Daniel L. Padula Memorial Scholarship
Daniel L. Padula was a Physician Assistant, United States Army veteran, and dedicated community leader whose life exemplified integrity, professionalism, and compassion. As Medical Director and Captain of Ticonderoga Emergency Squad’s Advanced Life Support Program and Town Health Officer, Dan devoted his life to caring for others. Established in 2001, this scholarship honors Dan’s legacy by supporting graduating seniors who are pursuing careers in healthcare and who demonstrate the same commitment to service that defined his life.
The mission of the Ticonderoga Emergency Squad is to provide compassionate, high-quality emergency medical care while serving and strengthening our community. That mission reflects the life and example of Daniel L. Padula, whose dedication to medicine and service inspired the creation of this scholarship by one of our members Addline Bova in 2001.
Dan’s career in medicine began while he was serving in the United States Army from 1972-1975 in Landstul, Germany where he was trained as a medic. Dan went on to graduate from Clinton Community College where he received his RN degree in 1980, followed by his PA certification in 1984 from the University of Utah. Dan cared for patients at Moses Ludington Hospital, the Ticonderoga Health Center, the Mineville Health Center, and many other facilities across our region.
Dan’s commitment to patient care was matched by his extraordinary devotion to the Ticonderoga community. He served as President of the Adirondack Physicians Association, guided the Ticonderoga Emergency Squad’s Advanced Life Support Program as the Medical Director and Captain, and he worked tirelessly as the Town of Ticonderoga Health Officer. Although Dan passed away at the age of 47 on July 10, 2000, his influence continues to guide us today.
Each year, graduating seniors pursuing a career in the medical field are selected to receive a scholarship award in Dan’s memory. The first recipient was Dan Michalak in 2001, and many others have followed, each carrying forward the values of integrity, dedication, and compassion that Dan demonstrated throughout his life.
This scholarship is more than financial support. It is a call to the next generation of Sentinels to stand watch over the health of their neighbors and make a difference in their community when it matters most.
Scholarship Recipients