Darien EMS Post 53 Honors Graduating Senior EMTs At Annual Family Night

DARIEN, CT — Eighteen Darien High School seniors were recognized for their service as Emergency Medical Technicians with Darien EMS – Post 53 during the organization’s annual Family Night celebration on June 1.

Held at Post 53 headquarters, the ceremony honored the Class of 2025 for their dedication to emergency response and volunteer service. Each graduate received an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly, presented by local lawmakers and community leaders.

"These seniors have served our community with skill, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility," said Post 53 Executive Director Joe Larcheveque in a prepared statement. "They’ve balanced school, sports, and personal commitments all while responding to emergencies as first responders. We couldn’t be more proud."

The event drew hundreds of attendees, including family members, local officials, and Post 53 alumni. Among the guests were State Representatives Eilish Collins Main, a Post 53 alum, and Tracy Marra, as well as Selectman Monica McNally.

In addition to the formal recognitions, the evening featured student awards, service honors, and a traditional officer gift exchange.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Richard E. Koch Award for Outstanding Service, awarded to Oscar Barton. Named after a longtime Post 53 volunteer and former director, the scholarship recognizes the senior with the most volunteer duty hours.

Other award recipients included:

• John Herbert Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Brian McCarthy
• John E. “Bud” Doble Memorial Award: Charles Sedlock
• Albert D. Hetrick Award: Oscar Barton
• Post 53 Alumni Award: Rhea Rai
• Helen P. Holter, RN Award: Catherine Williams
• Marilyn B. Vojta Awards of Excellence: Radio Roomie: Jashan Wu; Rider: Morgan Leahy; EMT: Finn Hagen; Driver: Oscar Barton; Crew Chief: Brian McCarthy

The graduating EMTs and their post-graduation plans are as follows:

• Amy Baiocco – University of Connecticut
• Oscar Barton – Georgetown University
• Spencer Brown – University of Virginia
• Wells Connor – Connecticut College
• Katelyn Erdlen – Villanova University
• Ava Gupta – Colgate University
• Riley Keating – Villanova University
• Sloane Kosowsky – Boston College
• Ryan Leahy – Wake Forest University
• Brian McCarthy – University of Notre Dame
• Cameron McElrea – University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Connor McNamara – PG Year, The Hotchkiss School
• Bridget Moore – Georgetown University
• Rhea Rai – University of Southern California
• Charles Sedlock – UCLA
• Brady Sullivan – Villanova University
• Cate Williams – Texas Christian University
• Sam Willis – PG Year, U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School