As we all read or see on television there was a police officer, a firefighter, an EMS provider, or Tow Truck operator hit on the road. We must continue to train all First Responder’s of Scene Safety, many fire departments have taken their fire apparatus to use for blocking and now they are rethinking that idea. If the fire apparatus gets damaged or damaged so badly, they must purchase a new one, with a three-year delivery, what’s the best choice. Of course, they don’t want to lose a life, but is there a better way? We feel one of the best ways is education and making it aware to the public.
Here in Virginia the Traffic Incident Management classes are being taught in most police and fire academies. Remember we must practice what we preach. Virginia Department of Transportation has increased the Safety Service Patrol (SSP) They have approximately 62 SSP trucks throughout the state. In 2022 SSP responded to 153,000 incidents and 74,000 of them were used for Traffic Control. So, you can see what a tremendous assistance to all of us.
As we continue to work at the scene of a crash we are always concerned about secondary crashes. Secondary crashes are up 4% from last year. What causes secondary crashes? We all know of the distraction while we drive, is that it? Is it from fatigue? Is it from being impatient? Is it all the above? Regardless, “protect the scene”.
We have approximately 450 Traffic Incident Management Instructors throughout Virginia. The bad part is only about 50 are teaching the class. In 2021 there were 923 First Responders taught and in 2022 there were 651. VAVRS has instructors, Department of Fire Programs, Virginia State Police Department has instructors. We need to get all First Responders to take the Traffic Incident Management class. This class isn’t just for interstates, it is for all roads.
There is a lot of information on the website concerning crashes, secondary crashes, First Responders being struck, etc. You may search it or go to Virginia DMV or RESPONDSAFETY.COM
Reach out to these different groups and request a class. Protect your members and your citizens.
President - Wesley Melson
Vice President - Joey King
Secretary / Editor - Gary Dalton
Treasurer - Andy Neagle Training Officer - Frank Smith
Chaplain - Clarence Fox
Immediate Past President - Connie Moore
Parliamentarian - Scott Davis
Facilities Manager - Andy Neagle
I T Coordinator - Steve Ayes
District 1 Vice President - Jeff Grimm
District 2 Vice President - Jimmy Pair
District 3 Vice President - Kathy Eubank
District 5 Vice President - Heather Palm
District 6 Vice President - Lynn Hudson
District 7 Vice President - Romney Smith
District 9 Vice President - Bryant Skeen
District 10 Vice President - Nancy Orndoff
Executive Director - Bubby Bish
Office Coordinator - Mary Shively
Training Coordinator - Brian Bilheimer
Administrative Secretary - Carol Gothard Lobbyist - Ed Rhodes
Convention - Gary Dalton Bylaws - Scott Davis
I T - Scott Davis
Rescue College - Ken Morgan Finance - Andy Neagle Scholarship - Diana Wills Human Resources - Joey King
Legislative - Kim Craig Life Member - Kevin Dillard Hall of Fame - Ken Morgan EMS Advisory Board - Kim Craig EMS Advisory Board - Dreama Chandler EMS Exchange - Clarence Fox National EMS Memorial - Scott Davis Strategic Planning - Wesley Melson Training - Frank Smith Death Benefit - Andy Neagle
President - Shreyas Arcot Vice President - Abigail Kaikkonen
Secretary/Treasurer - Haven Johnson Historian - Shade Johnson Chaplain - Sunnie Davis
President - Eddie Ann Orndoff
Vice President - Kelley Shell
Secretary - Maxie Kerns
Treasurer - Fay Browning
Chaplain - Ailease Short
Historian - Stacey Frame
Parliamentarian - Carolyn Brand
Midwestern Vice President - Dolores Hudson
Northeastern Vice President - Doug Snell
Southcentral Vice President - Clara Craig
Southeastern Vice President - Carl Cherry
Southwestern Vice President - Sharon Castle
Western Vice President - Linda Berkstresser
Membership - Kelley Snell
Finance - Fay Browning Bylaws - Carolyn Brand Nominating - Kathy Plummer Life Member - Clara Craig
Convention Chair - Fern Puckett
Convention Co-Chair - Marie Householder Roll Call Chair - Rhonda Thompson
Roll Call Co-Chair - Layne Lusk
Fundraising Chair - Marcelle Caudill Fundraising Co-Chair - Ruth Swicegood
December 15 for the 1st Quarter Issue
March 15 for the 2nd Quarter Issue
June 15 for the 3rd Quarter Issue
September 15 for the 4th Quarter Issue
Hope everyone had a Happy Holiday Season!
I have been working with the staff reviewing their job assignments. I want to make sure that all have equal responsibility in their assigned job. There will be a few changes, and this will make things run more smoothly. The staff did complete an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED class that was held at the office.
I did make a visit to the Virginia Public Safety Training Center in Hanover County, to see what they could offer VAVRS. There is a lot of area there, over 2000 acres of land. This area was formally the Hanover Juvenile Correctional Center and now controlled by the Virginia Department of Justice. I have talked to Gary Dalton, and we agree to discuss the possibility of producing an EVOC Refresher video with the aid of their production staff. I will certainly keep you informed.
I also attended the Health and Human Resources Subpanel meeting on November 16, 2022. The main focus of the meeting was CoVID 19. The questions were? What have we learned? Did the state use the Medical Reserve Corp and the use of the Virginia Army National Guard? The last point was “Lessons Learned”. Other topics were Cross Training, Fit Testing, Early decision should be made, and Sharing Data. I will certainly keep our members of any training or opportunities that may come.
If there is anything I or the staff can do, please let me know.
By the virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:
The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS Gary Samuels, Bon Secours, Rappahannock General and Mary Immaculate Hospitals
The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS Gary Samuels, Bon Secours, Rappahannock General and Mary Immaculate Hospitals Gary Samuel's focus has always been on helping others and making EMS the best it can be for the citizens of the Commonwealth. He has more than 42 years of experience in fire, EMS and emergency services that includes volunteer, career, private and military organizations.
Gary worked for 28 years through all areas within the County of Henrico’s Division of Fire, retiring as EMS and Fire Operations Battalion Chief. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter at the Doswell Volunteer Fire Department in 1980. He joined the United States Air Force in 1985 and transferred into the Virginia Air National Guard’s Fire Department where he was a crash fire rescue firefighter and Staff Sergeant until 1994. He has over 28 years of hospital experience working at Bon Secours, Henrico Doctors and VCU Medical Center, using his advanced skills in the emergency department, cardiac progressive care units and administrative settings.
He is certified as a Nationally Registered Paramedic, Virginia Paramedic, Virginia Education Coordinator, Fire Officer 111, Fire Instructor 111, Fire Officer I and II Trainer and Fire Inspector. He is an Outreach Coordinator at Bon Secours Mercy Health and manages two facilities within the Peninsulas EMS Council region. He has made remarkable contributions to the local, regional and statewide EMS systems, including his service on Virginia’s State EMS Advisory Board since 2018, where he is the Chairman of the Legislative and Planning Committee. Gary's personal commitment, dedication and professionalism has been a hallmark of his ongoing involvement in EMS. He works tirelessly to advocate for, and promote excellence in, EMS care at all levels.
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in EMS The Kent J. Weber Trophy Jon Henschel, Winchester Fire and Rescue Department
Jon Henschel’s demonstrated commitment and service to public safety spans over 30 years. He began his distinguished career as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic. He remains an active member of the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department and Frederick County Fire and Rescue. He has “risen through the ranks” from volunteer to Sergeant, to Lieutenant, to Battalion Chief, and to his current position of Chief of Winchester Fire and Rescue.
Jon’s work and education history demonstrates his commitment to a comprehensive, integrated EMS system in the Commonwealth, as well as the high honor of his appointment to Virginia’s State EMS Advisory Board.
Jon believes in, and practices the importance of, ongoing professional development and education. He has earned undergraduate degrees in Fire Science and Fire Administration, as well as master’s degrees in Emergency Services Management and Organizational Leadership. Jon has committed much of his life to participating, teaching, enhancing and providing EMS services
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Dr. Michel Aboutanos is the chief of the Division of Acute Care Surgical Services at VCU, the Medical Director of the VCU Trauma Center and the Director of the VCU Injury and Violence Prevention Program. He is a passionate advocate for EMS. Previously, Dr. Aboutanos was the Medical Director for the VCU Paramedic Program from 2013-2018. During that time, he oversaw the education of hundreds of paramedics that are actively working and volunteering in the region today. He was committed to the EMS community by assuring that providers received the highest level of education and clinical experience by advocating for the availability of clinical rotations throughout the hospital. As the Medical Director of the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education from 2013-2020, Dr. Aboutanos served as the Physician Course Director for Prehospital Trauma Life Support courses, helping to bring this standard trauma education to hundreds of EMS agencies and training countless EMS providers. Dr. Aboutanos is an active member of Virginia’s State EMS Advisory Board, and his leadership role has helped shape and support prehospital care of trauma patients.
As a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse, Lou Ann Miller has been providing patients with outstanding care since 1980, and is recognized for a lifetime of advocating for trauma care, not only in the Peninsulas EMS region, but throughout the Commonwealth.
Until she retired from full-time service in April, 2022, Lou Ann Miller was the Trauma Program Manager for Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News. She was instrumental at Riverside Regional, attaining and maintaining certification as a Level II Trauma Center.
Lou Ann also led the way for trauma treatment training at every level of patient care; from training countless emergency room nurses who specialize in trauma, to bringing the Rural Trauma Course to many non-trauma centers across the Commonwealth. Lou Ann also served on numerous regional and statewide committees and has remained committed to improving the care of injured patients.
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Penny Kelly began her career in the medical field in 1978 as a registered nurse. She went on to pursue becoming an EMT and enrolled in Fire 1 and 2 classes in Fauquier County, where she was one of the first females to complete and pass the program.
In the early 1990s, while serving as an EMT for Fauquier, the chief asked Penny to teach EMT at both Liberty High School and Fauquier High School, beginning one of the first high school EMT programs in Virginia. The high school programs were revolutionary and exceptionally effective in recruiting and retaining new members for the volunteer departments in the county, as well as molding first responders to serve the region's career fire and EMS departments. Penny started her course with no gear or supplies to teach 17 eager and ethnically diverse individuals, and 28 years later she still finds a way to connect with each and every student she teaches.
Tyler Reid is a Nationally Registered Paramedic, a Virginia Paramedic and serves as an EMS Field Supervisor and Captain with York County Department of Fire and Life Safety. He has been a career provider within the organization since August 24, 2009.
As an instructor, Tyler has taught numerous Stop the Bleed classes and eagerly shares his knowledge to help educate future EMS leaders. Tyler also serves as the most senior SWAT Medic of the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team, which requires tactical EMS skills that are honed through on-going training, drills and actual operations.
He also actively participates in the York County Department of Fire and Life Safety EMS Equipment Committee, providing ideas for new technology product review and implementation. Tyler is a mentor to EMS providers in the field that are within his direct oversight, and he provides guidance and leadership to other EMS providers.
Jennifer Collins has distinguished herself in the area of provider health and safety by developing and managing initiatives that address both the physical and mental health of 185 fire and EMS providers in the Lynchburg Fire Department. She developed a sustainable fitness program called the Firefighter Occupational Risk Management Athletic Training Program.
Jennifer acquired a FEMA grant that allowed the agency to purchase workout equipment for every station. She also worked to strengthen the Employee Assistance Program and improved yearly mental health screenings.
Additionally, Jennifer has expanded the department's Peer Support Team by coordinating Critical Incident Stress Debriefings after all emergencies that have the potential to cause negative stress on the responders. She expanded the Volunteer Chaplains program, which allowed the Chaplains to be involved in special events, the Peer Support Team, and respond to calls when necessary for firefighter or citizen support
The Peninsulas EMS (PEMS) Council Pediatric Care Committee established an effective model of leadership in advocacy for EMS care for children. It was formed at the request of the PEMS Medical Advisory Committee to rewrite the entire pediatrics section of the PEMS Regional Patient Treatment Protocols.
The multidisciplinary team included representatives from the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, VCU Children's Hospital of Richmond, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and Riverside Health System.
The committee contributed countless hours in their effort to create an evidence-based set of pediatric protocols that reflect the highest standards of pediatric care. The members of the PEMS Pediatric Care Committee have volunteered to help raise the bar for pediatric care in the region and shine a light on often overlooked aspects of caring for children in the prehospital environment
Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance was the second hospital-based program in Virginia and the 38th air medical program in the U.S. Celebrating 40 years, and more than 24,000 patient flights, the agency continues to serve all of Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina. Nightingale works with EMS agencies to rapidly transport a wide variety of patients for care and intervention. They act as a bridge between EMS and hospitals by beginning advanced treatments, rapidly transporting the patient and preparing appropriate hospital teams at the tertiary care centers to ensure a streamline in-patient care and improving patient outcomes.
The agency also provides outreach and training to the Fire and EMS agencies they serve. Nightingale gives back to the community by participating in multiple EMS and Hospital community events, to include gun violence prevention, the “Every 15 Minutes” drinking and driving programs, and the distracted driving programs. Nightingale remains a model for flight safety and compassionate ICU -level patient care, and is an integral part of the Sentara Healthcare's mission to improve health every day.
Adriane Heiden began her employment with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue in 2018. During that time, she has excelled as a call taker and dispatcher, and has become a certified Emergency Dispatch Quality Assurance Reviewer. Adriane has a passion for education, and as a certified instructor for the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, she teaches new telecommunicators and delivers public education to her community.
In addition, Adriane has developed a training program to assist other personnel in processing calls from individuals experiencing medical emergencies while on the trails in Loudoun County. This training covers location determination programs and trail identification systems, and has been presented to all Loudoun County Fire and Rescue employees and new hire personnel within the center. Adriane also serves on the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Quality Assurance Unit committee, assisting the agency by reviewing trends and developing standards for the EMD program.
For over 20 years, Ken Smith has worked as the emergency management coordinator for HCA CJW Medical Center. He ensures that the safety and well-being of hospital staff, visitors and first responders is taken into consideration when developing and implementing standard operation procedures, meeting accreditation guidelines, during training events and conducting emergency response exercises.
Ken is also an active member of the Old Dominion EMS Alliance MCI committee and the Hospital Diversion Committee, where his experience and expertise has helped push forward the mission for both groups. In addition, Ken participates in the Old Dominion EMS Alliance’s Peer Support Team, where he responds to activations, assists with training and provides support to team members. He is also an active member of the Forest View VRS.
The Old Dominion EMS Alliance’s (ODEMSA) Regional Hospital Diversion Plan has been in place since 2001. Its purpose is to maintain an orderly, systematic and appropriate distribution of emergency patients transported by ambulances during a single or multiple hospital diversion situation within the ODEMSA region.
When stakeholders within the region conceived the plan, it was never anticipated that any one specific event would last for more than a few days to a week. However, in August of 2021 the longest period of diversion began, due to the increase in EMS volume, staff shortages and supply chain disruptions. The extended Patient Distribution Center activation lasted from August 10, 2021 through February 28, 2022.
Through ODEMSA’s innovation and with the collaboration of their stakeholders, the plan achieved its initial goal. The ODEMSA Region was able to pull off the longest diversion plan activation to date, and maintained a cohesive EMS and hospital system while mitigating EMS crew wait times and reducing hospital surge
An additional award is presented at the ceremony to recognize the outstanding contributions to EMS by a high school senior. This is a scholarship award provided by the Virginia Office of EMS in conjunction with the State EMS Advisory Board.
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For Michael Lansing, volunteering provides him a sense of purpose that has impacted other areas of his life. After becoming a lifeguard and taking a Basic Life Support course through the Red Cross, Michael saw an opportunity to enroll in Tuckahoe Rescue Squad’s EMT class and soon knew EMS was for him. Michael enjoys doing what he can to help those in need and is passionate to learn about the different health conditions that people experience.
If given the opportunity to improve the EMS system in Virginia, Michael would increase the promotion of EMT courses to potential students in the school systems and increase advertisement for volunteer opportunities. Michael intends to further his academic education at the University of Richmond and plans to apply to the VCU Paramedic Program. His goal is to one day become a physician. Michael believes that EMS is more than responding to 911 calls and saving lives, it’s having the opportunity to better the life of another person.
Submitted by Martha A. Walker, Ph.D., Danville Life Saving Crew Administrative Consultant
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The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” Vince Lombardi
Clayton T. Lester is a prime example of the positive impact hard work and dedication makes on a community and on the individual lives of those he met.
On September 27, 2022, the Danville Life Saving Crew recognized Clayton for his 60 years of service to Danville and Pittsylvania County Virginia. Joining the Crew on March 10, 1962, Clayton has served in most every position throughout the years and invested himself for 19 years as Captain, today’s equivalent to being Chief, before transitioning to serve as Business Manager and board member.
A graduate from Spring Garden High School in 1958, he began his life’s journey serving in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Danville Community College and started his service with the Danville Life Saving Crew.
He was very fortunate to have served with most of the Crew’s charter members and has been instrumental in making the Crew what it is today. Clayton’s career in EMS has spanned a time when the rescue squad served mainly as a first responder service, and he has seen it evolve from a day of being a simple first aid squad to an organization that provides advance life support care and rescue operations.
Clayton’s background in the banking industry made him a perfect fit for the Crew. He guided the Crew’s financial operation and served as assistant business manager under the late Jimmie Gardner and later as Business Manager and a member of the Board of Directors for almost four decades.
Clayton served as Captain of the Crew from 1976-1978 and then began a quest to serve the state association. In 1978, he was installed as president of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads.
During Clayton’s tenure as Business Manager the Crew was very fortunate to become an Advanced Life Support agency, certify the first EMT-CT’s for the Danville area, develop a memorial donation program to help support operations, install a heli-pad for patient transfers from the local hospital and many other first’s for the Danville Crew. The Crew was able to become financially stable and was proud to be able to purchase first class vehicles and equipment in a time before grants and government assistance.
Clayton was inducted in the Julian Stanley Wise Hall of Fame in 1990 and named a life Member of the VAVRS. He was also instrumental in establishing a scholarship fund in memory of his dear friend Kimball Glass. At the annual VAVRS convention if you saw Kimball, Clayton was always nearby. They were true friends in EMS.
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The Danville Life Saving Crew started in 1945 with just 15 volunteers and now we have over 100 volunteers and career staff members carrying on the legacy that people like Clayton started” said C. Keister Whitt III, Deputy Chief of the Crew. In 2007 a proclamation was approved by the Crew members and the Board of Directors naming the original Crew hall at 202 Christopher Lane in his honor. “The Clayton T. Lester Crew Hall” was dedicated on July 11, 2009.
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Our volunteers and career staff continue to set the standard for excellence, first put into motion by individuals like Clayton,” said Robbie Woodall, Chief of the Danville Life Saving Crew. “His dedication to our organization and his community will always live on.”
March 10, 1962
Joined DLSC
1964 Treasurer of Board
1965 Secretary of Board
1967 Secretary of Board
1970-1971 Crew Secretary
1972 Assistant Business Manager
1972 Life Member status DLSC
1973 Board Member
1974 Assistant Business Manager
1975 Secretary of Board and Assistant Business Manager
1975-1977 VAVRS Treasurer
1976-1978 Captain, Board Member
1977-1978 VAVRS Vice President
1978-1981 Assistant Business Manager
1978-1979 President of VAVRS
1982 Business Manager, Board Member
1983-1991 Business Manager, Alternate Board of Governors
1986-1987 Board Member, Raymond McNeely Lifetime Achievement Award
Sept. 1990 Installed in Julian Stanley Wise Hall of Fame
Life Member VAVRS
Business Manager, Board Member
2006-Current Board Member, Alternate Board of Governors
2007-2009 Board Member
2009-2010 Board Member
2012-2013 Board Member
Submitted by Jeff Grimm, District 1 Vice President
Lots of exciting things are happening here in the district and we want to get some dates out there for you to put on your calendar for the upcoming year. The next District meeting is being hosted by Fairfield Rescue on January 22. The Continuing education will start at 9 am and will be led by Mandy McComas, our district training officer. Mandy does a great job and will make it interactive and a fun time to learn. EVOC competition will have a meeting at 9 followed by the competition. EMT competition will start at 11 am and all of your team members will receive a CE hour for competing.
We are proud to announce that the first annual A. Page Entsminger Training Weekend will be held on April 28 -29-30, 2023 at the Rockbridge County High School in Lexington, Virginia. Stay tuned for more information about this event. Already included for the weekend is vehicle rescue, EVOC, MCI, all sorts of EMS CE classes. Special thanks to Travis Cox of Fairfield and Daniel Linkens of CSEMS for spearheading this huge event.
Stay safe everyone and above all else stay strong!
An EVOC Course was taught by Steve Rohr, Ronnie Slough, Matt Daniels and Travis Cox at Millboro Area Rescue Squad. District 1 VP Jeff Grimm was present and helped with the class as well. Photos submitted by Travis Cox.
Since I have not written an article in close to six months, let’s speak very briefly on what has been going on in my world, etc. In a few words, I have attended two EMS Advisory Board meetings (August and November), two Legislative and Planning Committee meetings in the same months. These meetings have developed language for a bill to include EMS in the Commonwealth as an essential entity. The intent of this legislation is to help EMS receive federal funds in future situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. I have also attended a number of Rules and Regulations Committee meetings that have crafted a new set of regulations. This has taken a lot of time and effort on the part of the committee members and Ron Passmore has led this effort. The committee now has the final copy to review and will vote on the final product at their January 2023 meeting before sending it on to the Advisory Board.
Next, the 2023 General Assembly session begins on January 11th, 2023 but I cannot tell you the end date after reading an opinion piece saying the session may run for only 30 days (that is what is says in the Constitution). Normally it is supposed to end around February 25th
First bill in the bunch is making EMS in the Commonwealth an Essential service. There are 39 states where EMS is not recognized as essential and 13 states including Tennessee and North Carolina deem EMS as essential. The Omnibus Act of 1981 in Congress sent funding to the states and local governments, but with no funds. The federal government should legislate that EMS is essential, but from a town hall virtual meeting sponsored by NAEMSP, NAEMT and NASEMSEO one of the panelists said that this would never happen. Therefore, VAVRS needs to push the Virginia legislature to do it for them. We have a bill and patrons for this move, but we need you as members to speak to your legislators, today.
Next, again this in this coming session, is a bill to add 9-1-1 Communications Officers to the enhanced retirement system will be reintroduced along with a second bill to include those in the state police who do the same job. Last year the bill was sent to the Joint Legislative and Audit Commission by both money committees to be studied. In November, the study was approved for 2023, along with six other groups that want the same enhanced retirement benefits. These committees have been using a 2008 study that did not include local governments.
Another bill that has already been introduced will add four additional forms of cancer to the list of cancers in the presumption code section. A bill from the State Police Association and the VA Arson Investigators will be adding arson and hazardous materials investigators to the same code section.
The committee will continue to monitor the introduction of bills throughout the next month or so.
The committee held a virtual meeting during the second week of December and decided that we will go to the General Assembly and visit with our legislators and lobby for the bills we support or oppose. There will be more information on this as it becomes available sending info to the district vice presidents to disseminate to the members. I have sent out a schedule of virtual meetings that are to discuss and allow citizens to sign up and speak to the Governor’s proposed budget. The Governor’s proposed budget was made public on December 15th .
Both houses have limited the number of bills that can be submitted for the upcoming session and many have used all of them at the present time. Finding a patron has been interesting to say the least.
Enjoy the holidays and if there are any questions please feel free to contact me.
For several years, Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad has been on the lookout for a new location to call home. The squad has identified a site at 700 Colonial Avenue to build a new station house with a number of features that will benefit the members and the community.
“The estimated cost for the overall building project is more than $1,500,000, so we are seeking financial support from many sources including grants and donations from community stakeholders,” said Nick Szobota, President of CBVRS. “Our bank will provide financing if CBVRS raises funds for the initial outlay of $330,000 for the structure. The sooner we reach that goal, the sooner we can make our dream a reality! “ Here’s how CBVRS members and the community will benefit from the new EMS facility: Strengthens infrastructure for emergency care and transport to a healthcare facility Supports developers promoting Colonial Beach as a thriving community with quality EMS services More central location at 700 Colonial Avenue ensures faster service to all parts of Colonial Beach Higher elevation eliminates issues with flooding during severe storms Community groups can rent space for meetings or events
If you’d like to help CBVRS answer the call to serve their community from a new home at 700 Colonial Avenue, contact cbvrspresident@colonialbeachrescue.com to make a contribution to the building fund or send a check to: CBVRS, 225 Dennison St., Colonial Beach, VA 22443. Please put “Building Fund” in the Memo line. Thanks so much for your support!
LifeCare Medical Transports will be donating three ambulances to Ukraine in hopes to help with the dire need of ambulances in the war-torn country. The ambulances will be picked up and delivered to Ukraine through a nationwide effort led by Chris Manson of OSF HealthCare.
Since March of 2022, Kevin Dillard and Chris Manson have collaborated on a nationwide effort for donations of ambulances, equipment, and medical supplies for the Ukrainians. Together they have been able to help get multiple ambulances donated as well as medical equipment and medical supplies.
Along with the three ambulances, LifeCare has also been the staging ground for medical supply donations from local agencies. Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad donated medical supplies that will be delivered
to Ukraine alongside the ambulances. Wintergreen Fire & Rescue and Stuarts Draft Fire Department also donated a fully functional emergency department bed, 36 MSA air packs, thirty-six sets of turnout gear and twenty sets of brand-new tire chains.
Since March numerous agencies and individuals have donated medical supplies, ambulances, equipment, and money. Cash donations from the VAVRS District 9 and community members like Jimmy and Dot Dillard have been used to buy winter sleeping bags. Thank you to the agencies and individuals who have gone above and beyond to help those in need in Ukraine.
Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad
Wintergreen Fire & Rescue Stuarts Draft Fire Department
Madison County Volunteer Rescue Squad
Mid-County Volunteer Rescue Squad
Cleveland Life Saving Crew
Russell County Sheriff’s Office LifeCare Medical Transports
Northumberland Volunteer Rescue Squad
Northumberland County Sheriff’s Department
Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad Mercy Ambulance
Henrico Volunteer Rescue Squad Fair Oaks Volunteer Rescue Squad Stoney Creek Volunteer Rescue Squad
“Being able to help with the donation of ambulances and medical supplies is the least we could do to try to aid Ukraine. We know they are in dire need of supplies, and we are just grateful to be able to help them by donating these ambulances. The EMS community is remarkably close and agencies from across Virginia have been sending aid. It is truly a humbling experience to see so many agencies in our area and across the nation reaching out to help. That is what EMS is all about. Helping those in need,” Kevin Dillard, President, and CEO of LifeCare stated. If you or an agency is interested in donating, please contact Kevin Dillard at kdillard@lifecare94.com.
Dear Rescue Ranger, I have been following you on Facebook, Twitter, Worldwide Web, Google, LinkedIn, Your Tube, My Tube and Everybody’s Tube. You are phenomenal! I have learned so much. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Money Man, Those who like my posts are happier, more intelligent and better-looking than those who don’t; according to a study I made up.
Dear Rescue Ranger, I am so tired. Worked everyday during the COVID, every holiday for the past two years and many were back-to-back 24 hour shifts. I do find EMS work very fulfilling but boy am I tired!
L. F. S.
Dear Frank, When I was your age, I had to walk 10 feet through shag carpet to change the TV channel so I know what tired feels like!
Dear Rescue Ranger, I went to church with my wife during Christmas and one of our grandchildren asked us, “Why is it important to be quiet in church?” She said, “Because there are people sleeping!” No too smart to say that to an easily influenced youth. What do you think?
Dear Mr. Phillips, No, not too smart. I told my wife I saw a deer on the way to work yesterday and she said, “How do you know he was headed to work?”
Dear Rescue Ranger, New Year’s resolution gonna get into shape! Really, I mean it this time – get more exercise, eat smart and get plenty of rest. 2023 is the year I turn my health around! I challenge everyone to join me!
M. A.
Dear Mr. Ayers, I probably should, I lifted up my shirt to check out my abs and a Cheeto fell out, so there’s that.
Dear Rescue Ranger, I guess I gotta ask the big question How is retirement?
Your Bestest Friend and Sugar
Dear Bubby, You know what they say, if one door closes and another opens, you house is haunted and you need to run. It is the worse job I have ever had. For example, I haven’t completely lost my mind...half of it just wandered off, and the other half went looking for it. On a positive note I have had plenty of time to ponder some of life mysteries:
• If a No. 2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still No. 2?
• Why do we press harder on the remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
• Why are you “in” a movie, but “on: TV?
• Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?
• Why do “fat chance and “slim chance” mean the same thing?
• Why do British people never sound British when they sing?
• At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours?
• When does it stop being partly cloudy and start being partly sunny?
• Why do people say “heads up” when you should duck?
Submitted by Morgan Szymczyk, MSC-Associate Director Marketing & Communications
LifeCare Medical Transports held their annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 11th in Fredericksburg, VA. During the event, carols were sung, Santa arrived on the back of an ambulance, and employees and supporters of LifeCare were recognized for their immense dedication and service throughout the year.
Leading the event in carols and holiday songs were Kris Abe, Central Fleet Manager for LifeCare, and his wife Michelle. After singing “Here Comes Santa Claus”, Santa arrived on the back of the ambulance. Santa assisted Kevin Dillard, President & CEO and Dan Wildman, Senior Vice President present years of service awards. These individuals were commemorated for their dedication and support of the communities LifeCare serves.
Those recognized for their years of service included:
Jimmy and Dot Dillard –30 Years Diana Wills 30 Years
Earle Greene 23 Years Rosa Seale 12 Years John Brandrup 19 Years John Ayers 20 Years Years
LifeCare has been serving our communities for 30 years. We are so grateful to have employees and lifelong supporters who have been with us for so many years helping us ensure a centric healthcare system in the communities that we serve. These individuals are more workers, they are truly friends and great individuals who we are proud to work alongside each day. We look forward to recognizing more employees for their hard work and dedication in the coming months and Kevin Dillard, President & CEO of
Congratulations to all of those who have reached these milestones and thank you for all that you do!
Submitted by VAVRS President Wesley Melson
Wishing you a happy, safe, and healthy 2023!
As we embark on this new year, I am especially thankful for our staff, members, and officers. During this time each of us should pause to count our many blessings. The freedom of our great country in which we live. It’s opportunity for achievement. The friendship and confidence you have shown in each of the association officers. For all of those things we are deeply thankful.
We are excited to announce that Bubby Bish has accepted the Executive Director position with the VAVRS. Bubby has been an active member with Southside Virginia Emergency Crew for 57 years in addition to being a VAVRS Life Member and Virginia Rescue Hall of Fame Member.
Save the Date!
Spring Board of Governor’s – Doubletree Williamsburg, VA – March 25, 2023
VAVRS Rescue College – The Inn at Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA – June 9 – 18, 2023
First Responder Virginia Convention – Hampton Conv. Cntr Hampton, VA – September 20-23, 2023
Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue can be described with many adjectives; small, rural, all volunteer, and totally dedicated are the first few that come to mind. Tucked into Southern Alleghany County, these folks combined training, education, and life saving all throughout the year.
The challenges of residing and rendering aid in smaller localities are numerous compared to larger cities and areas where opportunities are available much more frequently. With a rapid decline in volunteerism across the nation and equally evident here in this area, Boiling Springs, being a long-standing member of VAVRS, hosted several training classes during 2022. In April, Boiling Springs members, Jimmy and Sandy Byer, along with Dunlap member, Rick Knick, taught an EVOC class to local volunteers at Boiling Springs Station resulting in 12 new certifications and one recertification. In May, VAVRS, sent a team of instructors and equipment to teach a farm machinery extrication class which was much needed due to the territory Boiling Springs responds to. In October, instructors Greg Burton (West Rock RS), Jeff Hodges (Franklin County RS), Wayne Myers (Blacksburg RS), Dwaine Paxton and David Vest (both Dunlap RS), came together at Boiling Springs to teach a school bus extrication class. Also in October, the Byers, from Boiling Springs, and David Vest (Dunlap), taught an EVOC class at Boiling Springs F/R building, gaining 9 new certified drivers and 1 recert. In March, Boiling Springs hosted Mod I and MOD II classes to area responders, sponsored by Virginia Department of Fire Programs. In June, Boiling Springs members attended the annual VAVRS Rescue College and took advantage of the training there. In addition to endless training, Boiling Springs members participated in several VAVRS events. Boiling Springs squad was represented at all four District one meetings during 2022; while also serving as the host agency for the July meeting.
Boiling Springs member, Betty Wolfe, who is also a District One Life Member attended the spring Board of Governor’s meeting. In August, Boiling Springs was represented at the annual Fire/Rescue Virginia Conference. Boiling Springs member, Jimmy Byer, competed in the EVOC contest and won first place.
All of the training that these members take part in, comes with a specific goal in mind; treating and caring for patients. Rescue squad members respond to approximately 200 calls for service yearly including providing mutual aid to other local EMS agencies. As most volunteer Fire and Rescue departments across the state are
aware, providing services comes with a cost. While volunteer departments in Alleghany County are provided with partial funding by the county, some of the hardest work performed by Boiling Springs members comes from fundraising. These folks set up their food trailer at multiple events in Covington and Clifton Forge all during the year, along with spaghetti dinners and hoagie sales from the Fire/Rescue building. The average membership holds fairly steady at around 40 volunteers with various certifications. The friendly call volume of about 200 calls per year is plenty to keep the providers active and up to date with constant changes in the EMS world.
Boiling Springs members look forward to providing services in 2023 and well into the future as well as maintaining an active
PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129
ISSN 0279-6023
Phone: 804-749-8191
Phone: 800-833-0602
Fax: 804-749-8910
E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com
John 15:13
NONPROFIT ORGAN..U.S.POSTAGEPAIDWOODSTOCK, VA PERMIT NO. 82
"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends."