Colleges Paramedic Faculty and Clinical Partners Recognized for Excellence in Emergency Medical Services

COBLESKILL – SUNY Cobleskill is proud to recognize its Paramedic Program faculty members and clinical partners who have recently received prestigious honors from two Regional New York State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Councils for their contributions to emergency medical services.

Nancy Montesano, Certified Instructor Coordinator at the SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Program, has been honored with the EMS Educator of Excellence Award, given by the Adirondack-Appalachian Regional EMS Council. This recognition is awarded to individuals who, through outstanding teaching, educational administration/coordination, publication, or research, have significantly improved prehospital services at the local, county, regional, or state level. Over her career, Nancy has taught over one thousand EMS students.

Howard Huth, Director of the College's Paramedic Program, received the Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award from the Adirondack-Appalachian Regional EMS Council.  This award goes to leaders who have shown long-term commitment and innovative thinking in building and strengthening EMS organizations and programs in their communities and beyond.  Director of the Program since 2010, Howard also serves on multiple State EMS committees.  In 2023, he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

The Greene County EMS Friday Day Shift has been recognized with the Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year Award. Greene County EMS, as a clinical affiliate of the SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Program, provides paramedic student training annually as students ride with Greene County paramedics during Field Clinical rotations. Instructors Montesano, Huth, and additional SUNY Cobleskill faculty member, Cody Puglia, all work on the Friday day shift at Greene County EMS to stay current and maintain their state teaching credentials.

Earlier this year, Jonathan Behrens, Deputy Director of the College’s Paramedic Program, was named the Adirondack-Appalachian Regional EMS Council's 2024 EMS Educator of Excellence. Behrens has been involved with the SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Program since 2002 and continues to practice as a paramedic for the Town of Colonie.

The SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Program continues to be a leader in EMS education, preparing students for critical roles while maintaining strong partnerships in EMS. Learn more at www.cobleskill.edu.