When normal drivers see flashing lights and sirens on Middle Neck Road, they anxiously pull over. If you’re a first responder, on the other hand, rushing to an emergency, fire or medical call, it involves a rush of adrenaline, and is a call to action.
To all the selfless EMS providers out there: “Thank you for all you do, and Happy EMS Week!”
National EMS Week is an annual observance held every May to recognize the work of Emergency Medical Services professionals — including Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics, dispatchers, flight medics, emergency nurses, firefighters, and others involved in prehospital emergency care. In 2026, EMS Week is observed from May 17–23, including at our local Great Neck fire departments, Vigilant Fire Co., Manhasset Lakeville, Hatzolah and Alert Fire Co. (a non- EMS provider).
In 1974, President Gerald Ford first authorized an EMS Week to highlight the growing importance of emergency medical care in the United States, and collaboration among EMS agencies, hospitals, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, fire departments, public health agencies, and communities to improve patient care and survival outcomes.
EMS is now recognized for its role in saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest and trauma; in getting people to the hospitals best equipped to treat heart attacks and strokes; and in setting the stage for a positive care experience – not just through medical skill, but by showing caring and compassion to patients in scary, distressing situations.
In communities like Great Neck, EMS Week also highlights the longstanding culture of volunteerism. Many residents historically joined ambulance corps or fire departments as teenagers or young adults. There is a camaraderie that forms at the firehouse, plenty of
social opportunities off- shift and between calls. The result is lifelong bonds of friendship through the experience of being in the trenches, assisting a neighbor (or stranger) with a medical emergency, and living to tell.
EMS Week is especially important within the profession to recognize the high stress and trauma exposure of EMS workers, including long shifts, burnout and mental health challenges.
As a result, EMS Week has become both a celebration and an advocacy opportunity for better funding, staffing, equipment, and mental health support. Community discussions online often reflect both pride in the profession and frustration that appreciation sometimes feels symbolic rather than substantive.
Said Zachary Goldfarb, vice president of Vigilant Fire Co: “Typical EMS Week activities include open houses at ambulance corps and fire departments, CPR and Stop-the-Bleed training, blood drives, and community demonstrations.”
There are several historic volunteer fire and EMS organizations serving the Great Neck peninsula. They all provide mutual aid support across Nassau County, and welcome your interest should you be considering joining EMS. Alert Fire Company
Founded in December 1901, Alert Engine Hook Ladder Hose is headquartered at 555 Middle Neck Road in the Village of Great Neck, with an annex station on Steamboat Road in Kings Point. Industrialists J. Pierpont Morgan and Walter P. Chrysler were famous members.
The company still actively recruits junior firefighters as young as 12, continuing a longstanding tradition of multigenerational service in Great Neck. (Note: Read about Great Neck Alert, John
Motchkavitz, in our last column.
Vigilant Fire Company, Vigilant Engine & Hook & Ladder Co., Inc., headquartered at 83 Cutter Mill Road, has developed into both a fire suppression and advanced EMS provider for the northern part of Great Neck. The company has provided EMS service on the peninsula for
more than 80 years.
Since 2003, cadets of the United States Merchant Marine Academy‘s Emergency Medical Service Squad have assisted Vigilant’s EMS operations, creating a longstanding partnership between the academy and the community.
“It is important that we recognize the hard work and dedication of the EMS membership, “ said Scott McDonald, chief of department.
Vigilant EMS Captain Daniella Salim is a fine example of a selfless community volunteer.
“I joined at 18 years old, and my love for medicine grew every day after that. Almost eight years later, I am now employed as a hospital nurse. I am awed by the dedication, teamwork, and hard work that go into EMS every single day.” EMS providers are there for their fellow neighbors during some of the most difficult times in their lives. “I am incredibly proud to be part of such a strong and compassionate
community here in Great Neck.”
Hatzolah EMS Hatzolah of Queens & Great Neck is a volunteer Jewish EMS organization that serves the Great Neck peninsula. The organization emphasizes cultural familiarity and understanding of Orthodox Jewish religious practices; however, they treat anyone who calls, regardless of religion or background.
This year’s EMS Week theme is to “Improve Outcomes, Together.” To that end, Great Neck’s EMS providers invite you to help them save lives by learning to Stop the Bleed, performing CPR, and volunteering your time and service to support any of the vital volunteer response agencies in the community.
Check out the websites of our local Great Neck fire departments- Vigilant Fire Co, Manhasset Lakeville, Hatzolah and Alert Fire Co.. or stop by to learn more.
Allow this column to serve as a reminder that they, and we, need you. Yes, you, dear Reader. So, please stop scrolling, and consider becoming one of the “helpers” as Mr. Rogers appropriately called them. You may find that doing good and helping others in the community feels good.
True, as an EMS Volunteer, you may – occasionally- have to respond to a call halfway through dinner, or jump out of the house for a false alarm. Don’t worry, you can always reheat your dinner three hours later. Heck, maybe even have it for breakfast.
Janet Nina Esagoff launched Destination: Great Neck Ltd., a 501(c)(3) in 2021, dedicated to fortifying and celebrating the Great Neck peninsula. Follow @greatneckbiz on Instagram, Facebook, and other media platforms.
She is also the founder of Esagoff Law Group PC, at 100 Middle Neck Road. Prior to practicing law, she designed special-occasion fashions at Party Girl, 3A Bond St. (1997–2005).
Janet Nina Esagoff Janet Nina Esagoff