A wake service was held Wednesday for a 19-year-old first responder from Glen Cove.
Susan Giovanniello died of a medical emergency Monday after her volunteer EMS shift. The Nassau County fire marshal has deemed her death nonsuspicious.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman called it "a very sad day for Glen Cove."
"It's a sad day for the county of Nassau, losing such a young person that contributed so much to the community as a volunteer and EMT, someone who really her whole life was about helping people and keeping them healthy and safe so it's a tough day for all of us," Blakeman says.
Fire officials and police in the area came out to honor Giovanniello.
"She was a definitely a special, sweet girl, she will be missed," says Selena Guastella, of the Glen Cove Police Department.
Guastella started the Explorer Program that Giovanniello was a part of. She says the teenager was always ready to help others.
The people in the community say they will band together to support each other and Giovanniello's family as they grieve and honor her service.
Giovanniello's funeral will be held Thursday at Saint Rocco's Church in Glen Cove.