GENESEO, N.Y., May 15, 2025 — Livingston County is pleased to announce Senator Pam Helming has named Emergency Medical Services Director Karen Dewar as the 2025 Woman of Distinction for New York’s 54th Senate District. The recognition, part of the New York State Senate Women of Distinction program, celebrates Dewar’s unwavering commitment to public safety and inspirational leadership in the healthcare field.
Serving as the County’s EMS director since 2011, Dewar oversees a comprehensive local EMS system integrating five basic life support ambulance services, ten fire department first response agencies, four advanced life support services, SUNY Geneseo First Response Agency, and three air medical agencies. Under her guidance, the County’s EMS system has become a model for rural emergency medical systems, responding to over 14,500 dispatches in 2024 alone to provide life-saving, pre-hospital emergency care.
Among her many achievements as EMS director, Dewar was instrumental in the creation of the Community Paramedicine Program, which assists older County residents by connecting them with health resources and providing tools for them to maintain independence at home. The Geneseo resident also recently served on the New York State Rural Ambulance Services Task Force, contributing to statewide efforts to address EMS challenges in rural areas.
Dewar has been recognized many times for her dedication and contributions to the field of emergency medicine. Her exemplary service earned her the Monroe-Livingston Regional EMS Council Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award and the Registered Professional Nurse of Excellence Awards from both the Monroe-Livingston Regional EMS Council and the New York Department of Health Bureau of EMS.
“Karen’s experience, passion and commitment are absolutely extraordinary,” said Helming. “Her leadership in healthcare and emergency medical services is not only exemplary, it is inspirational. Through her professional and volunteer work, Karen has demonstrated how essential nurses and EMS professionals are to our communities and residents who rely on lifesaving medical care. She is an incredible example to individuals entering the healthcare and EMS fields, and especially to young women. While Karen is humble, and truly a servant leader, I am honored to celebrate her in this way and recognize her as the 2025 Woman of Distinction for the 54th Senate District.”
Beginning her healthcare career as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician, Dewar has been a volunteer member of the Geneseo Fire Department and Ambulance for more than 48 years. Her duties included serving as the department’s ambulance captain managing all aspects of Emergency Medical Services operations. In 1988, she became a registered professional nurse and gained experience working in intensive care and emergency nursing.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be receiving this recognition,” stated Dewar. “My career in healthcare has been inspired by strong, innovative, and dedicated women. Women, such as my mother, who was one of the first female Emergency Medical Technicians in the Geneseo Fire Department, and by Clara Barton who was an educator, a leader, and a humanitarian. Following in the footsteps of these women, and many others, is a privilege. I hope my legacy is an inspiration for young women to enter these amazing healthcare fields.”
Dewar’s family is also no stranger to EMS, fire, and law enforcement service. She and her husband, David, have two children who have continued in the fields volunteering in EMS and firefighting, and working in healthcare.
"Thanks to Karen's passion and dedication, what began as a modest operation has grown into one of the most effective and professional EMS programs in the state,” said Livingston County Board Chair David LeFeber. “With more than 14,500 dispatches in 2024 alone, it's clear how vital this system has become to the health and safety of our residents. Through her leadership, Livingston County has evolved into a model for rural emergency medical systems. Karen's recognition as a Woman of Distinction is a perfect tribute to her decades of service to our County and its residents."
Dewar was recognized on Tuesday at the Women of Distinction ceremony in Albany.
For more on the County’s EMS, visit the Livingston County Emergency Medical Services website.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.