SYRACUSE – Syracuse Mayor KC Ortiz declared May 17-23 as the 46th annual EMS Week.

The mayor recognized the Syracuse Volunteer Rescue Squad for dedicating countless hours of training and response.

Ortiz: “For decades, the citizens of Syracuse, the citizens of Otoe County residing outside of our city, and the members of the public traveling through or visiting our community have all benefited from the skills, knowledge and dedication provided by the members of the Syracuse Volunteer Rescue Squad.”

He said it is difficult to fully recognize the sacrifices volunteer EMTs and paramedics make to their time from work, family life, hobbies and free time.

Ortiz: “And this year, on top of all of these undertakings, the members of the Syracuse Volunteer Rescue Squad have volunteered in a much more distressing way due to COVID-19.

“The members have not been able to work from home as a volunteer EMT or volunteer paramedic. The members have not been able to come to the Syracuse City Council or the federal government to request an increase in their compensation for hazard pay.”

Ortiz said the city wants to recognize the volunteers for their dedication and professionalism during EMS week and every week of the year.