It takes a special kind of person to run toward danger. That’s what first responders do. That’s what medical personnel do in the time of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. Community colleges certify 80 percent of first responders in the United States and produce more than 50 percent of new nurses and other healthcare workers. Across Central New York You can find Onondaga Community College alumni putting their personal safety at risk to help others. Here are some of their stories.
Scott Baker, ‘04, Respiratory Therapist
Scott Baker is the Coordinator of Respiratory Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He earned his OCC degree 20 years after graduating from Henninger High School. “My wife is an RN. One evening while I was visiting her at work I saw the Respiratory Care team at work and said ‘this is what I want to do!’” His conditions at work changed quite suddenly in March. “When things began to ramp up it became clear we were not dealing with a ‘typical’ disease process and that this was different both in the ways patients presented and in the way we would provide treatment for ventilated patients. What worked for one patient wouldn’t necessarily work for another. And while we use universal precautions for all patients, we are not used to being in PPE (personal protection equipment) for our entire shift. It has its challenges. When your shift is over, you need decompression time to process your day and collect yourself before you go home.” During the last several weeks Baker and his colleagues have received much support from community members. It’s definitely had an impact on him. “We could not have done this without the support of the community and family. It’s very humbling. Thank you!”
Mike Schreyer, ‘03, Police Officer
Mike Schreyer is a Detective Sergeant with the Camillus Police Department where he is responsible for supervising Criminal Investigations and the School Resource Officers. He is also an instructor with the Central New York Police Academy at OCC which he completed as a student 15 years ago. Schreyer graduated from West Genesee High School in 2000 and attended OCC for three years while he worked full-time in retail, and security at Great Northern Mall. The emergence of COVID-19 has resulted in some changes inside the Camillus Police Department. There’s heightened awareness about maintaining proper hygiene and using PPE. “Our agency has been very proactive with implementing strategies to keep our officers safe and healthy. We’ve also made sure our officers have the most up-to-date information as it pertains to COVID-19.” Schreyer and fellow detectives work staggered shifts and work remotely to minimize exposure. Most communications are done via email or telephone. With a wife and younger child at home, Schreyer never wears his uniform home. He keeps it in his locker at the police department and changes into civilian clothes. “COVID-19 is probably the biggest issue I have seen and had to deal with in the course of my career. I am extremely grateful for the support our agency has received from the community. All of the donations have been tremendous. Seeing the community step up to help one another and work together has been awesome!”
Dan Meile, ‘12 - Firefighter
Dan Meile is a member of the Syracuse Fire Department’s Engine Company number 1. He’s a 2010 graduate of Clinton High School who earned his Fire Protection Technology degree from OCC two years later. He comes from a family of firefighters and veterans, each of whom had a strong desire to better themselves and assist their community in a variety of ways. “I am thankful too carry on my family’s legacy and continue to make a positive impact on my community.” When COVID-19 became an issue in the community, the Syracuse Fire Department responded by shifting firefighters to 24-hour shifts in an attempt to limit exposure between personnel. “Our days are spent critically thinking about how to protect ourselves, the community, and our families. Changes have occurred regarding daily screenings, personal protective equipment, and how we navigate various calls. We have always been vigilant about cleanliness at the firehouse, but now even more so. We are not always able to leave the lingering thoughts of the virus at the firehouse. We are continuously thinking of ways to keep our families safe by limiting items we bring home and sanitizing as much as possible prior to entering our personal homes.” Like other first responders, Meile is aware of the support they have received in the community and is grateful for it. “It’s been overwhelming. I could not be more thankful for the way everyone has rallied around us. Please stay home and stay healthy so we can soon return to enjoying the community we love.”
Joshua Pisagih, ‘10 - Nurse Practitioner
Joshua Pisagih graduated from Pelham Memorial High School in the New York City area in 2005 and earned a Nursing degree from OCC in 2010. “I’ve always been naturally empathetic towards other people. Helping others brings me joy and puts a smile on my face. I decided to become a nurse because it enabled me to help people when they are most vulnerable.” Today Pisagih is a Nurse Practitioner at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester where dealing with COVID-19 has impacted the entire operation. “I currently work in the Cardiac Surgery department. Like any hospital we have significantly decreased the amount of elective surgeries being performed in order to accommodate for the possible surge of patients. Because of this my colleagues and I have been placed in different roles to help support the hospital.” Like other health care professionals, Pisagih has seen the outpouring of respect for health care workers and is overwhelmed by it. “We are very appreciative of the love and support during these hard times. The recognition from our local communities has been very uplifting.”
Sarah Hassett, ‘13 - Police Officer
Sarah Hassett is a Syracuse Police Officer. She graduated from Solvay High School in 2011 and earned a Criminal Justice degree from OCC in 2013. Her mother is also an OCC Alumna and a Syracuse Police Officer. COVID-19 has changed the way Hassett and her fellow officers navigate through a day on the job. “We’ll take non-priority calls from the phone to reduce contact with people. It shows how much we take for granted and how lucky we are to have our families and health. I can’t go to the gym regularly, we can’t shop ‘normally,’ or do regular errands or hobbies.” Police often have to be thick skinned and deal with being disrespected while on the job. The pandemic has changed that. “I’ve definitely had a lot more citizens thank me for my service which is something we don’t always hear. The appreciation we’ve been shown has been very humbling and appreciated.”
Matthew Goewey, ‘11 - School District Food Service Director
Matthew Goewey was an Electronic Media Communications major at OCC before he decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from Paul Smith’s College. Today he is the Food Service Director for the Oswego City School District. Even though schools are closed, they remain responsible for feeding children in their districts. “We prepare and serve thousand of nutritious meals a day. The way in which we do it is much different from our normal cafeteria style because students and families are not permitted to enter our buildings.” The change in how meals are delivered seemingly happened overnight. It involved numerous logistical hurdles. “Although my team is risking their well-being by working on the front lines of this pandemic, I think I speak for all of them by saying it is all worth it when we see the hungry children picking up their meals.”
