The Branford Fire Department celebrated EMS providers on May 18th who were recognized during the 2026 Yale-CEMS EMS Week Celebration for their contributions to three different cardiac arrest situations in 2025 that led in patients surviving and going back to their families.

The commendation, according to officials, emphasized the professionalism, teamwork, training, and clinical care that responders displayed during the occurrences. The regional celebration honoring life-saving emergency medical service drew over 250 EMS professionals, survivors, and family members. After being successfully revived by emergency personnel after experiencing a cardiac arrest at a care home, one survivor attended the celebration.

Members recognized included James Carson, Jason Karpovich, Tyler Mahoney, Joseph Mazzarella, Jeremiah Palmisano, Mitchell Mako, Dante Ghiroli, Michael Rebmann, Nicholas Antonucci, Tate Barbarotta, Eleftherios Gionteris, and Andrew Raffile.

Department officials said the recognition reflects the dedication and daily commitment shown by all EMS providers serving the community.