has been involved in many EMS delivery systems including as a volunteer EMT & Paramedic in a not-for-profit Advanced Life Support (ALS) agency and later as a career Officer. Michael has worked in a variety of additional settings including collegiate, volunteer fire, commercial, and a combination Fire District providing ALS Transport. Many of these roles have been in leadership positions. His contributions have been at the local, County, Regional and State level. Throughout his career Michael has developed several operational plans and documents to include County EMS Mutual Aid Plans, County MCI Plans, Emergency Preparedness plans, including Ulster County’s response to the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Operation Enduring Freedom & Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Woodstock ’94 concert. Michael represented the EMS community in the implementation of the Ulster County Enhanced 9-1-1 system and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) programs. He continues to teach EMD and works part-time as a telecommunicator. Michael served as the Chairman of the NYSEMSCO appointed EMS Sustainability Technical Advisory Group (TAG) which authored the NYS 2023 Evidence Based EMS Agenda for the Future. Most recently he served as Vice-Chairman on the New York State Rural Ambulance Services Task Force. Michael has been the recipient of Advanced Life Support Provider of the year for Ulster County, the Hudson Valley Regional EMS Council and New York State. In 2023 he was the recipient of Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award in Dutchess County, the Hudson Valley Region and New York State. In 2023 Michael also received the Commissioner of Health’s Award of Excellence in EMS Activities and NYSVARA EMS Leadership Award. He has several other awards and citations including Hospital and County EMS Leadership, Dispatcher of the Year, Lifesaving and Legislative recognitions for his contributions to the EMS System.
Aidan O'Connor, Greenport Rescue Squad, IncExecutive DirectorAidan S. O’Connor, Jr. is a highly experienced EMS professional with a background in critical care flight paramedicine, urban, suburban, and rural paramedicine, as well as 911 and inter-facility transfers. He is also a former New York State Certified Instructor Coordinator, reflecting his dedication to educating the next generation of EMS providers. In addition to his clinical experience, Aidan has held numerous leadership positions, including President of Greene County Paramedics, Chair of the Greene County EMS Council, and Co-Chair of the Greene County Countywide Ambulance Task Force. He has contributed to statewide EMS policy as a member of the New York State Governor’s Task Force on Rural Ambulance and the State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (SEMAC). Aidan has also served on the Senior Leadership Team at Air Methods and is currently the Executive Director of Greenport Rescue Squad, Inc. A passionate advocate for EMS, Aidan’s legislative experience includes serving as the NAEMT Advocacy Coordinator for New York State and as the Minority Leader and Chair of Health Services for the Greene County Legislature. He has also run for New York State Assembly, focusing on EMS and public safety issues. Aidan currently serves on the boards of the New York State Rural Health Association and the New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association. He is a strong believer that EMS is a vital component of the healthcare and public safety system, and that continued advocacy will drive meaningful change and growth for the profession.