Poughkeepsie, NY… The Dutchess County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council recognized EMS providers, EMS agencies and local hospital staff on Wednesday, June 14th, at its annual awards event held in Red Hook. The annual awards highlight the important role of first responders and the services they provide to the community. Joseph Dingee, Public Safety Dispatcher at the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response 9-1-1 Communication Center, was honored with the EMS Communications Specialist of the Year Award, which is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the EMS community as a call receiving operator, dispatcher or call taker and has shown dedication, responsibility, professional behavior, and skill during communications.
Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, especially our own, Joe Dingee. His professionalism, steady demeanor and community minded spirit have helped numerous residents feel safer and reassured during crisis. The brave men and women who serve as first responders cannot be recognized often enough; we are grateful for their dedication to their community and Dutchess County.”
In his role as a Public Safety Dispatcher with Dutchess County, which he began in October 2006, Mr. Dingee has put his certifications in CPR and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) to use assisting callers experiencing or witnessing significant medical emergencies requiring him to talk the caller through administering CPR or giving other life-saving instructions. Mr. Dingee handled these intense calls with compassion, empathy and professionalism, providing essential information to his fellow dispatchers in a timely manner. Mr. Dingee is also a member and past chief of Dover Fire Department.
Senior Dispatcher Linda Mihans, Mr. Dingee’s supervisor, said, “Whether accidental 9-1-1 calls, repetitive callers, or serious issues, Joe never gets flustered and every caller receives the same professional service, his calm demeanor reassuring to even the most distraught callers. We are proud to have Joe as a member of our dynamic and dedicated team at the Dutchess County 9-1-1 Communication Center.”
Dutchess County Commissioner of Emergency Response Dana Smith said, “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our EMS providers, agencies and hospital staff. Emergency Medical Services are a critical, vital function within our community and those who choose to serve are the true heroes. We encourage all those looking for a career that truly makes a life-saving difference to consider a career in EMS. Joe has been a valuable member of the staff at Dutchess County 9-1-1 and we are grateful for his many years of service. Congratulations to Joe and all this year’s honorees; we are grateful for the dedication and excellence you provide to our residents every day.”
For more information on EMS agencies within Dutchess County, visit dutchessny.gov/emergency-services.
This year’s recipients of the Dutchess County EMS Council Awards include:
Basic Life Support Provider of the Year
Barbara Oakes
Pleasant Valley Rescue Squad
EMS Agency of the Year
Arlington Fire District
Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award
Michael Benenati
LaGrange Fire District
EMS Communications Specialists of the Year
Joseph Dingee
Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response
Jessica Emery
City of Poughkeepsie 911
EMS Educator of Excellence
Alexandra Williams
Dutchess Community College
