During a recent government meeting, Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendell Jr. honored Ron Hasson, widely recognized as the \"father of EMS,\" for his extensive contributions to emergency medical services in the region. The commendation highlighted Hasson's remarkable 48-year career, which began with his involvement in the Silaron Fire Department in 1975 and included a significant tenure as fire chief.

Hasson's journey in emergency medical training commenced in 1977 when he became an EMT at Jamestown Community College. Over the years, he took on various roles, including senior instructor for EMT refresher courses and coordinator of EMT training until his retirement in January 2023. His influence extended beyond local training; he was appointed by the New York State Department of Health as one of the original instructors to train EMTs statewide.

In addition to his teaching roles, Hasson served as an advanced cardiac life support instructor and was a key figure in the establishment of the Starflight medic program in 1986. His dedication to the field earned him the New York State Commissioner of Health Statewide EMS Leadership Award in 1993.

Wendell expressed gratitude for Hasson's unwavering commitment to the community, stating, \"We recognize and celebrate the remarkable contribution Ron has made to the community and county he has so faithfully served.\" The meeting concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Hasson's legacy and the countless lives he has impacted throughout his career.