Photo: Karen Haab Receives Medal of Valor

Congratulations are in order for Karen L. Haab, a Springs Fire Department advanced emergency medical technician who was honored during the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York closing ceremony on Friday.

Haab received the EMS Service Provider of the Year award during the organization's 141st annual convention. James Burns, the president, presented her with the award, while also recognizing John Curley, a former fire chief with the Bellmore Fire Department, with the Firefighter of the Year award.

Both Haab and Curley, who are credited with saving lives in separate incidents, received medals of valor.

It marked the first time that both the Firefighter of the Year and EMS Provider of the Year awards were presented to two Long Islanders in the same year, the organization said.

Haab helped save a 77-year-old man's life after he broke his neck in the surf and he stopped breathing at Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett on Aug. 4, 2012.

“There is no better way to end a great convention week than by honoring two of our members for their extraordinary efforts to save lives,” Burns said. “First responders risk their lives each and every day to help our fellow neighbors in their most dire times of need. This week we all came together to share best practices, participate in training seminars and focus on our efforts to recruit more firefighters throughout the state. It was a resounding success and we are already getting ready for next year.”