TOWN OF HIGHLAND, NY — During Super Bowl and Winter Olympics season, everyone loves to cheer for a winner.

What many may not realize is that right in the Town of Highland, there’s a victory worth celebrating every single day.

Just a few seasons ago, the town faced an unsettling reality: the ambulance service it had depended on for years was dissolving. Rather than accept the loss, a determined group of stalwarts from the original ambulance corps sprang into action. Led by residents Chris Tambini, Tony LaRuffa and Linda Anderson, negotiations began with the legacy sponsor, resulting in $50,000 in seed money and essential equipment to help launch a new beginning.

With guidance from legal counsel, the organization—now known as the Highland Ambulance Service—was reconstituted through the creation of an ambulance taxation district. The result? A dependable, community-based ambulance service reborn at a cost of just pennies on the tax dollar. In fact, most residents are scarcely aware of the small surcharge on their property tax bills. It is, quite simply, money well spent.

Rebuilding the service was no small task. Lingering tensions from the dissolution of the former organization meant that EMTs and drivers—along with new recruits—had to be re-recruited and re-engaged. The commitment required is significant. Each crew must include at least one driver and one EMT, with additional personnel always welcome. A single call can take up to three hours, from patient evaluation through transport—most often to Bon Secours in Port Jervis, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills in Harris or Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown. Upon return, equipment must be disinfected, ambulances restocked, and documentation meticulously completed.

Recognizing that this level of commitment is especially demanding for working people, single parents, and volunteers, the service transitioned to a blended model that includes both paid and volunteer personnel.

Another longstanding challenge—billing for transport—was addressed by engaging a new billing company to ensure proper reimbursement through Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Together, these efforts have produced a cohesive, mission-driven organization whose members not only serve their community with dedication, but genuinely enjoy working together.

That camaraderie was on full display at a recent year-end celebration and installation ceremony held at Back to Bakers in Barryville. Members and guests enjoyed a delicious buffet while reflecting on a year filled with accomplishments.

In 2025 alone, the Highland Ambulance Service responded to 414 calls, serving town residents and providing mutual aid to neighboring Lumberland and Tusten. Honors included being named EMS Agency of the Year by the Sullivan County Office of Emergency Management and earning second place in the Monticello EMS Parade—no small feat for a 13-year-old rig. Operational achievements included completion of the I-GEL airway management pilot program and upgrades to cardiac monitoring systems.

Looking ahead to 2026, leadership will include Captain Tony LaRuffa, 1st Lieutenant John Garley, 2nd Lieutenant Jessica Frey and Equipment Officers Allan Shadt and John Brannen. The organization’s administrative framework is led by President Chris Tambini, Vice President Tim Schadt, Secretary Christine Camper and Treasurer Liz Sherwood.

At the ceremony, Tony LaRuffa was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of dedicated service to the Town of Highland, surrounding communities and the next generation of EMTs.

The Esprit de Corps Award, recognizing an individual or family who brings positivity and unity to the organization, was presented to the Madej family. In announcing the award, Tambini highlighted Victoria and Nicole Madej—college pre-med students who joined as EMTs and “came in full bore, motivated to learn, advance themselves and above all, serve the community.” Their enthusiasm soon inspired their mother, Ela, to join as well, bringing the same values and spirit to the team.

And so, once again, the Town of Highland wins.