Front Line Fighters: Profiles Of Coronavirus Local Heroes

EAST NORTHPORT, NY — As Long Islanders practice social distancing and make personal sacrifices as part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, many look to those on the front lines as inspiration. Patch will be highlighting Long Islanders who are going above and beyond in their work and community to help during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Janet Koch is a proud mom from East Northport who is finding a lot to be proud about these days. Her son Ryan Koch is a physician assistant (PA) at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola and Huntington Hospital. He normally assists with cardiovascular surgeries but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit he began working in the ICU units at both hospitals.

In addition to his work as a PA, Koch is a paramedic with the Commack Ambulance Corps, Port Jefferson Ambulance Corps, Greenlawn Fire Department and a volunteer EMS with the East Northport Fire Department, filling in to relive other EMS workers across fire departments.

Janet Koch told Patch how her son's decisions from the beginning of the crisis made her proud.

"When he realized the gravity of the corona virus situation early on, he thought of others. Rather than expose his parents, who are both in the high risk population and with whom he lives, to the possibility of contracting the disease, he moved out of his home to live with a colleague. In between his shifts at the hospitals and the fire departments, he returns home to check on his parents and his dog, and to deliver to them food and anything they may need. Despite his fatigue, Ryan continues to serve with the dedication, professionalism and unflagging concern for his patients, parents and colleagues that are all hallmarks of his career."

If you know someone who should be featured—a health care worker, a first responder, a volunteer or anyone making a difference— email us at jboydsweet@gmail.com to nominate your local hero.