Honor Koerts for EMS Service

Senate Resolution No. 479 BY: Senator AKSHAR CONGRATULATING Stephen Koerts upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 45 years of distinguished service to the Greene Emergency Squad WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those individuals within the State of New York who, in the course of their jobs, perform acts of heroic dimension; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Stephen Koerts upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 45 years of distinguished service to the Greene Emergency Squad; this momentous occasion was celebrated with a party in his honor on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at The Genegantslet Golf Club, Greene, New York; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in the small town of Greene, New York, Stephen Koerts worked at the local Kimber Pharmacy until his graduation from Greene Central School in 1966; he went on to pursue his dream, earning a degree from Union University's Albany College of Pharmacy in

1971; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies, Stephen Koerts and his new bride, the former Ruthie Sykora, returned to Greene, where he continued to work at Kimber Pharmacy until purchasing the store and changing its name to Koerts Pharmacy in 1973; and WHEREAS, Stephen Koerts joined the Greene Fire Department in 1971, and two years later he joined the Greene Fire Department Emergency Squad; that same year, he completed his original Federal EMT which was issued out of the Metro Office of New York City; additionally, in 1981, he became a Critical-Care EMT; and WHEREAS, During this time, prior to the creation of dispatch centers, the Koerts' family's home was a host to the fire phone, receiving emergency calls for Greene Fire and Greene EMS; it was then their duty to dispatch the call and alert the rest of the squad; and WHEREAS, A truly exceptional member of the community, Stephen Koerts has selflessly served as a volunteer with the Greene EMS squad for more than four decades; throughout his illustrious tenure he has held all officer positions including Treasurer, Secretary, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he has been instrumental in the success of many ambulance fundraisers and countless trainings; and WHEREAS, Today, Stephen Koerts serves as Greene Emergency Squad's Treasurer and continues to give tirelessly of his time and energies to this vital lifesaving organization; and WHEREAS, On many occasions, Stephen Koerts has acted with bravery and steady precision in dealing with the risk and drama of emergency situations; and WHEREAS, In the performance of his duties, Stephen Koerts has demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others; he is a tremendous asset to his EMS Unit and a distinguished citizen of the State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Stephen Koerts upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 45 years of distinguished service to the Greene Emergency Squad; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Stephen Koerts.