From left are Debbie Singleton, North Country REMSCO chair; Chief Ed ‘Dude’ Cool, Parishville Fire chief; Chrissy Cool, Parishville fire; Nick Jerome, Parishville fire and Mark Deavers, North Country REMSCO assistant chair.
BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week
PARISHVILLE — The Parishville Fire Company has received the North Country REMSCO EMS Agency of the Year Award.
“Parishville Volunteer Fire Company is a paramedic agency covering the townships of Pierrepont, Potsdam, Stockholm, Brasher Falls, and Lawrence, North Country REMSCO said about why Parishville was awarded. “They respond to over 700 calls per year, the majority of which are mutual aid calls in areas outside of their primary coverage area and for which there is no compensation. Thanks to the tremendous unselfishness of these dedicated volunteers, community members in these areas now have the life-saving emergency care that they need,” the organization said.
This is the first time the department has won the award, and it is much appreciated at a time when volunteer EMT workers are busier than ever, according to Chief Ed “Dude” Cool.
Parishville, which handles fire, rescue, and water and dive emergencies, was up against departments from St. Lawrence, Lewis and Jefferson counties.
“It was a surprise to us,” Cool said about winning the award.
The North Country Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (REMSCO) is a regional agency that provides laws and responds to issues that EMS agencies may be facing. The award was handed out in Alexandria Bay at “Spring Fling” which features conferences, training and awards for emergency workers.
Not wanting to sound boastful, but also wanting to recognize the countless hours given by his volunteers, Cool said the award was “well deserved.”
In 2022, they handled 540 calls, with only a handful of calls dropped, Cool said.
“This department goes above and beyond, not just for this community,” he said.
Most rescue squads have paid…
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