EASTHAMPTON — Hampshire County’s longtime emergency service workers were recognized and roasted and medical teams were honored for life-saving efforts over the past year at the recent annual EMS awards dinner.

Receiving 50-year service plaques and salutes for their dedicated volunteer service were brothers Dennis and Bernard Forgea of Cummington.

Mike Perkins, who succeeded Dennis Forgea as Cummington police chief in 2015, said Forgea began “EMT (emergency medical technician) school” in 1974.

“Back then, the ambulance of choice was a Cadillac, an Oldsmobile … or a hearse,” he said to laughter.

Master of ceremonies Matt Lemberg said the first time he met Bernie Forgea was at an awards dinner.

“I got a 40-minute history of the Lions Club ambulance,” Lemberg said. “I swore I’d never come back, yet here I am.”

Mike Rock, director of Highland Ambulance, said Bernie Forgea has been involved with the Cummington Fire Department since 1960, and was instrumental in founding Highland Ambulance 20 years ago.

Retiring fire chiefs Walter “Tim” Nelson of Amherst and David Alvord of Plainfield were honored also.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Nelson said. He has worked 43 years in the fire service and has been chief in Amherst since 2010.

Rob Shearer, fire captain in Plainfield, thanked Alvord for his guidance over the years and his 48 years of service. He joined the fire department in 1976, became an EMT in 1982, assistant chief in 1988 and chief in 1992.

Outstanding service awards were presented to the following EMS workers for life-saving efforts:

■McKenzie Nichols, James Robinson, Kailey Bak, Michael Rock, David Hewes and Alex Kassell of Highland Ambulance

■Capt. Steve Chandler, Nick Cherikos, Mike Sawicki and Elijah Norman of Amherst Fire Department

■Ian Bigda, Daniel Martin, Dennis Nazzar, Timothy Putnam and Jonathan Schwaiger of Northampton Fire Rescue

■Capt. Tom Valle, Dylan Tunnell, Chris Richedei, Patrick Gecewicz, Elijah Norman of Amherst Fire Department

■Ian Bigda, Hector Figarella, Daniel Galica, Brett Gauger and Hugh Parker of Northampton Fire Rescue

■Patrick Davis, Northampton Fire Rescue

■Capt. Tom Valle, Police Lt. Todd Lang, Detective Josh Harris, firefighters Ari Kasal, Dylan Tunnell, Chris Richedei and Dr. Peter Morse of Amherst

Recognition for outstanding service went to Capt. Dan Banister, Assistant Chief Darryl Springman, Capt. Alex Kassell, Chief Jason Connell and firefighter Girard of Williamsburg Fire Department, and EMT Maxwell Gagnon of Highland Ambulance.

James Pentland can be reached at jpentland@gazettenet.com.