Read the Proclamation: THANK YOU TO ALL EMS PROFESSIONALS!!
From Steuben County NY,
BATH, NY — The Steuben County Legislature has officially proclaimed the week of May 17, 2026, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, recognizing the critical role EMS providers play in protecting the health, safety, and well-being of residents across the county—while also acknowledging a pivotal moment in the future of emergency response.
Emergency medical services are a vital public service, providing lifesaving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. EMS professionals—including first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement, and other trained personnel—serve on the front lines of medical emergencies, often bridging critical gaps in healthcare through rapid response, pre-hospital care, and community-based services.
Members of EMS teams, both career and volunteer, dedicate thousands of hours to specialized training and continuing education to ensure the highest level of care. Their commitment extends far beyond emergency response, strengthening community health through prevention, follow-up care, and expanding access to services in rural and underserved areas.
“EMS workers put in countless hours of training to be the best in their field, sometimes without compensation. They are the first line to any medical emergency or traumatic event and are there when people count on them most.” Said Tim Marshall – Steuben County Director of Public Safety.
As Steuben County continues to evolve, so too does its approach to emergency medical services. Long supported by a proud tradition of volunteerism, the County is now actively working to strengthen and sustain EMS delivery through a transition toward supplemental and county-supported services. This effort is designed not to replace the spirit of volunteer EMS, but to reinforce it—ensuring consistent coverage, reducing strain on volunteers, and building a more resilient, reliable system for the future.
This moment represents both a challenge and an opportunity: to honor the legacy of those who have served for generations, while building a modern framework that guarantees every resident timely, high-quality emergency care when it matters most.
“EMS Week is an important week to acknowledge all our EMS workers, both Paid and Volunteer. It’s a time to reflect upon their dedication to their community and the people they serve.” Marshall Emphasized
This year’s EMS Week theme, “EMS Week: Improving Outcomes, Together,” underscores the shared responsibility between EMS providers, healthcare systems, and the community to deliver strong, coordinated emergency care.
The Steuben County Legislature encourages all residents to observe EMS Week by recognizing the dedication, sacrifice, and evolving role of EMS personnel—and by supporting efforts that ensure these critical services remain strong for generations to come.
