New York State Pays Tribute to Two Members of Emergency Medical Services Who Died in the Line of Duty in 2012

Annual NYS EMS Memorial Dedication Honors Deceased Heroes and nearly 60,000 EMS Professionals Serving Communities Across the State

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 21, 2013) – New York State today honored two EMS professionals who died in service to others in 2012 – Eric Monty of Mooers, and David Restuccio of Staten Island – and also paid tribute to more than 60,000 EMS personnel at the annual New York State EMS Memorial Dedication Ceremony at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

The names of the two fallen professionals were added to the "Tree of Life" Memorial during a ceremony featuring State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., and other state officials. The ceremony was attended by the families of the EMS Members as well as hundreds of EMS personnel and community members.

"Today we reflect on two fallen heroes as we honor their service and sacrifice," Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy said. "In their memory, we also pay respect to the thousands of volunteers and professionals who respond to an emergency call across New York State. These brave men and women truly personify the best traits of society -- bravery, dedication and a commitment to helping others – and as we honor their colleagues who died in service to others, we also offer our thanks and prayers for their safety."

Commissioner Shah said, "The commitment of our EMS professionals is matched only by their character and willingness to put their own lives at risk to help others. We are saddened by the loss of these two brave men and offer our condolences to their families, friends, and fellow workers. On this special day, we come together to express our gratitude to all EMS personnel and pay special tribute to two individuals whose spirit carries on in all who are committed to helping others."

The EMS professionals honored today are:

  • Eric Stefan Monty, 45, a member of the Mooers Fire Department and a driver for the Champlain/Mooers Ambulance Service. After responding to an emergency dispatch just after midnight on November 27, 2012, Mr. Monty suffered cardiac arrest while transporting the patient to the local hospital and died at the scene. Mr. Monty served with the ambulance company for two years.
  • David Restuccio, 58, a paramedic for Staten Island University Hospital and a retired FDNY EMS lieutenant. While transporting a patient to the hospital on the evening of August 27, 2012, another vehicle crashed into the ambulance that Mr. Restuccio was driving. He died from injuries suffered in the crash. Mr. Restuccio worked as a paramedic since 2001. He served 25 years with the FDNY (1981 - 2006) and played an active role in 9/11 response and recovery efforts.

There are more than 60,000 Emergency Medical Services professionals in New York State, which include certified first responders, EMTs, paramedics, emergency physicians and nurses, 9-1-1 dispatch staff, and other individuals who provide pre-hospital patient care and transport.

New Yorkers are served by nearly 2,000 ambulance and emergency response agencies that provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Basic Life Support (BLS) services.

Each year, New York State hosts the EMS Memorial Dedication Ceremony in conjunction with National EMS Week, which this year is May 19-25.