Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Kiwanis Club of Oceanside honored three members of the Nassau County Police Department’s Emergency Ambulance Bureau for their extraordinary service at a ceremony at Villa Formia, in Oceanside, last week.
Police Medics Ashley Vecchione and Martin Evans and Medic Supervisor Elizabeth Edell were recognized for their professionalism and their lifesaving efforts on March 30. The honorees were commended not only for their day-to-day dedication, but also for their response to a high-risk rescue in Oceanside last summer.
Jeanine Badalamenti, president-elect of the Kiwanis Club, said recognizing public service is central to the organization’s mission.
“Kiwanis is made up of neighbors and residents, so we really see the impact of public service up close,” she said. “Taking a moment to recognize it helps reinforce what matters in Oceanside, and what we continuously do for our club — show up for each other.”
Badalamenti praised the medics for their calmness and quick action.
“You can tell this is more than a job to them, more of a commitment to helping others when it matters most,” she said.
On why such acts of heroism often go unnoticed, she added, “A lot of the time, they’re just doing their jobs. They don’t look for recognition. That’s exactly why it’s important for Kiwanis to highlight these moments.”
Seth Blau, a longtime Kiwanis member, said the organization takes pride in recognizing those who serve the community.
“As a hamlet, Oceanside does not have a village government to formally recognize acts of heroism and extraordinary public service,” he said. “So often, that responsibility — that privilege — falls to organizations like ours.”
Founded in 1945, the club has long supported the community with service projects, scholarships and youth programs. Blau noted that honoring those who go above and beyond is a key part of the club’s mission.
“We believe it is incredibly important to recognize those who make a difference — especially those whose work often happens quietly, without recognition,” he said.
Blau emphasized the unique and demanding role of Nassau County police medics, noting that the department’s Emergency Ambulance Bureau is one of the few in the country in which ambulances are staffed by a single medic.
“In those first critical moments, they must assess the situation, take control and begin lifesaving treatment,” Blau said. “Their decisions can have a profound impact on patient outcomes.”
Each of the three medics honored has extensive experience and a record of service. Vecchione, has served with the county since 2018, after working as an emergency medical technician for the New York City Fire Department. She also volunteers for the East Meadow Rescue Company.
Evans joined the ambulance bureau in 2024, after also serving as an EMT with the FDNY, and also volunteers with the Hicksville Fire Department. Edell joined the Nassau County bureau in 2019, after working with the Amityville Rescue Company, and was promoted to supervisor last July.
Their shared commitment to public service — both professionally and as volunteers — was exemplified during a rescue operation last Aug. 25 in Oceanside. That day, two men became trapped beneath heavy construction equipment while working for Earth Tech Recycling, at 495 Wood Street in Oceanside. Responding medics found the victims pinned under a conveyor belt in what Blau described as a “complex and dangerous rescue environment.”
One victim was freed in about 15 minutes, but the second necessitated an hour-long extrication. Throughout the operation, the medics remained on the scene, providing advanced emergency care under hazardous conditions.
They managed the workers’ pain, monitored their vital signs and initiated specialized treatment, including a crush injury protocol to prevent life-threatening complications. Despite unstable debris and a challenging environment, they maintained composure and focus, ensuring that both men received critical care.
As the supervising medic on scene, Edell coordinated the response and provided leadership throughout the rescue effort.
“Their actions represent the very highest standards of emergency medical service and public service,” Blau said.
For the Kiwanis Club, the mission continues to include shining a light on the often unseen work of first responders — and ensuring that their contributions do not go unnoticed. “Tonight our focus is simple,” Blau said. “To recognize those who make a real difference when it matters most.”
