The New York Islanders are proud to recognize local first responders for their outstanding service and commitment to the local community. The Community Hero supported by Northwell will receive four (4) tickets and a special in-game recognition. Help the New York Islanders honor a first responder this season. Nominate your Community Hero of the Game.
The Community Hero for January 2025 is Firefighter/EMT Andrej Ceckowski
Andrej is currently Lieutenant for the Riverhead Fire Department. He is a previous Captain for Riverhead Ambulance, where he is an EMT. When he is not volunteering, you can find him working in the ER at Peconic Bay Medical Center or working as an EMT for Flanders Ambulance. No matter what Andrej does, he is always looking to better his surroundings. He enjoys researching his fields of work and looking for new and innovative equipment and ideas to improve patient care and safety. Andrej’s dedication to the community came to light on several occasions. On Oct. 3, 2018 he jumped into the Long Island Sound to help rescue a driver, whose car was submerged. On March 21, 2014 he was an a member of an EMS crew that successfully resuscitated an elementary school teacher that had a cardiac arrest during a school function.
More recently, on May 15, Andrej was bringing his wife to the ER for abdominal pains while seven months pregnant. On the way, he saw a car on the side of the road, near the edge of a hill on a bend, which was very odd spot to park a car. Andrej stopped to see if the driver was okay. The driver was very confused, couldn't speak properly and couldn't follow directions. Andrej activated EMS and the patient was sent to the ER. Patient was found to have a stroke and was transferred to a higher level of care hospital. Andrej loves being able to care for his neighbors and give back to his community for over 15 years.
Andrej has volunteered in the fire department for over 15 years and volunteered in the ambulance over 10 years. While volunteering he met his wife, Amanda, another volunteer. After dating for 4 years, they got married in 2018. Together they have one daughter Alexandra, who is seven months old. Some of Andrej's favorite Islanders moments are attending the 2016 Playoffs Game 6 Double OT win over the Florida Panthers and attending the UBS Arena Islanders Home Opener in 2021. In his spare time, Andrej loves to travel and spend time with his family.
