Thursday, October 1, 2026
One current and one future Sea Cliff Emergency Medical Service member were honored at Glen Cove Hospital’s EMS Recognition Night. Jim Ajamian, first lieutenant of Sea Cliff’s fire medic unit, and Dr. David Silver, incoming EMS medical director, were presented with awards.
This is Northwell Health and Glen Cove Hospital’s fourth annual EMS Recognition Night in observance of National EMS Week. The week was created by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians to show appreciation for providers and educate the public about EMS.
Tameka Wallace, vice president and chief nursing officer at Glen Cove Hospital, gave opening remarks at the ceremony on May 21.
“We really just want to say a special thank you to everyone that’s here tonight to really honor all of our EMS, our first responders,” she said. “We could not do all this without you. You guys are the heart of healthcare.”
Ajamian was named advanced life support provider of the year by Glen Cove Hospital. Cara Gibbons, Glen Cove emergency department senior nurse manager, presented Ajamian with the award. She praised his work as a provider and mentor to younger EMTs.
“Your commitment, your skill, your passion for teaching, and your presence in the field are truly remarkable,” Gibbons said, addressing Ajamian. “You embody everything that ALS Provider of the year stands for.”
Ajamian described receiving the title as “humbling.” Ajamian has previously been nominated for the award from Nassau County Regional EMS Council.
“I got an honorable mention,” he said Tuesday. “But never this, especially never with my whole hospital and in front of everybody that I work with almost every day.”
Ajamian started as a firefighter at Sea Cliff Fire Department in 1985 before becoming an emergency medical technician in 1986. He was part of Sea Cliff’s rescue squad before it became the fire medic unit in 1989.
While volunteering as a firefighter, a colleague in the Sea Cliff Engine and Hose Company and rescue squad brought Ajamian into the EMS sphere.
“Next thing you know,” Ajamian said, “40 years later I’m still doing it.”
Sea Cliff Fire Department has received unit citations from the Nassau County Fire Commission for saving lives. Ajamian has was also recognized by Glen Cove Hospital roughly two years ago along with other Sea Cliff providers for saving a life.
“The hospital’s always been EMS friendly,” Ajamian said. “In recent years, they’ve really been doing a lot more for us.”
Silver was recently named Physician of Excellence by the Nassau County Regional EMS Council. He works primarily at Glen Cove Hospital as an attending physician, and he specializes in emergency medicine, an area that focuses on diagnosing and treating unexpected illness or injury.
“Dr. Silver,” Wallace said, “exemplifies the qualities of an EMS position of excellence through his steadfast dedication, professional leadership, and meaningful engagement with pre-hospital providers.”
Silver has more than 18 years of experience in clinical practice. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago and completed his emergency medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati. At the ceremony, he presented the Community Hero Scholarship for EMS Volunteers and the Lifesaving Hero Award. He also delivered closing remarks, praising providers.
“I see it firsthand. I see the grit,” Silver said. “I see the grace under pressure. I see the sheer unadulterated heroism that plays out every single day and night. So, to every single EMT, paramedic, firefighter, police officer, dispatcher, and all our incredible first responders in this room and beyond, thank you.”
