[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 176 (Wednesday, October 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1011-E1012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE REMARKABLE CAREER OF EMS PIONEER MICHAEL BENENATI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATRICK RYAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2023

  Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael Benenati 
for his long and distinguished career in the field of Emergency Medical 
Services (EMS) in the Hudson Valley.
  Michael's career began in 1977 when he certified as an Emergency 
Medical Technician (EMT) in New York State. While a full-time student 
at The Pennsylvania State University, he worked as a crew chief and 
medical receptionist for the University Ambulance Service, responding 
to emergencies on campus and in the surrounding community.
  In 1987, Michael received his certification as a paramedic in New 
York State. He has worked part-time in Mobile Life Support and as 
Emergency Dispatcher for Ulster County ever since.
  Michael has served as an important leader in EMS in the Hudson 
Valley. From 1998 to 2004, Michael worked as the Captain of New Paltz 
Rescue Squad. Since 2004, he has served as EMS Administrator for the 
LaGrange Fire District.
  Michael has also been a tenacious and effective advocate for needed 
improvements to EMS in the Hudson Valley and across the country.
  As leader of the New York State EMS Council Sustainability Technical 
Advisory Group, he spearheaded a review of challenges faced by EMS and 
potential solutions. The group's recommendations were compiled in the 
NYS 2023 Evidence Based EMS Agenda for the Future, a nationally 
recognized blueprint for the future of EMS.

[[Page E1012]]

  Michael has been lauded for his important contributions to the field 
of EMS. He has been recognized time and again by the State of New York, 
Ulster County, New York State EMS Council, Hudson Valley Regional EMS 
Councils, New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, 
and the EMS Councils of both Ulster and Dutchess Counties, among 
others.
  Most recently, Michael received the Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership 
Award from the New York State EMS Council in honor of his decades-long 
career serving Hudson Valley communities and advocating for fellow EMS 
workers. Michael is a true public servant who exemplifies the very best 
of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Michael Benenati. It is 
my privilege to rise in recognition of his extraordinary career.

                          ____________________