McLEAN, Va. – On March 24, the day after John Conroy hopes to defend his only PBA title in the PBA50 Rossi Lanes Eastern Open in Elmira, N.Y., he’ll head to Washington, D.C., where he will be presented the American Ambulance Association’s highest honor, the Star of Life Award.
Conroy, a 51-year-old New York City native and 2013 East Region PBA50 Player of the Year, has worked in the emergency medical field for 31 years, including the last 28 as a paramedic. Now living in Mahopac, N.Y., he worked most of his career in New York City where he was among the first responders not only for the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center, but the 1993 bomb attack on the WTC’s north tower. In addition, he was awarded the Emergency Medical Services Medal of Honor after entering a burning apartment building and rescuing four trapped people.
“John Conroy is the North Shore LIJ Health System Center for EMS Manhattan Division selection for The AAA Star of Life Award,” a release from the American Ambulance Association noted. “He is worthy for this distinction not because of a single act, but a body of work that includes countless pre-hospital saves, rescues from the WTC bombing and tireless work at the WTC after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, in addition to numerous professional awards and distinctions.
“There is no question to John’s professional career being an outstanding one. In addition to all his professional accolades, John is a professional bowler who won the 2013 East Region PBA50 Bowler of the Year.”
Conroy will receive his award along with other class of 2014 honorees during a three-day conference on Capitol Hill March 24-26. He also will have a chance to meet with members of congress, and key congressional aides to discuss legislative issues critical to all Emergency Medical Service professionals.
“I never thought about awards,” Conroy, the 2013 PBA50 Rossi Lanes Eastern Open champion, said. “I just get a lot of joy out of taking care of people. It feels real good (to be named the Star of Life recipient), because it also will give me a chance to talk to our congressman about EMS and ways to improve.”