“Mac” McGuire

Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant

James Patrick. “Mac” McGuire is another heavy hitter with the VAVRS. He joined Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1975 after a friend had invited him to come to the Squad. He saw what they were doing and how they took care of people and was impressed. By 1976, he was Squad Leader, Junior Squad Advisor, First Aid Instructor, CPR Instructor and Vehicle Extrication Instructor. Only two years after joining Forest View, he was elected Captain. Mac was its Captain for six years and its President for four years.

On a District Level, he was a District 3 Vice President for two years. Mac also served as the district Deputy Rescue Officer and Rescue Officer and was on the First Aid Contest Committee.

On the VAVRS state level, he was President, Vice President, Training Officer, and Convention Chair. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame and is a Life Member. Mac was one of the founding members of the Extrication Program.

He would advise the younger members of VAVRS to appreciate what a great organization they have joined.

VAVRS cares our fellow man, and we want to help them. It will teach them how to move from someone with an “all about me” outlook to someone who cares about everyone. It is a gift to have this this mindset. They can volunteer and help in their squads, districts and at the sate level. They can get a lot of support from Life Members and Passed Presidents as well. He says he was given an enormous amount of support from Page Entsminger, J. C. Philips, and Clayton Lester.

Mac says that the organization needs to get more young people involved, especially at the state level. The leaders need to lead, nurture, and instruct these young people.

He said the one thing that might surprise people is how involved he is in his church of twenty years, Skipwith Baptist Church in Richmond. He likes to be of service to his fellow man. His life of service attests to that.

Many honors and awards have been bestowed on him from VAVRS, the EMS Community and his home community. Too many to list!

Mac and his wife, Linda, were married on 10/19/74 and have been married for 49 years. They live in Glen Allen, Virginia. Mac and Linda have a daughter, Ashley, who lives in Rhode Island and a son, James, who lives in Hanover County. They have five grandchildren.

He shared many great stories during his interview. Sadly, on December 17, 2023 we were informed about the passing of Mac McGuire just days after this interview. Our beloved VAVRS Life Member and Past President will truly be missed.

Cards may be sent to Linda McGuire at: 9206 Hartley Hill Ct. Glen Allen, VA 23060-6388. Please keep Linda and their children Ashley and J.P. in your prayers.