Kelly Lee Pikul named Pine Island Chamber's Citizen of the Year

PINE ISLAND — Kelly Lee Pikul will be honored by the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce at the chamber's 2015 Annual Social and Installation of Officers on Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Landmark Inn in Warwick.

Pikul, a full-time dispatcher for the Warwick Police Department, is a 37-year veteran of the Pine Island Ambulance Corps and has been president of the Corps for the past 22 years.

A record of serviceAn EMT and American Heart Association BLS, CPR, and First Aid Instructor, she has been a PIVAC training officer and line officer for approximately 27 years.

Pikul has received numerous honors. She was the 2013 New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association's statewide "EMT of Excellence." She has also received the Orange County Emergency Medical Services Council and Hudson Valley Regional Emergency Services Council's Harriet C. Weber Leadership Award and BLS-EMT of the Year award.

Pikul is the founder of the Hudson Valley CPR Leaning Center, Inc. and has taught CPR and associated skills to many area police and fire departments, nurses, day care center personnel, business groups and the general community.

"A model first responder, Mrs. Pikul's exemplary dedication to the Pine Island community has inspired others to serve and she has always been available to share her knowledge and expertise," the chamber said in announcing Pikul's selection.

Essential information• The chamber's program will run from noon to 3 p.m.

• Tickets are $25 and may be obtained by calling Chamber Vice President Janet Zimmerman at 258-7008.