(long Island, NY) Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) presented Karen Haab of the Springs Fire Department with a proclamation paying tribute to her as “one of the South Fork’s most dedicated volunteers.”
Pictured left to right: Legislator Schneiderman, Karen Haab, 2nd Lieutenant AEMT/Firefighter of the Springs Fire Department and Ben Miller, Chief of the Springs Fire Department
Each year since 2001, a firefighter or EMS volunteer from each of Suffolk’s 18 legislative districts is selected to recognize and commend the individual’s “contribution of time, energy, and expertise to the community.”
Schneiderman chose Second Lieutenant Karen Haab who is not only an advanced emergency medical technician with the Springs Fire Department, but it is also one of their volunteer firefighters. She joined the Department over 12 years ago, and in 2005 she was named Firefighter of the Year. In 2012, Karen was named Emergency Medical Service Personnel of the Year by the Department. This followed an incident at an Amagansett beach last summer, in which she was credited with saving a man’s life after he broke his neck while boogie boarding. Enjoying the day with her family, Karen jumped into action stabilizing the 77 year olds neck to protect his cervical spine. Shortly after, he stopped breathing and Haab started to administer CPR. It must be noted that during this time there were no airway adjuncts or bag valve masks available. His pulse returned on route to the hospital, and despite the fact that he had broken his neck in two places; he went on to make a full recovery. Considering her role with the EMS as a hobby, Karen also owns and operates her own property management business in East Hampton, as well as being a single mother to a college going daughter. In August 2013, Karen was once again honored when she received the Firemen’s Association of New York’s EMS Provider of the Year in Albany. Karen selflessly gives her time, knowledge and energy into making this community a safer place to live.
Legislator Schneiderman noted that Karen is a woman truly worthy of the honor and admiration and gratitude of Suffolk County.
