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In Memorium
Members who have Answered their Last Alarm
Jamie Atkinson | Life Member, Ex-Chief, and Director, Board of Directors
June 27, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jamie Atkinson, a cherished member of our department and community. Jamie’s journey with Community Ambulance began as a member of the Youth Squad, and in 1999, he became a full member. With less than two (2) years as a member, he displayed extraordinary courage by volunteering to respond to Ground Zero following the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. As one of the youngest responders to that site, Jamie worked tirelessly at Ground Zero, demonstrating his deep commitment to helping others in their most desperate moments.
Jamie was a natural leader, rising through the ranks of Community Ambulance, serving as a Captain, Second Assistant Chief, First Assistant Chief, and eventually Chief of Department from 2010 to 2014. During his tenure as Chief, he spearheaded projects that propelled Community Ambulance Company to the forefront of EMS care in New York State. Working with local elected officials, he began the first town-wide Public Access Defibrillator program and the Nasal Narcan initiative. He also helped position Sayville as one of the first agencies in Islip to develop a controlled substance program, providing critical medications to those in severe pain and distress.
Furthermore, when EMS services were struggling in the Town of Islip, Jamie played a pivotal role in creating the Islip Ambulance Chiefs Association, and initiated the 3-TAC-1 and 3-TAC-Medic programs, a roaming ambulance and paramedic unit in the township which reduced the need for mutual aid, enabling faster EMS services for residents. After experiencing a personal loss on the remote barrier island, Jamie was instrumental in founding the Cherry Grove EMS program, delivering Advanced Life Support EMS on Fire Island for six months each year. His efforts to excellent public service, secured a grant for Community Ambulance’s first Mass Casualty truck, setting a standard in firefighter rehabilitation and disaster preparedness.
Jamie’s dedication never waned. After the Chief’s office, Jamie became a member of the Board of Directors, later serving as Vice President and President of the company. He took Community Ambulance Company to a whole new level of community outreach by creating and fostering programs focused on safety, community and education. He launches initiatives such as Turkeys for Veterans, Youth Life Jacket loaner program, Bicycle Helmet distribution events, Safe Rides for Proms, Shed the Meds, Shredding and Identity Protection, Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and Missing Person seminars, just to name a few.
In 2019, Jamie was appointed Deputy Coordinator for Emergency Services by Suffolk County Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. Jamie played a crucial role in the county’s COVID-19 response “think tank” within the Emergency Operations Center and continued to innovate ways to distribute PPE to first responders across the county to keep themselves and others safe.
Beyond his volunteer work, Jamie was a formidable presence. After graduating from the NYPD Police Academy and obtaining Connecticut State Police certification, he served with the MTA Police Department. As a Detective, he investigated over 100 death cases, high-profile hate crimes, fraud cases, and public corruption. Jamie earned numerous accolades, including MTA Police Officer of the Year, Nassau County Police Commissioners Detective of the Year, the LIRR President’s Award, and Investigator of the Year from the International Financial Crime Investigators Association. He retired from the MTA Police Department as a Detective.
Today, as we remember Jamie, we are reminded of the motto of Community Ambulance Company, which is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Jamie was the epitome of service, kindness, courage, and strength. Even when he became ill, he did not let his life be defined by his disease. He continued to work just as hard as he always had before, still planned events, and he did not let his fight slow him down even a little bit. The ambulance that carries him today and tomorrow is dedicated to him, an honor from our company few are lucky to receive. On the side is inscribed “Dedicated to Jamie Atkinson for a lifetime of service to others”. In the years that he was with us; he managed to accomplish more and give more back to others than most could in multiple lifetimes. His life was truly dedicated to selflessness and service to others, and his impact will live on forever. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all at Community Ambulance Company, and he will never, ever be forgotten.
Diana Ahlschlager | Life Member
Diana joined Community Ambulance in May of 2004, and quickly became one of the department’s most active members. From her many years as a top responder to countless Community Education events she spearheaded teaching children about EMS, Diana was the epitome of selflessness and compassion. Diana dedicated her life to serving others, both through her membership and outside of the company. When our residents needed help at their most dire moments, Diana was there to answer the call, and her passing marks the loss of a true local and Community Ambulance Company hero.
William Fridrich Jr. | Charter Member
May 25, 2018
Bill Fridrich was a man who dedicated his life to serving others, whether it was serving his country in the Navy protecting our freedoms, or serving his local community through his membership at both the Sayville Fire Department and the Community Ambulance Company. But Bill was not just a member of Community Ambulance; he was a charter member of our organization. He was a living example of the motto that we operate by every day at Community Ambulance, and that is “neighbors helping neighbors.”
Back in the days before we had our own building, we housed vehicles and responded out of the Sayville Fire Department. Bill, who would spend quite a bit of time there, would meet potential new members, and give them his own “screening process.” If he felt that they were not quite up to being a part of the fire service, he would “suggest” or “recommend” that they consider joining the ambulance company instead. If not for Bill we would not be in existence today.
Back in our first building on Swayze Street in Sayville we had our antennas mounted on top of a large telephone pole in our front parking lot. The reason we had that at all was because of Bill. While working for LILCO, he was able to request a pole be put in place for safety reasons in front of our building to eventually have a street light mounted to it. Coincidentally, the pole went up, but the rest of the paperwork to have the street light placed was never processed, and that left the perfect spot to place our antennas.
Everything we have at Community Ambulance is owed to people like Bill. Each time one of our ambulances responds to be at someone’s side in their darkest hour, that is a testament to Bill’s life, his selfless service, and the amazing organization he helped bring into existence.
Barney Loughlin | Charter Member
April 29, 2017
Barney was one of the few to answer the call for help when the local communities cried out for the need of a local ambulance. In 1950, Barney became one of the heroes to found Community Ambulance and since holds an honorary spot amongst the local emergency services. Barney dedicated his entire life to serving others, from his time in the military to volunteering with both Community Ambulance Company and the Sayville Fire Department. Barney was a very community-oriented man later founding his own local vineyard in his retirement. On any given weekend, you could find Barney sitting in his chair at the vineyard with a crowd around him telling stories of years past. Our gratitude and thanks could not be enough for all Barney has done for our community over the years.
EMT Modesto Vazquez | 3-28-325
April 29, 2012
EMT Modesto “Moe” Vazquez was an active member of Community Ambulance Company until he became sick. He was a member for 6 and a half years and was a kind and gentle soul whose presence around the company brought joy to the other members. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, 3 brothers, a sister and his father. He will be missed by all and our community has lost a kind and caring EMT. Rest in Peace Moe.
AEMT Michael Carroll | Life Member, Ex-Chief & Former Board of Director
Michael Carroll, II joined Community Ambulance Company in 1976. He was an active member with a fervent desire to serve his community, a desire that earned him Life Membership status in 1986. Mike’s passion for volunteerism was illustrated throughout the 26 years he served as an active member. When visiting family and friends on Long Island, even after retiring to Florida, Mike could be found sitting in the crew room recounting his most memorable calls with his fellow volunteers. He continued to impart his wisdom to the next generation of Community Ambulance Company members.
Throughout the years, Mike held multiple leadership positions including Crew Chief in 1977, just a year after he joined. He held both EMT and AEMT certifications and was also a CPR instructor. In 1980, he became the 2nd Vice President of Community Ambulance Company and from 1987 to 1988 he served as President, the equivalent of Operations Chief in today’s company. From this time until his departure from the company in 2003, Mike continued his commitment to his community including several terms with the Board of Directors of Community Ambulance. Mike also served as the Chairman of the ALS Committee and was instrumental in implementing key policies regarding advanced life support. As a part of the core of Community Ambulance, Mike’s constant involvement helped to set the foundation for the highest standards of care for his time, and opened doors for Community Ambulance to continue to lead the way in emergency medical services to this day. With his wisdom and leadership qualities, he was able to see the company through its growth and strive for the many goals achieved during these years.
AEMT Michael Carroll | Life Member, Ex-Chief & Former Board of Director
Michael Carroll, II joined Community Ambulance Company in 1976. He was an active member with a fervent desire to serve his community, a desire that earned him Life Membership status in 1986. Mike’s passion for volunteerism was illustrated throughout the 26 years he served as an active member. When visiting family and friends on Long Island, even after retiring to Florida, Mike could be found sitting in the crew room recounting his most memorable calls with his fellow volunteers. He continued to impart his wisdom to the next generation of Community Ambulance Company members.
Throughout the years, Mike held multiple leadership positions including Crew Chief in 1977, just a year after he joined. He held both EMT and AEMT certifications and was also a CPR instructor. In 1980, he became the 2nd Vice President of Community Ambulance Company and from 1987 to 1988 he served as President, the equivalent of Operations Chief in today’s company. From this time until his departure from the company in 2003, Mike continued his commitment to his community including several terms with the Board of Directors of Community Ambulance. Mike also served as the Chairman of the ALS Committee and was instrumental in implementing key policies regarding advanced life support. As a part of the core of Community Ambulance, Mike’s constant involvement helped to set the foundation for the highest standards of care for his time, and opened doors for Community Ambulance to continue to lead the way in emergency medical services to this day. With his wisdom and leadership qualities, he was able to see the company through its growth and strive for the many goals achieved during these years.
