Star of Queens: Ron Coen
President, Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps serves the neighborhoods of Forest Hills and Rego Park. As president, Ron Coen says it’s all about increasing availability to the community. He places a particular importance on ensuring people who are new to the neighborhoods the Corps serves know about its services.
PERSONAL: Coen grew up in Fresh Meadows. He first gained an interest in emergency medical services after being in a car accident at age 12, when he was rescued by EMS workers. His day job consists of owning and operating a real estate firm called Gotham West Realty, however he says his work at the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps takes up “110 percent” of his time.
FAVORITE MEMORY: Coen counts meeting his girlfriend as his favorite memory at the Corps. On their first 9-1-1 call together, they responded to a mother who had just given birth. When they arrived at the scene, they found the mother in shock and the baby still attached to the umbilical cord, not breathing. Fortunately they were able to resuscitate the child and help the mother.
INSPIRATION: Coen regards his predecessor, Alan Wolf, as his biggest inspiration at the Corps. He praised Wolf for the way he straightened out what he felt was an organization in disarray and for what he said consisted of “rebuilding it on much sturdier ground.”
“I hope to continue the work he’s done,” Coen said.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Due to a revenue deficit over the last few years, Coen says that increasing membership and donations is one of the biggest challenges the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps faces.
