Assemblyman Schmitt honors Woodbury first responders

Assemblyman Colin Schmitt held his inaugural 99th Assembly District Salute to First Responders event at the Orange County Emergency Services Center on Sept. 16.

This official State Assembly government event was created to recognize first responders from across the assembly district who have made significant contributions to their communities and the 99th Assembly District.

Michael Gironda

Michael Gironda has served as a dispatcher for Woodbury Police Department for 17 years. Gironda is also a member of the Montgomery Fire Department.

His journey as a first responder began in 1988 as an 18-year-old young man that wanted to learn everything he could. After joining the Montgomery Fire Department, he quickly climbed the ladder, rising from the role of firefighter to captain within 12 years. He is currently the department president and safety officer.

Gironda’s law enforcement work began in the Town of Newburgh where he worked as a dispatcher before joining Orange County 911 as a dispatcher.

He joined the Woodbury Police Department in 2002 and officials from the Town of Woodbury honor him for his work as an outstanding dispatcher.

In 2014 Gironda received his license for Amateur Radio and is active with the Orange County Amateur Radio Emergency Service who voluntarily register their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.

"Michael Gironda is well-deserving of this recognition," Schmitt said. "Michael is well respected for his passion and dedication to the work he does in Woodbury and his volunteer efforts with the fire department."

Ben Conques

The Village of Woodbury nominated Ben Conques for his 38 years of service with Woodbury Community Ambulance.

Conques joined the all-volunteer Woodbury Community Ambulance in July 1982 as an Advanced First Aider - at the urging of his wife Patricia who had joined in 1981.

Since then Ben as served Woodbury EMS for three years a First Aider/Driver and for 34 years as an EMT. He served two years as trustee, three years as president and 29 years as captain.

Conques has responded to more than 5,500 emergencies. He is a delegate to the Orange County Emergency Medical Services Council and the Hudson Valley Regional Emergency Services Council. He is an instructor for the Orange County Division of Emergency Medical Services helping to train future EMTs.

“Ben Conques is well-deserving of this recognition," Schmitt said. "Ben has over three decades of service with the Woodbury Community Ambulance and generously dedicates his time and skills to train others in the first responder community."