Oct. 15, 2025
MADISON, Wis. — Patty Pesik, an EMT with the Hillsboro Area Ambulance Service, was selected by State Representative Tara Johnson as the 2025 First Responder of the Year for the 96th Assembly District. Pesik was recognized during a special ceremony session held at the Wisconsin State Capital on October 14, 2025, a date marked as First Responder Appreciation Day.
The recognition ceremony acknowledged Pesik and other first responders across Wisconsin for their dedication and sacrifices to community service. The Wisconsin State Assembly honored other EMS professionals during the event, including Josh Rollins and Mike Hesse. The ceremony concluded with the Assembly unanimously passing a resolution to officially recognize October 14, 2025, as First Responder Appreciation Day in Wisconsin.
Pesik was nominated for the honor by Greg Kubarski, the Mayor of the City of Hillsboro. She has been involved in EMS for 46 years and counting, having served as an EMT for almost 50 years.
“Patty and her long tenure as a volunteer first responder is a shining example of what is so great about our community. Not only has Patty’s service been outstanding, but she has also taught so many other first respondent EMTs. It was a true honor for me to reemphasize Patty today and acknowledge all she has given to Hillsboro and the entire 96th Assembly District.”
State Representative Johnson, who selected Pesik fro the award shared the following remarks regarding Pesik’s service and dedication:
“Patty and her long tenure as a volunteer first responder is a shining example of what is so great about our community,” said Johnson. Not only has Patty’s service been outstanding, but she has also taught so many other first respondent EMTs. It was a true honor for me to reemphasize Patty today and acknowledge all she has given to Hillsboro and the entire 96th Assembly District.”
Pesik is known by her team as compassionate and kind, continually striving to serve her community beyond her regular duties. She is highly committed to being available for call when needed and has spent several years as the secretary/treasurer for the Hillsboro Emergency Medical Technicians & Allies. She is recognized for going above and beyond to train other EMTs.
Beyond her duties with the Hillsboro Area Ambulance Service, Pesik works as an on-call volunteer in Viroqua with the Help End Abuse Response Team (HEART), where she shows up on scene with law enforcement to provide crucial services and support to victims of domestic violence. She also serves as a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC), a role requiring various training sessions. As a PECC, she aims to collaborate with area schools to establish protocols that promote the highest quality of care for children.
In addition to her emergency roles, Pesik is actively involved in organizing annual fundraisers and is noted for personally giving money, time, and items to those in need within the Hillsboro and Yuba communities. Although she occasionally threatens to retire from EMS, she has been encouraged to continue her service for at least four more years, potentially making her tenure at least 50 years, with expectations that she will continue beyond that time.
Add comment