Michael Bascom, one of the founding members of the NJ EMS Task Force and president of the non-profit board, was honored with the H. Mickey McCabe Leadership Advocacy Award during a ceremony at the National Conference on EMS in Atlantic City.

The award, named after the late Mickey McCabe, one of the four co-founders of the statewide EMS organization, recognizes people who have demonstrated continuous advocacy and leadership that have improved patient care and the overall impact of EMS.

“Michael’s work to improve the field of EMS has touched every corner of New Jersey – and beyond,” said Jennifer McCarthy, board member and vice president of the NJEMSTF. “His professionalism is exemplary. He drives quality initiatives and fosters innovative practices. His career reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing EMS and enhancing emergency services.”

Bascom was exposed to public service as a child, watching family members’ dedication to law enforcement and giving back. He began his journey in EMS in 1979 when he volunteered with the Shark River Hills First Aid Squad. Since then, Bascom has remained an active and influential member, serving as the Chief Officer of Shark River Hills for over 35 years.

That was just the beginning. Bascom’s work in the field has been instrumental in integrating policy and practice to expand EMS services. For more than 37 years, he has served as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Neptune Township, NJ, and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office EMS coordinator for 32 years. Additionally, he has chaired the NJ County EMS Coordinators for 18 years. His work in EMS integration and emergency management has positioned New Jersey as a model for other states to emulate.

“Michael’s enduring passion and remarkable contributions make him a deserving candidate for the H. Mickey McCabe Leadership Advocacy Award,” McCarthy said.

In addition to Bascom, NJEMSFT members took home several awards. James Mazza, chief of the Montclair Ambulance Unit and a staging officer with the NJEMSTF, was honored as the Prehospital Administrator of the Year for his leadership and focus on quality care initiatives. Richard Huff, the NJEMSTF public information officer, and Atlantic Highlands First Aid member was awarded the EMS Volunteer Lifetime Achievement for his contributions and high standards for advancing quality care. The Mountainside Rescue Squad, an NJEMSTF host agency, was named Prehospital Program of the Year for its initiatives related to quality improvement, education, and patient care. South Branch Emergency Services, Inspira Health Network and RWJBarnabas Health each were awarded Directors’ Award for outstanding educational standards for EMT/paramedic programs.

“These awards attest to the outstanding membership and partners who stand ready to support NJ in a time of need,” McCarthy said.

The NJ EMS Task Force is celebrating its 20^th anniversary, providing essential integration of EMS, emergency management, and large-scale incident response.  The organization was formed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and unites more than 225 emergency medical professionals from across the state who come together to respond to crises of any size. The NJ EMS Task Force is at the forefront of the state’s emergency response to natural disasters, public health crises, mass-casualty incidents, increasing emergency surge capacity, and much more. Since its inception, it has played a substantial role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Superstorm Sandy, the Super Bowl, countless floods, festival concert events, hospital evacuations, the recent wildfires throughout the state, and threats of civil unrest.

The NJ EMS Task Force is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that operates on donations from the NJ Department of Health, grants, and the public. To learn more about supporting this vital organization, visit www.njemstf.org.