Rachel Fassman, a lifelong East Patchogue resident, emergency nurse, and decorated EMS volunteer, was honored this week for her extraordinary service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to public health and safety.
The Suffolk County Legislature presented the recognition during a special ceremony led by Legislator Dominick Thorne, who praised Fassman as “a devoted professional who defines what it means to serve selflessly, skillfully, and with heart.”
“Rachel Fassman is the gold standard in EMS and nursing care — exceptionally skilled, deeply committed, and always putting others first,” Thorne said. “She’s not only a local hero — she’s a shining example of dedication and commitment across Suffolk.”
Fassman, 33, has been on the front lines of emergency medical care for over a decade. She joined South Country Ambulance Company in 2013 and rose swiftly through the ranks — from Crew Chief to Lieutenant, and currently serves as Major, one of the department’s highest officer roles. She also works per diem with Patchogue Ambulance Company as a Critical Care Technician, where she’s served since 2018.
In parallel with her volunteer leadership, Fassman built a remarkable clinical career. After earning her Critical Care EMT certification in 2015, she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse while working full time and volunteering. She was accepted into Stony Brook University’s Accelerated Nursing Program in 2019 and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020.
She now works as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at NYU Langone Hospital Suffolk, where she fills essential roles as charge nurse, trauma nurse, triage nurse, and primary nurse. Her clinical certifications include ACLS, PALS, BLS, and TNCC.
“We have few people in our community — or anywhere — with Rachel’s level of training, commitment, and compassion,” Thorne said. “Her lifesaving impact extends from the front lines of emergency response to the hearts of the people she serves. She exemplifies the best of Suffolk County.”
She’s received numerous recognition during her service with the South Country Ambulance Company, including:
- 2015 Basic Life Support Provider of the Year
- 2016, 2021, 2022 Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year
- 2020 Member of the Year
- Top Responder of the Year for 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023
“Rachel shows up when people need her most, again and again — and she never asks for recognition. Today, we’re giving her what she’s earned a hundred times over.”
For Rachel Fassman, the honor was humbling. “I’m just grateful to be able to do what I love and serve the community I grew up in,” she said. “It’s always been about the people.”