Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid

07/29/2026

Sending a very special Happy Birthday to our amazing CIC, AEMT Stephen Sawyer. Enjoy your day, sir! 🎉🚑

07/28/2026

We are heartbroken to learn of the devastating fire that destroyed the Coldenham Fire District station last night.

From all of us at the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad, we stand with the members of the Coldenham Fire District during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of a firehouse is more than the loss of a building—it’s the loss of a home, a place of service, and the heart of a department.

Please know that you have our unwavering support. If there is anything we can do to assist your members or your operations in the days ahead, do not hesitate to reach out.

Stay strong. We stand with Coldenham. ❤️🚒

07/18/2026

Today we’re celebrating one of our own! Please join all of us at the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad in wishing EMT Marissa Smith a very Happy Birthday!

Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving our community. Your willingness to help others and answer the call makes a difference every day.

We hope your birthday is filled with happiness, laughter, and all the best that the year ahead has to offer.

Happy Birthday, Marissa! 🎂🎈🎉💙

07/17/2026

Popcorn fundraiser still on full effect! Please grab your delicious popcorn today! If you can’t buy, please share. ❤️🚑

Click here to buy our delicious popcorn and 50% of your purchase benefits this fundraiser.

07/16/2026

The Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad is proud to honor the memory of our Past President and longtime member, Gary Miller, by supporting a cause we know he would have appreciated.

From now through next Thursday, July 23rd, we are collecting donations of new or lightly used:

🐶 Dog Food
🐱 Cat Food
🛏️ Blankets
🧺 Towels
🐾 Pet Supplies

All donations will benefit the Ulster County SPCA and will be delivered to the shelter on Friday, July 24th.

Donations may be dropped off anytime at:

Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad
6055 Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY

Every bag of food, blanket, towel, or supply helps provide comfort and care to animals waiting for their forever homes.

Thank you for helping us honor Gary’s legacy through compassion and service to our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference. ❤️🐾

Questions may be directed to Chief Carter via email [email protected] or via phone at 845-626-7978 extension one.

Pick-up services may also be available to local residents.

07/16/2026

Please join us in congratulating EMT Julisa Buccieri on her appointment to the position of Sergeant with the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad.

Sergeant Buccieri will report directly to the Chief and serve as an important member of our supervisory team. Her primary responsibilities will include assisting with the day-to-day operations of the agency, serving as a Field Training Officer (FTO). SGT Buccieri is a State Certified Lab Instructor, and will also continue serving our community as a New York State EMT.

This appointment reflects SGT Buccieri’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in EMS, and to KAFAS. We are confident she will be a valuable asset in helping strengthen our organization and support our mission of providing exceptional emergency medical services to the communities we serve.

Congratulations, Sergeant Buccieri! We look forward to your continued leadership and wish you great success in your new role.

07/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad Announces Development of “Safe & Sound” Community Check-In Program

KERHONKSON, NY — The Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad is proud to announce the development of the Safe & Sound Community Check-In Program, a new community outreach initiative designed to provide scheduled wellness checks for elderly, disabled, medically vulnerable, and homebound residents throughout the Kerhonkson and Accord Fire Districts.

The program is being created to provide residents and their families with an added layer of support by offering regular telephone check-ins and in-person wellness visits by members of the Squad. The initiative aims to help individuals remain safe, independent, and connected to their community while providing peace of mind to loved ones who may not live nearby.

Through the Safe & Sound Community Check-In Program, participants will be able to enroll directly or be referred by a family member, caregiver, healthcare provider, or social service agency. Check-in schedules will be customized to meet each participant’s individual needs, ranging from weekly wellness calls to daily contact for higher-risk individuals.

With the participant’s consent, the Squad will also maintain a confidential emergency information profile that may include medical history, current medications, allergies, emergency contacts, physician information, mobility concerns, and other important details that could assist first responders during an emergency. Information such as gate codes, lockbox locations, or other access instructions may also be securely maintained when authorized by the participant to help responders gain timely access during emergencies.

The program is intended to identify concerns before they become emergencies, reduce social isolation, connect residents with available community resources, and improve emergency response by ensuring vital information is readily available when every second matters.

“Emergency medical services is about much more than responding after something has gone wrong,” said Douglas Finney-Carter, Chief/COO of the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad. “It’s about building relationships, identifying problems early, and making sure our neighbors know they are not alone. Our Safe & Sound Community Check-In Program reflects the kind of community-centered EMS we believe in. Sometimes a simple phone call or friendly visit can make all the difference, and if someone does need emergency care, having accurate medical information readily available allows our crews to provide faster, more informed treatment.”

The program is currently in the development phase, with enrollment details, volunteer opportunities, and an official launch date expected to be announced in the coming months.

The Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad encourages residents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to learn more about the program and consider enrolling individuals who may benefit from regular wellness checks once enrollment opens.

For additional information about the Safe & Sound Community Check-In Program, contact:

Chief Douglas Finney-Carter
Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad
6055 Route 209
Kerhonkson, NY 12446
845-626-7978 ext. 1
[email protected]
squad71.org

The Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad is a nonprofit emergency medical service providing 24-hour emergency medical care, community education, and public safety services to the residents and visitors of the Kerhonkson and Accord Fire Districts. The organization remains committed to improving the health, safety, and well-being of the communities it proudly serves since 1965.

07/15/2026

Have you gotten your popcorn yet? The ordering deadline is coming soon… Help support your local EMS, while getting some delicious popcorn. 😎

🍿 Support Your Local EMS – Popcorn Fundraiser! 🚑

Every bag of popcorn you purchase helps support the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad and the lifesaving services we provide to our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As a nonprofit ambulance service, we rely on community support to help offset the rising costs of providing emergency medical care. Funds raised through this fundraiser will help purchase lifesaving medical equipment, maintain our ambulances and emergency vehicles, replace supplies used on emergency calls, support training for our EMTs and drivers, and improve our station and operations.

When you support this fundraiser, you’re investing in the people who answer the call when your family, friends, or neighbors need help most.

🍿 Buy some popcorn.
❤️ Support your hometown EMS.
🚑 Help us continue providing the highest level of emergency care to the communities of Kerhonkson and Accord.

Thank you for standing behind your local EMS squad. We couldn’t do it without you!

https://popup.doublegood.com/s/57mnut03

07/15/2026

Come out and visit this amazing community resource event.

07/15/2026

Dear Neighbors,

Over the past several weeks, we have received several questions regarding the large ice chest located outside the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad building. We’d like to explain its purpose and why it plays an important role in our operations.

The ice chest is maintained exclusively for EMS operational use. It provides a readily available supply of ice for ambulance crews responding to emergencies, rehabilitation (rehab) operations during prolonged incidents, standby details, mass gathering events, severe weather responses, and mutual aid incidents.

Having ice immediately available allows our crews to quickly replenish coolers, provide cold therapy when appropriate, and support firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement, and other emergency responders during extended operations—especially during periods of extreme heat.

In previous years, our crews frequently had to purchase bags of ice from local businesses throughout the summer. With the significant increase in emergency calls, public events, and standby assignments, those costs added up quickly.

By implementing this dedicated ice chest system, the Squad has reduced operational expenses by more than $500 per month during the busy summer season compared to last year. Those savings are redirected toward patient care equipment, medical supplies, training, and maintaining our emergency response capabilities.

As a nonprofit emergency medical service, we continuously look for practical ways to reduce expenses while improving service to the community. This is one simple example of how a small operational change has produced significant savings and increased our readiness to respond when our community needs us most.

Thank you for your continued support.

Douglas Finney-Carter
Chief & COO
Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad