Sayville, NY - November 25, 2013 - On Saturday, November 23rd, members of the Community Ambulance Company, elected officials, and residents joined together to dedicate ambulance 3-28-16 to Lifetime Member Michael J. Ferrara for his consistent leadership and dedication to the communities of Bayport, Bohemia, Oakdale, Sayville, and West Sayville, throughout the course of his career.
“Michael’s lifelong dedication to public service has made him more than an admirable recipient of such a distinguished honor and his immense commitment will have an everlasting impact on our community,” said Legislator-Elect Bill Lindsay III. “Michael’s family and friends should truly be proud of all that he has accomplished, and I wish him the best of luck in his continued service.”
Michael joined the Community Ambulance Company as a Youth Squad Member at the young age of 15. Throughout his 22-year career, he has served as the organization’s Chief of Department, 1st Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief, Director of the Board, President, and Captain. Michael’s managerial experience has also proved vital to the many improvements of the Company, including the creation of a retirement program for all active members and the influx of new cutting edge technology and equipment that has decreased the response time and increased communication during an emergency.
Michael also enjoyed the role of Youth Squad coordinator and Lieutenant of the Department when current Chief, Jamie Atkinson, was only 15 years old. “Mike encouraged me to join the ambulance company and eventually inspired me to rise up through the ranks the same way he did,” said Chief Atkinson. “Mike has always been a driving force for me to continue and encouraged me to never give up. He has consistently been someone my officers and I will call upon for advice, both operationally and administratively, due to his vast amount of knowledge from holding every single rank in our agency.”
A plaque honoring Michael Ferrara’s career will be placed on the side of Ambulance 3-28-16. Michael will remain a volunteer member of the Company and is actively continuing his efforts as an Advanced Life Support specialist, Chairman of the By-Laws Committee and Business Advisor to the Company’s Board of Directors.
For more information about the Community Ambulance Company or information on how to become a member, please visit: www.communityamb.org.