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Local and State EMS Provider Awards Presented at 25th
Annual Spring Fling EMS Conference Hosted by North Country REMSCO and
FDRHPO
Published: April 23, 2026 at
11:00 a.m.
By: Press Release from Fort Drum Regional Health
Planning Organization
NORTH COUNTRY REMSCO AND FDRHPO HOST OVER 120 REGIONAL EMS PROVIDERS
AND PRESENT LOCAL AND STATE AWARDS AT 2026 EMS SPRING FLING
WATERTOWN, NY, April 22, 2026 -- The North
Country REMSCO Spring Fling Conference, in partnership with Fort Drum
Regional Health Planning Organization’s (FDRHPO) EMS Program Agency,
reached a significant milestone in 2026, celebrating 25 years of advancing
emergency medical services education, collaboration, and excellence across
the North Country and New York State. Held April 17 - 18 at the Edgewood
Resort & Conference Center in Alexandria Bay, the two-day conference
brought together more than 120 EMS providers for high-quality training,
hands-on learning, and professional recognition.
“For a quarter century, Spring Fling has served as a cornerstone
event for EMS professionals at every level, offering accessible, relevant
education while strengthening the regional EMS system. This year’s
conference continued that legacy with expanded learning tracks for both
Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers,” said
Jonathan Cole, FDRHPO’s EMS Program Agency Director.
Sessions covered a wide range of critical and emerging topics,
including neurology, toxicology, respiratory distress, endocrine
emergencies, traumatic brain injury care, and navigating media and social
media in rural emergency response.
“This year’s conference continues that tradition with expanded
learning opportunities, regionally respected instructors, and meaningful
networking, while honoring the commitment and service of the EMS
community,” said Mr. Cole.
A highlight of the 25th anniversary event was the presentation of
Regional EMS Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations
whose dedication continues to elevate patient care and strengthen the EMS
workforce. Honorees included:
- ALS Provider of the
Year
– Patrick O’Connell
- BLS Provider of the
Year –
Heather Lipczynski
- Agency of the Year – Evans Mills
Volunteer Ambulance
- EMS Educator of
Excellence – Robert Storm Cilley
- Registered Nurse of
Excellence – Dave Lyndaker
- Physician of
Excellence – Dr. Ryan Coates
- EMS Clinical Partner
of Excellence – Brittany Bickel, PA
- Richard Beebe Award – James Deavers
- Lifetime Achievement
Award –
Ronald Smith
Among those recognized, ALS Provider of the Year Patrick O’Connell
was honored for his exceptional clinical skill, leadership, and commitment
to continuous learning. Beginning his EMS career as a driver in 2013,
O’Connell advanced through the ranks to become a paramedic, earning a
reputation for delivering methodical, thoughtful, and compassionate patient
care. His dedication to education, both as a learner and mentor, and his
leadership role as Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Manager at Indian
River Ambulance highlight his impact not only on patient outcomes but on
the future of EMS practice.
The Evans Mills Volunteer Ambulance Squad, named Agency of the Year,
was recognized for its outstanding service to the Towns of LeRay and
Pamelia. Operating as a hybrid system with both volunteer and paid staff,
the agency responded to a record 1,101 calls in 2025 while maintaining an
exceptional performance standard. Beyond emergency response, Evans Mills
has demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce development by
participating in the EMT Internship Program, advancing providers toward
paramedic certification, and actively engaging in community education and
support initiatives.
 James “Jim”
Deavers has been named the recipient of this year’s Richard Beebe Award for
educational excellence, in recognition of decades of leadership in EMS
education and mentorship across the region. Deavers began his career in
1980, contributing to one of the first Advanced Life Support (ALS) training
initiatives in the two-county area and quickly becoming a trusted resource
for emerging providers. He later served as a Senior BOCES EMT instructor
and a New York State Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC), teaching
extensively throughout Jefferson and Lewis counties. Widely respected for
his calm, steady presence in high-pressure environments, Deavers has helped shape generations of EMS professionals. Even
in retirement, he remains committed to the field and is currently pursuing
recertification to continue supporting future providers.
As the Spring Fling Conference marks its 25th anniversary, its
continued growth and impact underscore the strength and resilience of the
EMS community in Northern New York. The event remains a vital platform for
clinical advancement, professional recognition, and collaboration—ensuring
that EMS providers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections
needed to deliver high-quality care in an ever-evolving healthcare
landscape.
For more information about FDRHPO EMS Program Agency and further
details about all of this year’s award recipients,
visit www.fdrhpo.org/news-publications.
PHOTO CAPTION (L to R): Debbie
Singleton, REMSCO Chair, James “Jim” Deavers, recipient of the Richard
Beebe Award for Educational Excellence, Mark Deavers, REMSCO Vice Chair,
and Jonathan Cole, FDRHPO EMS Program Agency Director, stand for a
photo at the 2026 EMS Spring Fling Conference awards dinner.
The North Country Regional Emergency Medical Services Council
(REMSCO) carries out its
responsibilities pursuant to Article 30 of the New York State Public Health
Law and Part 800 of the NYS CCRR. This Council, comprised of 30 members,
has representation from out-of-hospital emergency medical care providers
from the fire service, community volunteers, not-for-profit and commercial
ambulance service sectors, physicians, nurses, health planning agencies,
hospitals, police services, county government, the business community, and
other constituencies promoting good health. By statute, the Council is
charged with several responsibilities, including the coordination of
emergency medical services in the North Country Region.
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