$2,000 Grant Helps Philadelphia Native on Path to Become State Certified Paramedic
PHILADELPHIA — A $2,000 grant from the Russell I. Wilcox Family Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation is helping Indian River Ambulance Service Paramedic Trainee Kollin Hardy continue his studies at Clarkson University to become a New York State-certified paramedic.
A Philadelphia native, Kollin graduated from Indian River High School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from SUNY Potsdam.
He joined Indian River Ambulance Service as a driver in 2018 and became a certified Emergency Medical Technician the following year. Kollin has since earned additional certification as an EMS lab instructor. He was accepted into the first paramedic program class at Clarkson University and began his studies in November.
“Kollin is the future of EMS. He has good clinical foundations and is learning leadership skills,” said Lance Ronas, IRAS director of operations/CEO. “When he dovetails his business background with his clinical and leadership knowledge, he’ll lead in the EMS field.”
Within the EMS community Kollin is a co-founder of the Priority Wellness Campaign and the first treasurer of the organization. He also works at Gouverneur Rescue Squad. Behind the scenes, he is very active at IRAS, leading fundraising activities and cultivating relationships with sponsors.
The grant support IRAS received from the Russell I. Wilcox Family Fund will help Kollin with educational expenses while attending the paramedic program at Clarkson.
“I am grateful for this very meaningful support from Mr. Wilcox to help me on my path to become a certified paramedic,” Kollin said. “I look forward to serving my community and leading in the EMS field for many years to come.”
A 2020 grant from the Russell I. Wilcox Family Fund helped IRAS Paramedics William Zenyuk and Patrick O’Connell complete paramedic training. In 2021, a Wilcox Family Fund grant helped IRAS Paramedic Kelley McDougal complete a paramedic program at Herkimer College, and a 2022 grant provided support for IRAS Paramedic Reuben “R.J.” Pruitt to continue his studies to become a New York State-certified paramedic.
Mr. Wilcox, who retired as the executive director of the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, is a founding member of the IRAS Board of Directors. Established in 2020, the Russell I. Wilcox Family Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation is a permanent charitable fund that supports a range of community initiatives, including programs and projects that benefit the Theresa and Indian River Lakes areas.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.