Operations Team

  • Kathleen Sexton - Captain | Board Member | Volunteer EMS Leader | Youth Squad Mentor

    Captain Sexton has been a dedicated member of the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (RVAC) for over 15 years and has more than 20 years of experience in emergency medical services (EMS). Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles within the organization, including serving as Captain of Gotham Volunteer EMS. Her extensive experience and steadfast commitment have made her a pivotal figure in Gotham’s operations.

    Currently, Captain Sexton holds active Lifetime Membership at two volunteer EMS organizations, showcasing her continued dedication to the field. Her ability to adapt and succeed in the ever-evolving world of EMS has solidified her reputation as a strong and effective leader.

    In addition to her leadership in EMS, Captain Sexton has revitalized the Gotham Volunteer EMS Youth Squad, a program that had previously ceased to exist. Taking on the task of revamping the squad, she played a crucial role in ensuring the continued growth of the next generation of EMS professionals. Her passion for teaching and fostering new talent ensures the ongoing success of high standards in care and service within the community.


  • Leslie Rodriguez - 1st Lieutenant of Operations | Board Member | Volunteer EMS Leader

    Leslie began her EMS journey during the challenging COVID pandemic, earning her EMT certification and joining the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (RVAC) in 2020. Her commitment to providing critical care in times of crisis reflects her dedication to emergency medical services.

    Since then, Leslie has worked her way up to the role of Lieutenant of Operations with Gotham Volunteer EMS, a position she has held since 2023. Throughout her career with the organization, Leslie has contributed to various committees, where her talent for leadership and hard work became evident. As a member of the Transition Committee, she played a key role in successfully guiding the organization through the consolidation of four separate agencies, helping to usher in the new Gotham Volunteer EMS.

    Additionally, as part of the Equipment Committee, Leslie helped implement new procedures and protocols for managing, tracking, and ordering equipment, ultimately saving the organization both time and money.

    Currently, Leslie continues her healthcare career at Northwell LIJ, where she works in the Emergency Department. Her experience in both EMS and the hospital setting highlights her unwavering passion for emergency care and her dedication to helping others in their time of need.

  • Sedric Cevallos - 1st Lieutenant of Administration | Board Member | Volunteer EMS Leader

    Sedric's story is one of determination and dedication to the medical field, shaped by his upbringing in Ridgewood, Queens. Surrounded by family members in healthcare, he developed a deep passion for emergency medical services (EMS) early on. Inspired by his younger sister's desire to become an EMT, Sedric found his calling and took the opportunity to make a difference.

    After graduating from Grover Cleveland High School, Sedric earned his EMT certification. Despite being just 17 years old, he started volunteering at Gotham Volunteer EMS (now renamed), where he gained invaluable experience. His hard work and commitment led him to a position as a full EMT with the FDNY, all while continuing to volunteer as an officer at Gotham Volunteer EMS.

    Today, Sedric not only serves as a full EMT but also dedicates his time to mentoring the next generation of healthcare workers. He plays a crucial role in guiding the youth squad, offering advice and encouragement to help others find their path in the medical field, just as he did.


  • Matthew Smith - 2nd Lieutenant of Training | Volunteer EMS Leader

    Originally from Kennebunkport, Maine, Matt became an EMT and began caring for patients while getting his BA from Georgetown University. After graduating, Matt moved to New York City to pursue a Juris Doctorate (JD) at New York University School of Law. While getting his JD, Matt completed the paramedic program at LaGuardia Community College, earning Outstanding Academic Achievement and Faculty Recognition Awards. Matt has worked for over ten years as a paramedic in the New York City 9-1-1 system, and has been recognized for outstanding patient care by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) on several occasions. Matt has served professionally in leadership roles related to EMS Quality Improvement and Education for more than seven years.

  • Albert Jurkowski - 2nd Lieutenant of Service | Volunteer EMS Leader

    Albert has been an EMT and member of Gotham since 2021. As a Ridgewood native, he grew up seeing our ambulances around the neighborhood, and joined the organization to learn how to be a leader during emergencies. Aside from riding the ambulance, Albert has served a number of operational and administrative roles—including managing our Equipment Committee and running our annual holiday toy drive to benefit children in local hospitals and shelters. Albert’s experience at Gotham has directly motivated his desire become a physician, where he hopes to continue his service to our community members in need.