The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) honored The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Youth Squad with two awards this month at Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance in Bay Shore, New York. The rescue squad was awarded Youth Group of the Year, and their Lead Director, Mary-Catherine Dolan, was awarded the Youth Mentor of the Year award. This is the
Each year, the FASNY Youth in the Fire Service Committee recognizes the youth fire organization that best embodies a dedication to both fire and community service. This year, the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Youth Squad exemplified these qualities through their involvement in mentoring younger members of the community, commitment to giving back to those in need, and their hard work inside and out of the program.
Throughout the COVID pandemic, the Youth Squad remained dedicated to the program, maintaining a positive attitude when classes were canceled and quickly adapting to online learning. These students, on top of their academic careers and other extracurriculars, volunteer their time to bring a positive and fresh aspect to the communities of Bay Shore and Brightwaters. Their commitment to service is a testament to their passion and love for their community, as well as the strong leadership at Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Youth Squad.
FASNY’s Youth in the Fire Service Committee honors an outstanding youth group leader every year. The committee looks for a leader that motivates members of the youth group, keeps a positive attitude that inspires them to be their best, and someone who is a good listener and lends attention to the needs and wants of the youth group – all qualities that Mary-Catherine Dolan possesses.
Dolan is somebody who personifies all the values that make this critical position influential and effective. She has been involved with the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Youth Squad for several years, stepping into a new role as Lead Director just recently. Dolan, who shares the same passions as the Youth Squad she leads, revitalized the program when she took over through her recruitment efforts.
“Mary-Catherine Dolan defines what it means to be a mentor to the youth,” said FASNY President John P. Farrell. “Through her patience, compassion, work ethic, and mutual respect for her members, she has had a tremendous impact on the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Youth Squad and encourages the students in a way that guides them to success not only in the realm of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but for life. We congratulate Mary-Catherine and are proud she is our 2022 Youth Mentor.”
Together, Dolan and the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Youth Squad have made an undeniable impact on their community. This past year, they have helped to instruct the local students in hands-on CPR and first aid, decorated an ambulance for “Trunk or Treat” to raise funds for their school district, organized food drives for families in need–collecting and donating 30 boxes of food to families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the holiday season, they also donate food to the local food pantry and participate in the Santa Run, an event where “Santa” is placed on the ambulances and is driven around the community to spread good cheer.
About FASNY:
Founded in 1872, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the approximately 85,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.
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