Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid

02/01/2026

🖤 Black History Month | Honoring Legacy, Service, and Impact 🖤

This Black History Month, the members of Kerhonkson Accord First Aid Squad (KAFAS) proudly honor the countless Black pioneers whose contributions have shaped medicine, emergency care, and EMS as we know it today.

From Dr. Charles R. Drew, whose groundbreaking work in blood banking and transfusion medicine saved millions of lives, to Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman physician in the United States, whose work laid foundations for compassionate community care—these leaders changed the course of medical history.

We also recognize the legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh, widely regarded as the first modern EMS system. Staffed by highly trained Black paramedics, Freedom House set the standards for prehospital emergency care that are still taught and used today.

Black professionals—past and present—continue to serve as EMTs, paramedics, nurses, physicians, dispatchers, educators, and leaders, strengthening our healthcare system and our communities every day.

At KAFAS, we honor this legacy by reaffirming our commitment to service, equity, professionalism, and compassion for all. We are grateful for the history that guides us and the diversity that makes us stronger.

🖤 We remember. We respect. We serve. 🖤

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

💙 Ulster County Now Offering 24/7 Behavioral & Mental Health Support 💙

We very excited to see that Ulster County has launched an around-the-clock behavioral and mental health support program ensuring residents can get help any time, day or night — not just during a crisis, and not just during business hours.

This expanded service is designed to:

• Provide immediate support for mental health concerns
• Reduce unnecessary ER visits
• Connect individuals to the right care, faster
• Support families, caregivers, and first responders

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available 24/7 — no judgment, no waiting.

Please share — you never know who might need this today. 💙

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Behavioral health services will now be available 24/7 in Ulster County. The Ulster County Crisis Support Center will provide immediate support to people of all ages …

01/26/2026

SNOW REMOVAL SAFETY

911 vs. NON-EMERGENCY

CALL 911 IF:

• Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse
• Serious fall or injury
• Sudden confusion, weakness, or unresponsiveness
• Any immediate threat to life or safety

DO NOT CALL 911 FOR:

• Snow shoveling or plowing help
• Driveway or sidewalk clearing
• Non-urgent assistance

❄️ NEED HELP BUT NOT AN EMERGENCY?

Contact family, neighbors, community groups, or local resources.

⚠️ Safety Reminder:

People with heart conditions, breathing issues, disabilities, or recent surgery should not shovel snow.

01/25/2026

🚨🚨 TRAVEL BAN 🚨🚨

01/21/2026

🚨 WINTER STORM WATCH – PREPARE NOW ❄️

A potentially significant winter storm, being compared to conditions not seen since the Blizzard of 1996, is looking increasingly likely to impact our area this weekend.

Earlier today, Hudson Valley Post reported growing confidence in a major snow event for the region, with some forecasts suggesting 10–20 inches of snow is possible in parts of the Hudson Valley.

Local weather expert Ben Noll stated that the “potential for snow in the Hudson Valley on Sunday–Monday is increasing,” and noted that additional details and refinements to the forecast are expected soon.

👉 What this means for our community:
• Travel may become difficult or hazardous
• Delayed response times are possible during peak storm conditions
• Power outages and weather-related emergencies are possible

🚑 Kerhonkson Accord First Aid Squad (KAFAS) is actively monitoring forecasts and preparing our crews and equipment to ensure we remain ready to respond.

✅ Now is the time to prepare:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm
• Check emergency supplies and medications
• Ensure heating sources are safe and functional
• Look out for elderly neighbors and those with medical needs

📢 Please continue to follow official weather updates and our page for further information as forecasts are updated.

As always, dial 911 for emergencies.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and look out for one another.

01/15/2026

***UPDATE*** Verizon is reporting that services have been restored. They are recommending that you restart your phone. This should resolve any outstanding issues.

We have made aware of a nationwide Verizon wireless service disruption that is potentially impacting voice and data connectivity. Some devices may display “SOS” mode, indicating limited network access.

As of this time, Verizon has acknowledged the issue and is actively working to restore service. The outage is affecting multiple regions, including New York City, Chicago and Richmond, VA metro areas.

Affected residents are encouraged to check Verizon’s network status page for the most current updates and to use alternative communication methods if needed.

At this time, there are no reports of 911 calls originating from Verizon being impacted. Residents are strongly discouraged from calling 911 unnecessarily to test whether calls go through.

We will update you as information is available.

01/15/2026

Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid is proud to announce our 2026 officers and administrative team:

ROAD OFFICERS -

Chief Tara McCarthy, EMT
Assistant Chief Mark Smith, EMT
Captain Mason Wynkoop, EMT
Lieutenant Marissa L. Smith, EMT
Lieutenant Douglas Finney-Carter, EMT
Sergeant David Avery
Safety Officer Quincy Cutchin

EXECUTIVE TEAM -

President William Beesimer
Vice President Martin Doyle
Secretary Rain Daunt
Treasurer Sharon Gray
Head Trustee Brad Rockwell
Trustee Marilyn Meyer
Trustee/Warden Tammy Hoar

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS -

Chaplin Charles Nerko, EMT
Historian Thomas Craddick
Medical Director Paige Reinfeld, DO
Bookkeeper Kelly O’Connor

Congratulations to all, and here’s to a positive and progressive year. 🎉🥂