Congratulations to Pleasant Valley Fire District’s own Kathy Hickman on winning the prestigious “EMS Educator of Excellence” award for 2020, presented by the Dutchess County EMS Council. The award is given to recognize leadership, mentorship and dedication to one’s community and fellow members.

Kathy joined the Pleasant Valley Fire Company and Rescue Squad in 1980, she is in her 40th year of active and dedicated service to the community. Through the years, Kathy has held multiple positions in both house and line officer responsibilities, all while juggling a demanding and successful career.

She has given so much of her time to educating the public and furthering the education of EMS professionals. She has re-certified over 100 people last year in CPR, AED and first aid for both the Fire Company, Rescue Squad, several groups (including preschools), in the Pleasant Valley community and is currently an Instructor for the Dutchess Community College EMS program.

Her devotion helping mentor and motivate new EMT’s works to secure the future of EMS along with the benefits for continued service to the community. In addition, Kathy is tirelessly working to reinstate the PAD (Public Access Defribrillator) program in Pleasant Valley so that the community has the protection and knowledge to assist in case of an emergency.

The legacy of her work as an EMS professional carries on in the many lives she has touched in her career. She has impacted the lives of many patients, along with their families, over the course of her life’s work. When their paths cross again in the future, they express deep gratitude to her for giving them the chance to continue meaningful lives. This is an opportunity they might not have had if she was not there to answer the call.

She continues to demonstrate a commitment to her community, her vocation and the future of EMS. She has done this with consistency, passion and thoughtfulness. Kathy instills pride and excellence in the next generation of graduating EMT's so they can feel confident in furthering their EMS careers. Her pledge to excellence in patient care is inspiring and raises the bar for the next graduating class of EMS professionals. She has done this with no other purpose except knowing that it's the right thing to do. Service dedication and mentorship are her path, a path that will continue to contribute to the future of EMS, benefit our community and lead by example of doing the right thing.

Congratulations on this well-earned award!