Eden Emergency & Rescue Squad

10/19/2026

🚑 MEMBER MONDAY:Nick Blasz

This week, we’re proud to spotlight Nick Blasz, a lifelong Eden resident, husband, father of two, and dedicated member of the Eden Emergency & Rescue Squad!

Nick and his wife, Breanna, are raising their two children right here in Eden, where both attend Eden schools. Nick has spent much of his career serving his hometown, retiring as Chief of Police for the Town of Eden after more than 21 years of dedicated service. Today, he continues serving the community as the Town of Eden Highway Superintendent.

Nick joined the Eden Emergency & Rescue Squad because he enjoys helping others in the community and recognized the need for ambulance drivers. He saw an opportunity to step up, lend a hand, and help ensure that our neighbors have the support they need when emergencies arise.

For Nick, serving Eden is more than a job — it’s a commitment to the community he has always called home. We’re grateful to have him as part of our squad and appreciate his continued dedication to helping others!

❤️💙 Thank you, Nick, for your service and for always being willing to answer the call.

10/16/2026

🚨 Rescue Training

The third Thursday of every month is dedicated to rescue training at Eden Emergency Squad. From vehicle extrication and rope rescue to a variety of technical rescue skills, our members continuously train to be prepared for the emergencies we may face.

Last night, our members practiced extricating a trapped patient from a vehicle. Training included removing glass, doors, and the vehicle’s roof to safely gain access to the patient and prepare for removal.

These hands-on exercises allow our members to sharpen their skills, work together as a team, and become more proficient when responding to real emergencies. They also give us the opportunity to learn about different vehicle designs and the challenges they may present during a rescue.

Training today means being better prepared to help someone tomorrow.

10/14/2026

Cold and flu season runs primarily from October through May, with activity typically peaking between December and February.

However, the 2026–2027 season has kicked off earlier than usual, with higher-than-expected early influenza A activity and rising respiratory virus encounters reported across multiple regions.

10/12/2026

🚑 MEMBER MONDAY: KYLE DANLER

This week, we’re proud to spotlight Kyle Danler and recognize his dedication to EMS and serving his community!

Kyle began his EMS journey while attending Hamburg High School, where he enrolled in the EMT program and earned his New York State Emergency Medical Technician certification. Shortly after beginning the program, Kyle joined the Armor Volunteer Fire Company, submitting his application just days after turning 18.

In August of 2025, Kyle began paramedic school while working full-time for Town of Hamburg EMS. After a year of hard work, commitment, and dedication, he proudly earned his New York State Paramedic Certification in September 2026! 🎉

In July 2026, Kyle joined the Eden Emergency Squad, bringing his experience, passion, and commitment to serving our community while continuing to advance his education and skills in emergency medical services.

Looking toward the future, Kyle plans to make EMS his lifelong career, with a particular interest in education and service improvement. Having benefited from the excellent education and mentorship he received throughout his EMS journey, he hopes to give back by helping educate and inspire others, making the same life-changing impact on future providers that others made on him.

Today, Kyle serves as the EMS Captain for the Armor Volunteer Fire Company and continues working for Town of Hamburg EMS, where he also serves as the Field Training Coordinator.

We’re proud to have Kyle as part of the Eden Emergency Squad family and appreciate his commitment to providing quality patient care, supporting fellow providers, and continually striving to make a difference in the EMS profession.

10/08/2026

🚨 WHY DO OUR AMBULANCES STOP AT THE RED LIGHTS? 🚨

Ever seen us roll up to an intersection with lights and sirens on… and come to a full stop? Or pass by with no lights at all? There's a reason for that.

Every move our crews make on the road follows protocols set by the state, region, and county. Those same protocols guide everything from patient care to transport to handing a patient off at the hospital, and they tell us exactly when lights and sirens are appropriate and when they're not.

Here's something many people don't know: years of research show that running lights and sirens SIGNIFICANTLY increases the risk of a crash. Some parts of the country have stopped using them for most calls altogether. That's why we use them with great discretion, only when a patient's condition truly calls for it.

And even when the lights are on, intersections are the most dangerous spot on the road. Our crews are trained to make sure every lane is clear before moving through. Getting there a few seconds faster is never worth putting you, your family, or our patient at risk.

HOW YOU CAN HELP 🚦
➡️ Pull to the right and stop when you hear or see us coming
➡️ At a red light, stay put unless you can safely move right. Don't pull into the intersection
➡️ Never follow an ambulance through a light
➡️ Turn down the music and stay alert at intersections

We all share the road. Let's keep it safe together.

10/05/2026

🚑 Member Monday — Dakota Kitchens

This week, we’re proud to introduce Dakota Kitchens!
Dakota became a first responder with Eden EMS in 2023 and joined Eden Fire Department in December of 2023. His decision to serve was inspired by his great-grandfather, who dedicated more than 60 years to the fire service.

Dakota continues to build his skills and knowledge so he can better serve the community. In 2025, he completed a Rope Rescue course, expanding his training and giving him additional tools to help when his community needs him most.

We’re proud to have Dakota as part of the Eden Emergency Squad and Eden Fire Department family. Thank you, Dakota, for following in your great-grandfather’s footsteps and continuing the tradition of service! 🚑🔥

10/04/2026

10/01/2026

EDEN EMERGENCY SQUAD IS GOING PINK!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Eden Emergency Squad is proud to show our support by going pink! 🩷

Breast cancer affects millions of individuals and families, including members of our own community. By turning our logo pink, we hope to help raise awareness, encourage early detection, and remind everyone of the importance of regular screenings and supporting those who are currently fighting or have fought this disease.

09/28/2026

🚑 Member Monday: Joshua Kunch 🚑

This week, we’re proud to recognize Joshua Kunch and his years of dedication to the Eden community!

Joshua joined the Eden Emergency Squad in 2007, shortly after graduating from Eden. During his senior year, he obtained his EMT certification through Lakeshore and went on to spend 7 years working with AMR. During that same time, Joshua also served with Eden Fire for approximately 5 years.

Today, Joshua serves as the President of the Eden Emergency Squad, helping lead our organization and continuing his commitment to serving the community. Outside of the squad, he also works part-time as a Town of Eden Police Clerk and Reserve Officer.

When he’s not volunteering or working, Joshua is busy being a dad and taking care of his two boys. His full-time career is as a Calibration Specialist, making for one very busy schedule!

We’re grateful for everything Joshua has given—and continues to give—to Eden Emergency Squad, Eden Fire, Eden Police, and our community.

09/27/2026

Game Date: 9/27/26
Opponent: Los Angeles Chargers

1st Quarter: Eddie S ($50)
2nd Quarter: Eddie S ($100)
3rd Quarter: Rob L ($50)
4th Quarter: Patti S ($100)

For this week's numbers, check out the season-long document here:
https://edenems.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Football-Squares_Eden-EMS.pdf
Go Bills!