GLAS Deputy Director to be honored

Dwyer volunteer member since joining in high school

By Margo Frink

(Canastota) Patrick Dwyer began his career in the life-saving business when he was just 16 years old. His mother met an old friend at his school’s open house who happened to volunteer at the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service. He handed Dwyer an application and two months later he was a junior member. That was 11 years ago. Now Dwyer serves as the corps’ deputy director of operations.

Dwyer has been selected to receive the Canastota Association of Churches Appreciation Award. The award is given annually to a member of GLAS and the Canastota, Wampsville and Lincoln fire departments.

Dwyer said this award is special to him because winners are chosen by their colleagues.

“It feels good to know that people [at GLAS] appreciate you,” Dwyer said. “The award nomination doesn’t come from the community but from my peers.”

Dwyer, who works for the state Department of Corrections, had to give up his paramedic’s license because he works nights and it was too difficult to work and volunteer. Licenses must be renewed every three years, he said. But when he can, Dwyer volunteers as a driver and helps with patients and equipment. He volunteers for fund-raising efforts when he is available.

Being a paramedic is what Dwyer trained for. He earned an associate’s degree from Herkimer County Community College. He also attended driver instructor training.

When still in paramedic school, Dwyer said GLAS was dispatched to a call where a 6 month old child was not breathing. All the rigs were out on other calls and Dwyer took off to the scene.

“When I got there mom and baby were in a van,” Dwyer said. “Mom looked up, handed the child to me and said, I think my baby is dead.”

Unfortunately the child did die, Dwyer said. It was born with a heart defect. Although the incident was one of those not-so-happy moments on the job, Dwyer said his rewards come from helping family and seeing the person he helped walking the streets again.

Dwyer said he’d like to see more volunteers become active and join the corps. He also reminds motorists to give the right-of-way to emergency personnel.

Dwyer grew up in Canastota and still lives in the village. He’s a graduate of Canastota High School and a member of the Canastota Fire Department. His family includes his mother, Lorrene, and his siblings Michele, Kathy, Sean and Brian.

In his free time, Dwyer enjoys fishing, hunting and camping.

The Canastota Area Association of Churches’ Appreciation Dinner will be held Jan. 23 at the Rusty Rail. To find out how to attend the dinner and help honor Dwyer and other volunteers, call William D. Yorton at 697-2978.

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GLAS Deputy Director to be honored

Dwyer volunteer member since joining in high school

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