Chief of Operations: Esperanza Sanchez
Esperanza Sanchez serves as the Chief of Operations for Chatham Rescue Squad, bringing more than 12 years of dedicated leadership to the organization. With a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and a Master of Public Health, Chief Sanchez blends operational expertise with a strong foundation in public health principles, system planning, and community resilience.
Throughout her tenure, Chief Sanchez has overseen critical EMS operations, guided strategic initiatives, and strengthened interagency coordination across the county. She plays an active role in numerous county leadership and planning groups, contributing to emergency preparedness, public health integration, and long‑term system development.
Recognized for a commitment to service, collaboration, and innovation, Chief Sanchez continues to advance high‑quality emergency medical services while fostering partnerships that enhance the safety and well‑being of the communities she serves. https://www.linkedin.com/in/esperanza-sanchez-767517184/
ALS Coordinator: Dylan Garbarini
Paramedic Dylan Garbarini serves as the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Coordinator for the Chatham Rescue Squad, where he oversees the delivery, training, and quality assurance of advanced pre-hospital medical care for the community. In this role, Garbarini works closely with paramedics, EMTs, and medical leadership to ensure the highest standards of patient care, clinical readiness, and operational excellence within the squad’s ALS program.
Garbarini is responsible for coordinating advanced life support operations, maintaining clinical equipment and medications, and supporting ongoing training and professional development for providers. His leadership helps ensure that the Chatham Rescue Squad remains prepared to deliver rapid, high-quality emergency medical care to residents and visitors throughout the region.
Committed to patient advocacy and continuous improvement in emergency medical services, Garbarini plays an integral role in strengthening the squad’s mission of providing compassionate, professional, and lifesaving care to the community.
President: Elijah Falkner
Elijah joined the Board of Directors in 2023. He brings 10 years of program management and leadership experience. He has a background in Law Enforcement, Fire Service, Emergency Management and is a veteran of the United State Army. Some of his current certifications include DCJS: Instructor Development Course, Certified Fire Investigator for New York and Pro-Board, Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents – ICS‑300, Juvenile Law and Procedures for Law Enforcement, Disability Awareness Training for Law Enforcement, Assisting Individual in Crisis, Group Crisis Intervention, FBI National Academy Associates: Comprehensive Officer Resilience Train-the-Trainer Program, National Disaster and Emergency Management University: Public Information Officer Basic, Meeting the Needs of Justice Involved Veterans, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, NYS Emergency Management Certification & Training for Counties, National Center for Biomedical Research and Training: Campus Emergencies Prevention, Response, and Recovery, FEMA: Community Planning for Disaster Recovery, FEMA: Evacuation Planning Strategies and Solutions, American College for Surgeons: Stop the Bleed Instructor. He currently resides in the Chatham Rescue District with his wife and 3 dogs. Through his combined roles in public safety leadership, Elijah remains committed to strengthening community partnerships, enhancing public safety, and supporting the continued deployment of advanced high‑quality emergency medical services. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijah-f-66073996/
Vice President: Patrick McMahon
Patrick McMahon is a public safety professional specializing in community engagement and youth outreach initiatives. A native of Ghent, New York, McMahon graduated from the Chatham Central School District in 2001 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University at Albany, SUNY in 2005.
McMahon began his law enforcement career after completing the Zone 14 Law Enforcement Academy in 2014. Prior to joining the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy, he served with the Village of Chatham Police Department. During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, he has held specialized assignments including School Resource Deputy Seargent and Drone Commander, working closely with students, educators, and families to promote school safety, mentorship, and positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
In addition to his law enforcement responsibilities, McMahon is actively involved in emergency services within Columbia County. He has had his Emergency Medical Technician–Basic and serves on the Board of the Chatham Rescue Squad, where he helps support the organization’s mission of providing high-quality emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of the Chatham area.
Through his combined roles in law enforcement and EMS leadership, McMahon remains committed to strengthening community partnerships, enhancing public safety, and supporting the continued development of local emergency response organizations.
Treasurer: Marc Dickie
Treasurer: Marc Dickie
Board of Director: Victoria Besterman
Board of Director: Neely Jeenings
Neely Jennings retired from the New York State Police after just over 31 years of service, rising through the ranks from trooper to senior leadership roles in operations, training, and human resources. She served as Director of Human Resources and later as Staff Inspector in the Office of Employee Relations, overseeing academy operations, labor relations, employee support programs, and statewide training and standards. She also continues to teach officer safety and wellness programs as a contractor with the VALOR Program.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Community and Human Services from Empire State University, advanced HR certificates from Rockefeller College and Cornell University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.