Towns: TBVAC ‘anxiously awaits’ recruitment ideas

FROM PAGE 1 profit emergency service organization.

Woodcliff Lake councilman Benjamin Pollack told Pascack Press on July 18 that as volunteers are enrolled in the Length of Service Awards Program, or LOSAP, a statewide pension program that each town contributes toward, they cannot also pay volunteers for their service, according to a consultantʼs report not yet released.

Pascack Press requested a copy of the EMS Consulting Services report — paid for by a $5,000 contribution from each town— but had not received a copy by press time.

Pollack, who provided an update at his councilʼs July 17 meeting, said the towns hope to redouble efforts to help the TBVAC boost volunteerism.

He said possibilities include eliciting support from local businesses to allow employees to volunteer; and finding better ways to assist with TBVAC operating expenses, such as utilities, landscaping, and snow plowing.

“Itʼs all about how do the three towns take more duties or tasks off their plates — and how do we get more creative in recruitment efforts,” he said.

TBVAC President Heather McGee told us, “The Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps is in need of more members and will always have a need for more volunteers. We currently have extremely dedicated members that continue to provide exceptional care and service to the manyresidents and visi- tors of Montvale, Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake.”

She said, “However, our call volume and residents [population] continue to grow and our membership is struggling to keep up.”

McGee said the TBVAC “anxiously await” the consultantʼs report for new recruiting suggestions.

“As far as the publicʼs help, if you are interested in joining TBVAC or know of someone interested in joining TBVAC have them reach out to us at (201) 391-2332. Also, our fund drive was mailed in May and a follow up fund drive will be mailed shortly, please continue to be supportive. Any donation helps,” said McGee.

She added, “We also encourage anyone to call 9-1-1 in an emergency but we also ask the public to think, ʻDo we need an ambulance?ʼbefore making the call.”

Pollack said more outreach and recruitment promotion could include increased use of social media, street signage, and advertising on community channels, such as public television, message boards, and local news media.

“The ongoing discussion is how best to help TBVAC, increase community engagement, and do it legally and responsibly,” Pollack said. He said the TBVAC can also use the support of the areaʼs “talented professionals” who might be able to assist with communications and outreach efforts.

“They need more help and we need to find ways on howto best help them,” Pollack said.

Yuvaan Bakshi

It is with such deep sorrowthat we are informing you of the passing of our Sweet Beloved Yuvaan Bakshi, Dec. 7, 2018 –July 21, 2023.

In loving memory of our Yuvaan Bakshi, who passed away on Friday,July 21, 2023. Wepray to God for his departed atma to rest in eternal peace and givestrength to the family members to bear the loss of their beloved Yuvaan.

Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 486 Pompton Ave. (Route 23), Cedar Grove, N.J.

Arrangements are under the respectful care and direction of funeral director Christine Cuoco of Ruby Memorial. Family and friends may offer prayers and condolences at rubymemorialhome.com.

Mayor Carlos Rendo posted on July 22, "It is a sad day today in Woodcliff Lake as we grieve the passing of a young resident who drowned in his backyard pool. Our deepest condolences to the family. Our entire community offers comfort and support. As the family grieves, please respect their privacy."

He said, "We thank our heroic police officers, Tri-Boro volunteer ambulance personnel, ALS services, and the fire department, who tried to revive the young boy. Please join us in a prayer for all."

Rendo wrote on behalf also of Council President Jennifer Margolis and councilmembers Jaqueline Gadaleta, Josephine Higgins, Richard Schnoll, Nikki Marsh, and Benjamin Pollack.

Mayors back TBVAC recruitment efforts

Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali said social media, email blasts, and community newsletters would be used to seek more TBVAC volunteers. He said Montvale would be willing to kick in more funding beyond $20,000 “with the proper justification for the need.”

“We are relying on the members of the Tri-Boro corps to let us know what they need and how we can assist. We want them to continue to serve the boroughs and we want to set them up for success. We continue to meet with them almost on a monthly basis to identify what exactly they need and how we can help them. Still a work in progress,” said Ghassali.

Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna said TBVAC recruiting messages were included in his weekly newsletter, borough social media, and that he also “contacted schools and local groups to get the word out.”

He said, “The other mayors and I also plan to reach out to all of the local businesses to encourage participation during the workday.”

He said the mayors were “discussing how we can help both with potentially increased financial support but also helping in the maintenance of the facility and possibly help with utility costs. All these options are being run by our attorneys to make sure the TBVAC volunteer status remains intact.”

Pollack noted approximately 600 hours of training is necessary to be certified as an EMT,and one issue is that the courses needed are not offered frequently. He said a lack of volunteers for both volunteer ambulance squads and fire departments is a statewide problem.

All eight Pascack Valley towns have paid police departments.

“We want the corps to know that theyʼre appreciated. All three towns are united in this effort to help the volunteer service survive. This isnʼt a financial issue. This is a volunteerism issue,” Pollack said.

Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo told us the towns hope to reach out to high schools, colleges and local groups and organizations for volunteers. “We need more volunteers to give some of the longtime members a reprieve and to remain fresh and alert.”

Said Rendo, “Bottom line is the three mayors want to make this happen and help the Tri-Boro,” which may include helping with the non-profitʼs operating expenses. What the towns can and cannot do to assist a non-profit is an ongoing conversation.

In nearby Hillsdale (where Ghassali is borough administrator) the volunteer ambulance service plans to begin a pilot program in August employing paid, daytime EMTs to cover shifts that the service could not cover with volunteers. The Borough Council appropriated $110,000 for the programʼs start-up through 2023.

County filling a need

We reported in February that Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco IIIjoined with Bergen