EMT Spotlights USMMA Service

When Christian Ehrhardt’s grandfather had a medical crisis at his Great Neck home, the Vigilant Fire Department responded and saved his life. 

Patrick Gorman, a 2007 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate and Vigilant volunteer, was critical in the rescue. He learned those skills as part of the USMMA Emergency Medical Technician program.

The younger Ehrhardt, of Manhasset, recognized the life-saving effort by funding the “Ehrhardt First Classmen EMS Service Award” in 2009. The $1,000 award is given to one or two graduating midshipmen each year and is funded for 30 years.

Ehrhardt, himself a volunteer firefighter/EMT with the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, was on hand at Kings Point Wednesday to donate an award plaque to memorialize the winners.

“This award and recognition to the EMT midshipman and their service to the community is something we are very proud of at the Academy,” Rear Admiral  James A. Helis said. “We encourage meaningful partnerships in the community and appreciate the special donation made by Christian Ehrhardt as well as his active participation with the Academy.” 

Ehrhardt has been a guest lecturer on international security and leadership at USMMA, served as a mentor to the Midshipmen EMTs and has been a member of the USMMA Alumni Association and foundation’s Superintendents Council.   

He serves as a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service with prior overseas postings in Iraq, Libya and Haiti.