SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Program Deputy Director Jonathan Behrens has been named the Adirondack-Appalachian Regional EMS Council’s 2024 New York State EMS Educator of Excellence.
The New York State Department of Health Bureau of EMS and Trauma Systems defines the EMS Educator of Excellence criteria as “an individual who through outstanding teaching, educational administration/coordination, publication or research has significantly improved pre-hospital services at the local, county, regional or state level.”
The award nomination states: “When considering the length of his career, it’s easy to see that his impact has been felt over what is most likely at least 1,000 students who have interacted with him. To work beside Jon is to both respect and admire him. His impact on EMS education has been profound and he deserves recognition for such.”
Behrens has held many educational positions at the College, including lab faculty, lab coordinator, lead educator, clinical coordinator, and deputy program director. He sits on the New York State EMS Collaborative Protocol Committee and the Hudson Mohawk EMS Council’s Academic Committee.
Behrens has been involved with the SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Program since 2002 and continues to practice paramedicine as a paramedic for the Town of Colonie.
Paramedics are the most highly trained EMS providers in the pre-hospital setting. The College’s program prepares these professionals to make critical decisions, provide compassionate care, and be a confident leaders on the scene of an emergency.
