Hughsonville Firefighters & EMS Crew Recognized by Town Board

Hughsonville Fire Department and Town of Wappinger Ambulance Members Recognized for Life-Saving Actions

WAPPINGER, NY — September 13, 2026

Members of the Hughsonville Fire Department and Town of Wappinger Ambulance were recognized by the Town of Wappinger Town Board for their quick and life-saving actions during a medical emergency on June 22, 2026.

The recognition was especially meaningful as the patient who was treated during the incident was present at the Town Board meeting to personally witness the recognition of the firefighters and EMS personnel whose actions played a critical role in his survival.

Life-Saving Response

At approximately 9:09 p.m. on June 22, 2026, members of the Hughsonville Fire Department and Town of Wappinger EMS were dispatched to the area of 206 Old Hopewell Road for a report of a male experiencing difficulty breathing inside a vehicle.

Upon arrival, Lt. Tim Morano located an unresponsive male in the front seat of a vehicle. Lt. Ryan White removed the patient from the driver’s seat and placed him in the roadway, where immediate life-saving measures were initiated.

Lt. Morano and Lt. White immediately began CPR while Lt. Trevor Dhalla deployed the LUCAS mechanical CPR device to provide continuous, high-quality chest compressions. At the same time, Firefighter/EMT Thomas (TJ) Gallman Jr. worked to maintain the patient’s airway.

Town of Wappinger Medic 2 arrived shortly thereafter, staffed by Paramedic Michael Hill and EMT Moe DeSantis. The patient was transferred to the ambulance, where advanced life support treatment was initiated. He was subsequently transported to Vassar Brothers Medical Center, accompanied by two Hughsonville firefighters.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient had regained a pulse and spontaneous respirations while intubated.

The coordinated response and immediate actions taken by the firefighters and EMS personnel provided the patient with a critical chance of survival.

Life-Saving Awards

The following members of the Hughsonville Fire Department and Town of Wappinger EMS received Life-Saving Awards in recognition of their actions:

● Lt. Tim Morano
● Lt. Trevor Dhalla
● Lt. Ryan White
● FF/EMT Thomas (TJ) Gallman Jr.
● Paramedic Michael Hill
● EMT Moe DeSantis

Unit Citation Awards

A Unit Citation Award was also presented to the following Hughsonville Fire Department officers in recognition of their assistance and at the scene:

● Chief Justin Jerrick
● Assistant Chief Nick Ward
● Deputy Chief William Beale
● Captain Kevin Cruz

The Wappinger Town Board recognized these members and its EMS partners for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to serving the residents of the Town of Wappinger. Their actions that evening demonstrate the importance of a rapid emergency response, effective training, and interagency cooperation.

Most importantly, having the patient present to personally witness the recognition made the ceremony a particularly meaningful moment for everyone involved. His presence served as a powerful reminder of the difference that firefighters and EMS providers can make when every second matters.

Photo’s By: Bill Johnson