SUNY Canton Celebrates a Decade of Student Emergency Medical Services

Canton, NY (01/13/2026) — SUNY Canton's Student Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Squad has seen more than 150 members and responded to over 300 emergencies during its first decade of operation.

"SUNY Canton EMS is one of the most valuable student organizations on our campus," said Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs Courtney Bish. "It provides real-world experience that helps build confidence, leadership and professionalism. Those are lessons that will aid them in their careers after graduation.

In 2014, Director of Student Affairs Technology Richard (R.J.) Thayer originally proposed creating a team of students who could provide medical support for the on-campus community. After gathering support, securing funding and training interested students, the squad earned state certification as a Basic Life Support First Response agency in 2016.

"Since our inception, SUNY Canton EMS has operated as a student-run, non-transporting emergency response team that provides round-the-clock medical coverage on campus, assists county responders, supports campus events, and offers extensive training opportunities," Thayer said.

The squad has covered nearly 1,000 events as standby medical personnel and trained hundreds of members of the campus community in CPR, first aid, and other emergency response scenarios.

Anthony Romano, a 2019 graduate of the college's Homeland Security program, served as the squad's first chief and said the experience was one of his personal defining moments. Romano continued as an EMT in Rotterdam.

"It taught me the true meaning of leadership, teamwork, and compassion with lessons that continue to guide me in every step of my career," he said. "SUNY Canton EMS shaped who I am today and built the foundation for my current career in emergency services."

Tashmir (Taz) Eggleston, a sophomore majoring in Homeland Security from Newburgh, now serves as the chief of the organization.

"SUNY Canton EMS has pushed me to become a better version of myself," he said. "Being part of a team that supports our campus community reminds me every day that the work we do matters. We grow through the trust our community places in us, and that connection motivates us to keep learning, keep improving and keep giving back."

In addition to responding to campus emergencies, the squad provides an opportunity to teach students valuable skills and has sponsored nearly 50 students to earn their Emergency Medical Technician certification. Those students then teach others how to respond to medical emergencies through on-campus CPR, first aid, and opioid-overdose trainings.

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