03/04/2026
Last Friday, five of our members were recognized at the Finger Lakes Regional EMS Council’s Annual Conference.
These recognitions are a true testament to the dedication our members show not only to the communities we serve, but also to the broader EMS system throughout our region. Many of our members actively participate in regional councils and committees at the local, county, and regional levels, working to improve emergency medical services, strengthen collaboration, and advance patient care across the Finger Lakes. These awards will now be sent to the NYS DOH Division of State EMS to be added as nominations for state level awards.
We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the continued commitment they demonstrate to both our agency and the EMS profession as a whole. The awards presented span several different categories, and a brief overview of each recipient’s accomplishments is provided below.
We would also like to extend our congratulations to Stanley–Hall–Gorham Ambulance, who was recognized as the 2025 EMS Agency of the Year, and to Bob Borjean, retired Fleet Manager for Finger Lakes Ambulance, who received the Operational Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of 34 years of dedicated service — a truly remarkable accomplishment.
We also want to commend the Finger Lakes Regional EMS Council for another wonderful conference. Over the years, the education content, vendors, and networking just keep getting better! Job well done!
Now, here is a little more about our award recipients:
EMT Amber MacMillan – Basic Life Support Provider of the Year:
Amber is a clinically strong EMT with sound decision-making skills, consistently delivering high-quality patient care under pressure. As a valued member of the agency’s Billing Review Team, she ensures that patient care reports (PCRs) are processed accurately and efficiently, significantly improving turnaround times and strengthening the organization’s revenue stream. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence directly support the agency’s operation.
She is deeply invested in the growth and success of others, regularly taking on new EMTs and students and fostering their development to set them up for long-term success. Her mentorship is marked by encouragement, accountability, and a genuine desire to see others thrive in their careers. She is also known for being the first to volunteer for special tasks and projects, consistently stepping forward wherever there is a need.
Remarkably, she accomplishes all of this while working a full-time job, supporting her family, and pursuing nursing school. Her ability to balance these demanding responsibilities while continuing to serve her patients, colleagues, and community with dedication and professionalism makes her an outstanding candidate for this award.
Paramedic/RN Chloe Launt – Registered Professional Nurse of Excellence:
Despite her wildly busy schedule, Chloe consistently finds time to share her knowledge and passion for cardiovascular care. She has developed and led several continuing medical education (CME) lectures focused on low-frequency, high-acuity topics, most notably left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Her ability to translate complex, critical concepts into practical, real-world learning has made her an invaluable educational resource for both pre-hospital and hospital providers.
With her deep love of teaching, Chloe has taken on multiple paramedic students as well as EMTs, serving as a mentor and role model. She is known for being “tough but fair,” holding students to high standards while remaining deeply supportive of their growth. She emphasizes not only clinical competence, but also integrity, professionalism, and purpose in patient care. It is very common to see her teaching colleagues about virtually any topic they wish to learn.
In addition to her educational abilities, Chloe has also assisted the agency with clinical quality assurance, further demonstrating her commitment to patient safety, continuous improvement, and excellence in care delivery.
EMT Todd Speers – EMS Communications Specialist of the Year:
Todd Speers was recognized with the EMS Communications Specialist of the Year Award for his quick thinking and lifesaving actions during a medical emergency at the Wayne County 911 Center. While working a late-night shift change, Todd noticed a fellow dispatcher had collapsed at her workstation. Drawing on his training as an EMT, he immediately recognized that she was in cardiac arrest and began CPR while coworkers assisted and retrieved an AED. Todd continued lifesaving care until responding EMS crews arrived and took over advanced life support. Thanks to the rapid actions of Todd and the team, his co-worker was successfully resuscitated and transported to the hospital, where she ultimately survived and continues her recovery. In addition to his work in communications, Todd also serves as a per diem EMT with CES, where he is well known for his great humor and contagiously positive attitude. His calm response, decisive actions, and commitment to helping others truly exemplify the very best of EMS professionals.
Chief Matthew Sproul – Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award:
Beyond rising to become Chief of the busiest dual-membership EMS agency in the Finger Lakes region, Sproul has guided smaller agencies through some of their most challenging operational and administrative periods with steady leadership. In 2015, East Bloomfield Ambulance faced significant financial and operational constraints and requested to merge with Canandaigua Emergency Squad to continue serving their community. Chief Sproul, along with past Chief Ken Beers, was instrumental in leading this merger and ensured that, while becoming part of CES, East Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance retained its identity and hometown pride. EBVA remains 100% volunteer-driven and continues to respond to emergencies within its community, while also assisting in the City on high-volume days.
In 2022, Naples Ambulance encountered similar hardships due to rising overhead costs and declining volunteer availability. They approached CES for assistance, and under Chief Sproul’s leadership, Naples Ambulance merged with CES while preserving its organizational identity. Chief Sproul’s vision with these mergers was never to “take over” territory, but to elevate struggling agencies so they could remain successful and continue serving their communities. Over the years, several agencies have sought his guidance and advice, both operationally and administratively. He firmly believes that collaboration and agencies working together toward a common goal create a more viable and prosperous EMS system.
Deputy Chief David Hubble – EMS Educator of Excellence:
David exemplifies the highest standards of EMS education through his deeply respectful, student-centered approach to instruction. He treats every student with dignity and professionalism while instilling the core values of empathy, integrity, trust, and accountability. David is widely known for his statement, “We don’t just treat patients—we take care of people,” emphasizing that every patient is someone’s loved one and deserves compassion and professionalism. This philosophy is woven into every educational encounter and shapes the culture of excellence he fosters among future EMTs and paramedics.
David challenges students to study diligently, act with purpose, and become the type of EMS providers they would want caring for themselves or their families. By doing so, he teaches them that even when a call does not have the desired outcome, they can be at peace knowing they truly did everything possible for their patient. He holds high expectations while providing unwavering support, creating an environment where students are both motivated and empowered to succeed.
