Popular Paramedic Newest Member of the Wolf Den of Heroes

As we kick off The Wolf Den of Heroes for 2026, we look forward to celebrating a first responder you know in the upcoming months. We are also excited to share with you the very first inductee for this year.

Each month, The Wolf teams up with Mid Hudson Pump and MHA of Dutchess County to select one of our area's first responders to be inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes from among everyone who has been nominated to date. Sometimes, it is not just one person, but rather a whole team, that we put in the spotlight. This month, we will be honoring someone who serves his community as a Paramedic.

Wolf Den Inducts Local Paramedic as First Hero for 2026

The first person inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes for 2026 comes with multiple nominations. Paramedic Michael Ceriani is someone who many people want to honor, and we are thrilled to make him our first honoree this year.

Michael spoke to Wakin' Up with CJ and Jess and shared that he was both honored and humbled by what people had said about him in their nominations. He currently works for Empress EMS in the Dutchess County Mutual Aid Truck, which means he covers most of Dutchess County when serving the community.

Wolf Den Hero Received Multiple Nominations

We want to share all of the things that were said about Michael by the people who nominated him:

I have worked on many calls with Medic Ceriani. He is highly intelligent. When I ask him a question, he is almost like AI, he always has the right answer! I trust him with my life, and after watching him save a child from a burning car before a fire engine can put the flames out, I recognized how personal he takes this job ...  - Jessica R

 

I witnessed Paramedic Michael Ceriani save many lives, I was once his EMT and he has dedicated his entire life to this field, He is who I go to when I need help or have questions, he loves to teach his skills and techniques, I wouldn’t be the EMT I am today without Paramedic Ceriani ...  - Allie

 

Paramedic Michael Ceriani was my supervisor at Empress EMS for years. He has handled very high-priority and tough jobs. He is who I hope to see arrive on scene when the call grows more intense, he is the smartest and most knowledgeable Paramedic I have ever come across in this field ... - Jessica T

 

Michael’s service extends beyond the routine EMS response. He was a vital member of the Empress EMS Special Operations Division for a decade, where he contributed to high-stakes missions that demanded precision, teamwork, and audacious coordination. In addition to his field duties, he has trained many White Plains Police Officers in White Plains, NY, on how to handle active shooter situations ... - Tara

All of us here at the Wolf, along with MHA of Dutchess County and Mid Hudson Pump, are happy to honor Paramedic Ceriani and look forward to honoring someone you know.

Nominate A First Responder for the Wolf Den of Heroes for 2026

Now that you have read Michael's story, please take a moment to tell us about a first responder you know. Nominate them to be inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes. Tell us their story and why you believe they deserve to be recognized for their efforts in our community.

It is easy to nominate a first responder you know. Please complete the form on our website. Be sure to take a minute to share some information about the person you are nominating, and please feel free to send us a picture or two. We look forward to putting a spotlight on someone you know in 2026.