2ND QUARTER 2024 VIRGINIA LIFELINE

Virginia LIFELINE

2nd Quarter 2024

The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads

Message from the President

Greetings Everyone,

I hope this message finds everyone doing well.

On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads held its Spring Board of Governors Meeting at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Charlottesville Virginia.

I would like to thank the Office Staff, the Officers, Committee Chairs, Auxiliary, Junior Members and Advisors along with the District VP’s and the agency members that attended and participated to make this a very successful meeting. We had 38 agency representatives and a total of 45 voting representatives present.

VAVRS is very fortunate to have the support of the many members of the Auxiliary- Thank You!

The Junior Squad members and Advisors are working very hard to grow their membership. That group of young people are not only so important to our individual agencies but to the future leadership of our Association. I would ask that you support and encourage these folks.

Mr. Wayne Perry, Chair of the EMS Exchange Committee, gave an outstanding PowerPoint presentation on the EMS Exchange Program, very interesting and informative.

Tarry Pribble, the VAVRS Treasurer gave a very detailed, refreshing report on the finances of the Association. Tarry has worked diligently over the last several months to get all accounts in order and is currently preparing information for the upcoming years budget.

The VAVRS Office is still working with limited staff while Carol is recovering from a recent illness. While Carol has been out, Gary Dalton and Sarah have been doing an extraordinary amount of work to assist Bubby Bish and Brian Bilheimer in the office. I would ask the members of the Association to please be patient while staff handles the many requests they receive daily.

Just a reminder on the reimbursement policy that has been adopted by VAVRS whereas, receipts are required to be attached with your request for reimbursement. Please make sure, when you have a meal receipt, you submit the itemized receipt.

In closing, It is my extreme pleasure to serve as your President. I have been so fortunate to have such a hardworking team of officers, staff, agencies, members and to the many instructors of the VAVRS programs, you are all the face of VAVRS. Thank you all for your continued help and support.

Stay safe.

Respectfully,

John H. Craig lll President

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads Inc.

2023-2024 VAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs

President - John Craig

Vice President - Andy Neagle

Secretary / Editor - Gary Dalton

Treasurer - Tarry Pribble

Training Officer - Wayne Myers

Chaplain - Kenneth Williams

Immediate Past President - Wesley Melson

Parliamentarian - Scott Davis

Facilities Manager - Andy Neagle

I T Coordinator - Steve Ayers

District 1 Vice President - Jeff Grimm

District 2 Vice President - Matt Chiardia

District 3 Vice President - Kenny Frenier

District 5 Vice President - Heather Palm

District 6 Vice President - Lynn Hudson

District 7 Vice President - Ted Harris

District 9 Vice President - Tim Salyer

District 10 Vice President - Nancy Orndoff

Executive Director - Bubby Bish

Training Coordinator - Brian Bilheimer

Administrative Secretary - Carol Gothard

Lobbyist - Ed Rhodes

Bylaws - Scott Davis

Convention - Gary Dalton

Death Benefit - Andy Neagle

EMS Advisory Board - Kim Craig

EMS Advisory Board - Bruce Stratton

EMS Exchange - Wayne Perry

Facilities - Andy Neagle

Finance - Tarry Pribble

Hall of Fame - Ken Morgan

Human Resources - Andy Neagle

I T - Scott Davis

Legislative - Kim Craig

Life Member - Kevin Dillard

National EMS Memorial - Scott Davis

Rescue College - Ken Morgan

Rescue College - Steve Southworth, Co-Chair

Scholarship - Diana Wills

Strategic Planning - John Craig

Training - Wayne Myers

Youth Activities - Alfred Smith

Youth Activities - Brandon Baugus, Co Chair

2023-2024 VAJVRS Officers

President - Shade Johnson

Vice President - Christopher Skeen

Secretary/Treasurer - Haven Johnson

Historian - Koedan Murphy

Chaplain - Kaden Gray

VAVRS Junior Advisors

Alfred Smith - Bryant Skeen

Brandon Baugus - Steve Rohr

2023-2024 AVAVRS Officers and Committee Chairs

President - Kelley Snell

Vice President - Debbie Rohr

Treasurer - Fay Browning

Chaplain - Eddie Ann Orndoff

Historian - Samantha Snell

Immediate Past President - Eddie Ann Orndoff

Midwestern Vice President - Dolores Hudson

Northeastern Vice President - Doug Snell

Southcentral Vice President - Clara Craig

Southeastern Vice President - Carolyn Brand

Southwestern Vice President - Patricia Moore

Western Vice President - Judy Leach

Secretary - Maxie Kerns

Parliamentarian - Warren Winner

Finance - Fay Browning

Bylaws - Warren Winner

Nominating - Sharon Castle

Life Member - Fern Puckett

Convention Chair - Fern Puckett

Convention Co-Chair - Kathy Plummer

Roll Call Chair - Rhonda Thompson

Roll Call Co-Chair - Layne Lusk

Fundraising Chair - Stacey Frame

Fundraising Co-Chair - Marcella Caudill

Deadline for future issues are as follows:

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

Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS.

Feature articles are encouraged.

Photos and/or graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested.

Edward “Bubby” Bish, Executive Director

Guess what? Warm weather is right around the corner.

The VAVRS office has been very busy since our last meeting. We have conducted two all day training sessions to provide Continue Education Units for the EMS certification. It would have been very difficult to provide those hours without the assistance of Brian Bilheimer and Kathy Eubank, especially Kathy’s training group.

Since our last BOG meeting, I have attended several district meetings throughout the state and learned a lot. On December 6, 2023, I attended the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of the Cardiac-Tech Program in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach, which was the first EMS agency to put that program in place. It is amazing how far we have come and to look at the pictures of the equipment and “yes” some of the people we knew was in the Cardiac Program.

One of my goals when I was fortunate to be selected as the Executive Director was to get the name of VAVRS back into the spotlight of EMS. The team at the office has really stepped up to the plate getting that accomplished. I was appointed to serve on a committee to work on HB2175 with other EMS providers in the Commonwealth. This bill was to assist Fire and EMS sustainability of funding and alternative funding. I believe at this time; it is carried over to 2025. I was also appointed to serve on a committee for the Regional EMS Medication Group Transition Workgroup. This involved the Board of Pharmacy and the DEA. It’s the way we exchange our Drug Boxes. We will find out our future in November 2024.

I have also been appointed to serve on the Governors EMS Advisory Board Subcommittee on Transportation. This committee assists in reviewing Four for Life requests for transportation vehicles from request of EMS agencies throughout the state. As you know there are a few EVOC courses approved by OEMS. During one of our meetings, a discussion was held that a representative from OEMS would no longer approve the request of approved courses from different agencies or companies. During the discussion, it was voted and passed that a committee from the Transportation Committee would review and approve any new EVOC courses that were sent to OEMS. The committee consists of Robert Trimmer, from Chesterfield Fire & EMS. Dan Fellows, from Richmond Ambulance Service, and Bubby Bish, from VAVRS serving as Chair. The committee is responsible for reviewing all new EVOC courses and will approve or disapprove all new EVOC courses in the Commonwealth.

In January I had the privilege to install the auxiliary officers of Bensley Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad. Their theme was the 1950’s and yes, I dressed up for the 50’s, lots of fun.

On February 21 through 24, 2024, I manned a vendor booth for VAVRS at the Chief’s Conference in Virginia Beach. I gave out a lot of information on VAVRS, our conference, and our rescue college. Great event.

On February 27, 2024, I went to the Virginia State Capitol Building with the family and friends of Mac McGuire for the presentation of a Memorial Resolution for Mac. It was a very humbling event and it made me proud that Mac was such a tremendous asset to VAVRS.

At this point and time, Carol Gothard is still recovering and hopefully she will be returning to the office soon.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Executive Director. It is a pleasure.

Kicking off 2024 with a few snapshots of life at Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Submitted by Bobby Hill, Life Member

Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad

Marketing-Social Media Team

Welcome Spring!

Flowers are starting to bloom, and showers are falling as this is being written. Soon it will be time to mow the grass.

We have had some fundraisers and fun activities since our last report in the LIFELINE.

In December, we catered two banquets; one for the Kiwanis Club and the other was the Shriner’s Kids Christmas party. The duty crew was fed after the banquets. We always fix extra so they can enjoy a meal too. Our installation started with a dinner at Golden Corral and after dinner we all went to Kathy Plummer’s house for the Installation of our 2024 officers by Jerry Beard, a Lifetime member of WFAC. Jill Stachowski presented a bouquet of carnations, a diamond bracelet, and plaque to Carolyn Beard for her 60 years of service to our Auxiliary. Cindy Banks, who has served for 40 years, was given a bouquet of flowers, a ruby necklace and plaque. Zackary Stachowski was honored with Life Membership in the Auxiliary and presented with a plaque and silver tie-tac. CeCe McCormick gave each of us lighthouse earrings and a necklace. After all this we enjoyed cake and punch. Also, in December we did cards with treat bags for the Springdale housing residents, fixed a fruit basket for the crew members, gave children of the crew members a gift card for Christmas.

On New Year’s Eve, we gathered at the crew building for a small celebration and potluck dinner to bring in 2024. Crew members on duty were able to come and grab a bite to eat in between calls.

January was a quiet month with no catering. Danny did some spring cleaning in the kitchen at the building. Books were placed in the free Little Library in town. Also, on January 18th, Carolyn Beard was presented with a Proclamation from the City of Waynesboro for her 60 years of service to the Auxiliary. Vice Mayor Jim Wood made the presentation of a plaque to Carolyn.

In February we tried a new fund raiser for us. We made and sold country ham sandwiches. It was successful for us with little man-hours in preparation or pick-up time from customers. We will try another later in the spring.

We have a catering event scheduled for March, maybe a drive-through spaghetti dinner in May, and maybe another ham sandwich sale.

CeCe McCormick, Historian, WFAC Auxiliary

AUXILIARY TO THE VIRGNIAASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUADS OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD

Name of Nominee Celia McCormick

Auxiliary Affiliation Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary

Date joined Auxiliary-February 1988 Life Member-Yes Date-December 1993

CeCe has been our Historian for at least 25 years and is also currently serving as Chaplain. She was awarded Life membership in 1993.

CeCe volunteered to fill the vacancy of Western District Historian this year and is working very hard to make a complete scrapbook for submission at Convention. She was just elected to serve another year as Historian in the District.

She was appointed at the last Convention to serve on a committee to review the AVAVRS Scrapbook rules.

Over the years she has served as Waynesboro’s Historian. she has placed several times in the AVAVRS Scrapbook competition, including placing 1st a couple years ago. This was the highlight of her years of making scrapbooks. CeCe was presented with the Nancy Hall trophy at convention last year by Henrico Auxiliary.

CeCe is very active in our Auxiliary creating lots of things for us to do for our squad and community. She coordinates Bingo, filling out Christmas cards and doing Easter baskets at one of our low-income housing projects.

She contributes books to the Little Libraries located around town. She collected flower vases for a Florist whose business burned. CeCe coordinated putting together baskets of snacks for the hospital ER, Fire Department, Rescue 1, Police department and the 911 Center during EMS week. She collects toiletries to give to participants at the WARM shelter during the winter months.

CeCe does the table decorations for our catering/social events, puts together bags for the children of crew and Auxiliary during Halloween and Christmas. She also makes sure the Christmas tree is up and decorated for the season of activities. She calls and checks on members if they are ill.

CeCe has been married to Danny McCormick for 34 years. They have 2 daughters, one grandson and one granddaughter. They attend Edward Avenue Baptist Church.

Submitted by Kathy Plummer, Vice President, WFAC Auxiliary

Leading With Grace

The AVAVRS President selected as her theme this year “Golden Rule with Grace”. I did some research on what is grace? “The quality of being pleasantly polite or a willingness to be fair and honest is good grace.” My research led me to an acronym for the word grace.

G - Generosity - willing to do something more for others.

R - Respect - Dignity for life and work.

A - Action - Mechanism for change.

C - Compassion - Concern for others.

E - Energy - The spirit that moves us.

Grace is what I see in each person within this organization. You extend encouragement, a helping hand and hope. You are supportive of others even when there is disagreement. You each give of your time to help others in need. All of us in this organization is committed to practicing kindness and compassion.

I found a quote (author unknown) that sums grace up. “Grace gives you the strength you need to overcome any obstacle.” Eddie Ann Orndoff, Chaplain, AVAVRS Life Member, AVAVRS Immediate Past President

AVAVRS Historian Samantha Snell presenting the Outstanding Service Award to CeCe McCormick at 2024 Convention.

In Memorial—Marie Householder

Where do I begin to start to honor Marie Householder? She has known me since the summer of my ninth-grade year of high school. She has been a friend, leader, teacher, but more importantly a family member by choice. We may not have agreed on some things like family members sometimes do, but we eventually agreed to disagree and move forward. She has had many accomplishments in her lifetime. A long-lasting legacy in both her volunteering with her local Rescue Squad, Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad (LCVRS) located in her hometown of Leesburg, Virginia, as well as her membership in Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary (LCVRSA). As I have listed below you can see how she volunteered at the State level of the Auxiliary to the Virginia Association Volunteer Rescue Squads (AVAVRS). At the time of her passing she was the President of the Auxiliary as well as my AVAVRS Convention Chair this year.

She is the reason I stepped up to become a local Officer in the Auxiliary, an Officer in the District as well as a State Officer. She was guiding me through the steps and was teaching me what to do so I could become a leader. I can say it wasn’t an easy job. She would nudge me when I would get off topic and let me know when not to say exactly what I was thinking out loud. I kept her busy. She is gone now so I must try hard to remember what she taught me.

I know she had many wonderful friends throughout the State of Virginia. Many are affected by her unexpected passing. I know that their memories of Marie will help them through this difficult time. All the meetings attended, speeches given, travel trips taken, and meals that they shared on their volunteering journeys through the State will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Marie. Your legacy lives on and you are in our hearts and minds.

When listing all of Marie’s Offices she held in the AVAVRS the list was so long with her accomplishments. I do not think there were many Officer positions she didn’t hold. She started as the Northeastern District Vice President in 1986 to 1989. She was the AVAVRS Treasurer (1990-1991), The AVAVRS Secretary (1991 (1993-1995), and then AVAVRS President (1995-1997).

Marie also received her Life Membership in the AVAVRS in 1994 and 1996 she won the Outstanding Service Award. Served on multiple AVAVRS Committees as both a member and as Chair or Co-Chair throughout the years. She was the current Convention Chair for 2024 before passing.

Marie and her husband, Harry fully sponsored the AVAVRS Auxiliary of the Year Award

Marie Joined Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1971. She was one of the first female CPR/First Aid Instructors in Loudoun County, Virginia. She was an EMT and ran emergency calls for several years. She served on the LCVRS Board of Directors for several years as well as on many committees during her years at the station.

LCVRS Auxiliary

In December 1976 Marie Joined the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary. She became a Life Member in 1986. She received several major Awards during her time of service. She won the Ed Kitts Award in 1986; Loudoun County Hall of Fame award in 2019; as well as Loudoun County Loudoun County Combined Fire/Rescue Valor Award on April 20, 2018.

During her many years of Service with the LCVRS Auxiliary, Marie held many Offices and was on many committees as both a member and as Chairman. Her last Office held was President for 2024. She was a true leader, teacher, friend, and family to many of us who still volunteer. We will all miss her and the guidance she had for our Auxiliary.

Some Members of the VAVRS and AVAVRS may not know that Marie also volunteered with other organizations as well. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Haymarket Chapter. I am not sure how active she has been in the last few years because she was not only working herself but helping Harry with his business. I think they were always on call. She also stepped in for Ashburn Rainbow Assembly #11 when they needed a Treasurer. She served on the Board and as Treasurer until a replacement could be found. She enjoyed working with the members and the few girls in the Assembly at that time.

Respectfully submitted, Kelley Snell, AVAVRS President, Auxiliary Secretary, Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad

VAVRS District III (3)

Warren A. Winner-Historian

District III Vice-President Kenny Frenier (Colonial Heights) is conveying important information to members. He had been in attendance at the Board of Directors meeting earlier in the day, February 3rd. District meetings are important and squads should encourage participation in the information exchange, contests and social activities. District 3 has been combined with District 8 and we certainly encourage additional participation from both districts.

This February’s meeting was hosted by Goochland County at their new Hadensville Fire/Rescue Station. Station personnel are proud of this new facility and provided opportunities for attendees to tour the facility that is staffed by both career and volunteer providers. The facility incorporates many safety, comfort and environmental features that will serve their community needs for a long time.

VAVRS is very much involved in training and legislative matters and as members we should participate in both district and statewide activities.

Long-Serving Member of Sterling Rescue Called Home

Submitted by Byron Andrews, Sterling Rescue

Charlie Grant, 87, a long-time member of the emergency services and communities in Eastern Loudoun County, passed peacefully at his residence in December 2023. He was honored February 9, 2024, by the Sterling Community and the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, celebrating of a man who, while short in stature, was truly a larger-than-life figure.

Charlie wore many hats within the community. When he moved into the Sterling community in the early 1970s, he saw a need to help the underserved in the community. His accomplishments included working with area churches to create a network of food pantries and working to provide shelter for the unhoused and those fleeing from violent situations. Charlie recognized that some lacked access to transportation and he helped to start the Virginia Regional Transit Association which has expanded to provide transportation to many rural communities within the Commonwealth. Charlie would become an icon in the community and eventually was elected to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.

Charlie joined Sterling Rescue shortly after his sons had joined the rescue squad. First, as an operational member, supporting the community and ensuring that units could get out on calls. As a local businessman, he along with his sons would park a unit in front of their shop and run calls during the day. As a pastor, Charlie really wanted to serve the squad and the organization as the department member to have dual membership with both the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company. He also went on to serve as chaplain for other emergency service organizations, including

local law enforcement agencies and emergency service responders at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Over the next forty years Charlie would respond to hundreds, if not thousands of calls at all hours of the day and night. Charlie was quick to show up to offer compassion and prayer to those in need. He was a line of support for the second patient, the family who is taking care of the first patient or left behind. The number of hours he would spend with grieving families to provide support, comfort, or transportation is countless. His duties as chaplain weren’t just going to calls; he would spend time with the crews, talking to them offering comfort on those difficult calls. But more importantly, he was always present, offering prayers at our meetings and banquets or sending cards and flowers to members or their families, and even regularly officiated weddings and funerals. His passion to help the public safety community and those we serve was instrumental in replicating these services to other departments within Loudoun County, resulting in the establishment of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue Chaplain’s Committee.

Charlie was ever present, and he was an active member of both departments up to his passing at 87. To celebrate his life of service, several hundred public safety personnels joined on a beautiful February day to honor a true humanitarian and a servant leader. His work continues to live on in the chaplains that serve the communities today.

Fromthe Legislative Attic

SubmittedbyEdRhodes

The 2024 General Assembly is over – on time and with a budget. The VAVRS Legislative Committee tracked close to 80 plus pieces of legislation. Of interest to the VAVRS membership were several bills introduced to add 9-1-1 Dispatchers to the enhanced retirement system. Unfortunately, none of the passed but were carried over to the 2025 session. One SB630, added these dispatchers to the definition of public safety officers for the purpose of being nominated for the Commonwealth Valor award. This bill has been signed by the Governor.

A few bills that we opposed were proof of immunization would not be required to attend training sessions at medical care facilities (left in HHS Committee), legalizing consumer fireworks for sale in the Commonwealth (left in the General Laws Committee), and state income tax subtraction for volunteer fire and EMS Personnel (left in Finance). HB1309 requires the EMS Advisory Board to develop guidelines for emergency treatment of police dogs by EMS personnel (awaiting action by the Governor).

There were other bills that wanted to increase the Four for Life funding, add programs for EMS personnel for fatigue and PTSD, and to increase the Line of Duty payments, which is waiting for Governor’s action, the others were carried over.

The budget bill has some items in it affecting EMS also. In HB29, the Governor removed the second payment of $12.5 million that went to the General Fund and removed the same amount in the first payment of HB30, the two-year budget bill. Neither one of these bills has had any action on them by the Governor as of this writing.

We also submitted a proposed Joint Resolution in honor of James Patrick “Mac” McGuire, a former President of VAVRS, a Life Member and Hall of Fame member. On February 27th, Linda McGuire was presented this resolution by Senator John McGuire (nephew) in front of a number of family, friends and VAVRS members.

It appears our Executive Director knows someone everywhere he goes these days. Below is a perfect example of this.

The annual Reconvened Day or Veto Day is scheduled for April 17th at 12 noon. This will be a long day with close to 100 vetoes and a like number with proposed amendments.

The 2025 session begins on January 8th , 2025, and will be the “short” session, 45 days in length.

Thanks for all of your support and there will be more in the next issue.

Linda McGuire receiving the Memorial Resolu-

Executive Director Bubby Bish and Vice President Andy Neagle seated in the Senate Gallery.

Bubby Bish with Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg City and others)

Tragedy struck the Sterling Community on February 16th

Submitted by Byron Andrews, Sterling Rescue

The Sterling Fire Company would respond to a report of an outside gas leak near the intersection of Seneca Ridge Drive and Sliver Ridge Drive. Upon arrival they noticed an odor and began to investigate and determined that there was a leaking propane tank at a residence in the area.

The Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad was founded in 1964 and the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1966.

Initially, the two departments were in two separate buildings in the community. The Squad was in an old model home which it also shared with the library and the Fire Company was in a dairy barn. In the early 1970’s the two departments joined together and built a station.

Today the two departments are still corporately separate, however we both share the same facilities. Both departments staff their station with duty crews. This would be the case with both department’s Friday Night Duty crew, so over the years the crews have developed a bond. Some may say roommates, others may stay siblings and there are days that we can act like that. But when challenged or hurt, we do come together as a larger family, and this would be the case with this incident.

While investigating the leak at the house exploded, leveling the house spreading the content of the house all over the community that the explosion could be heard and felt for miles. Instantly, several firefighters along with the occupants of the house would be injured, firefighters trapped in the basement under the weight of the debris from the two-story home and tragically the life of Trevor Brown would be lost.

The outside gas leak has turned into a structure fire with mayday calls being made by trapped firefighters and mass casualty event. With limited resources on the scene and many injured Sheriff’s Deputies were quick to treat and triage the injured civilians and firefighters until the arrival of additional resources.

Sterling Rescue along with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue personnel were staffing the three stations with three medic units, an ambulance, and the heavy rescue. Two of these units were already committed to call that were occurring in the community prior to the call. Medic 635, Ambulance 635 and Rescue 635 would be in the initial response. The incident would expand to include two additional alarms, a Rapid Intervention, an EMS Task Force and additional ambulances. Upon hearing of the incident, command staff of Sterling Rescue responded to the scene in support.

Within an hour of the incident operational and administrative members had rushed to our station began to staff additional units (2 medic units and 1 advance ambulance), answer the phones in the station, providing support to the incident scene and supporting one another. There were still 911 calls that needed to be handled in the Sterling Community. It is also testimony of the dedication of members to the community, the department, and its mission.

At the end of the incident 13 people would be transported, 2 treated and released, four to trauma centers, two to the burn center in Washington DC: 16 transport units, 1 medical helicopter, 5 hospitals. A compounding factor to the incident was that the community had limited access with one road into the community and this

limited access to the scene which became a challenge for the EMS units gaining access to the scene due to the large number of other emergency vehicles on the scene. Some crews would have to travel nearly a ½ mile with their stretchers and equipment, returning to their units to make the transport.

Recognizing the impact of the incident on the responders and the to the agencies involved and stress endured by many; peer debriefing and behavior health was critical. The evening of the incident we were supported by clinicians, peer debriefers and therapy dogs. As part of the incident and the demobilization process, all units that were on the scene to travel through our social hall to be debriefed prior to returning to their station.

The impact of the incident quickly escalated to both a regional and national event. When Firefighter Brown’s funeral was being taken to the Medical Examiners office. Other jurisdictions in the middle of the night while snowing hard made their way to ensure that that the proper respect was being shown for a fallen firefighter. It was recognized that this event wouldn’t be marking back in quarters. Rather something that we would still need to continue to as a system would need to work through over the next few weeks, months and even further. These would be care for the families of Firefighter Brown and those that were injured, continuity of operations, escorting our fallen brother and his return to Loudoun County, the mental wellbeing of our system members, returning injured members home once they were discharged from the hospital, and planning for the Celebration of Life of Firefighter Trevor Brown.

The community support and condolences were overwhelming. Whether it was cards, flowers, food, objects, kind words, and phone calls (about the incident, expressing condolences of the media) became overwhelming for those staffing the station who were still trying to process the events themselves and added more stress to an already stressful event. Both departments leveraged their administrative and support members to handle these activities allowing the responders to begin to process their feelings.

Over the next few days and in the case of those that were critically injured would be weeks would be brough home. A procession for the return of Firefighter Brown from Manassas to Loudoun County with the support of hundreds of our Regional Law Enforcement and Fire and Rescue Agencies

March 4th we would gather in support of our partner organization; the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company along with other Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System member, other public safety agencies across the state and the nation, elected officials, friends, and citizens from the community to Celebrate the Life and ultimate sacrifice of Firefighter Trevor Brown.

These newspaper clippings are all related to a Heavy Duty Rescue class conducted by my father in law Jim Browning in 1980. He was with Roanoke County's Fort Lewis Rescue Squad (#9). His daughter Becky (my wife) was also with Fort Lewis Rescue and an instructorfollowing in her dad's footsteps. She went on to later (1985) become one of the first flight nurse's for the Life Guard 10 helicopter associated with Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Some folks in SW Virginia may recognize some faces from the articles. The one student I know and worked with at Roanoke County F&R was Harold Chrimes. His son, Billy Chrimes is with VDEM Search and Rescue. Harold was a member of Wise Rescue Squad when this class was conducted in 1980. The other 2 instructors named are Jake Jacobs with Roanoke County #7 Clearbrook Rescue Squad and Tony Reynolds with New Castle Rescue Squad in Craig County. Steve Thrasher, EMT, PIO, Vice President Vinton First Aid Crew

Concord Rescue Honors Three Members for Their Service and Hosts District 5 Meeting

Submitted by Brenda Stratton, District 5 Chaplain

During the December 7, 2023 meeting of Concord Rescue Squad, three members were honored for their service. Roger Prim, Tata Nelson and Michele Roakes were recognized as our newest Life Members.

Captain Troy Nelson received his 25 year plaque and Don Austin 50 years plaque. President Bruce Stratton

On January 9, 2024 Concord Rescue Squad hosted the VAVRS District 5 meeting. During the afternoon Chris Craft instructed a Designed Infection Control Officer class.

The Officers from VAJVRS were invited to make their presentation. President Shane Johnson and Vice President Chris Skeen discussed the need for more Juniors to become involved in their local departments, as there are only 15 agencies currently members of the VAJVRS. They plan to make presentation at other District and State meetings.

VAJVRS Officers pictured:

Bryant Skeen VAJVRS Adviser

Koedan Murphy Historian

Kaden Gray VAJVRS Chaplin

Chris Skeen VAJVRS Vice President

Shade Johnson VAJVRS President

Brenda Stratton presented the Burleigh Vassar Memorial award. Receiving for Monelison Squad is Jim Fontaine.

Calvin Fore presented the ALS Call of the period. Receiving for Nottoway Emergency Squad is Jordan Fisher.

shown presenting the District Five 2023 scrapbook to District V.P.

Sterling Rescue Station Remodel

Sterling Rescue’s first station started off as a model home for the first section of Sterling Park. A new modern community in the suburbs of Washington DC. In 1970 the Sterling Rescue Squad joined forces with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company which was in a dairy barn and jointly built a new station. With an expansion s, for nearly the next five decades the old building served well. However, with vehicles clock staffing, more space, increase number of calls and expanding needs for the community. Talks to improve the station began in the early 2000’s, with a bond being posted for the improvement to Sterling Station. While this was a good idea, the concept had several shortfalls, but

Over the next decade, the project would stop and start eventually landing to what we are proud to stay is our new home today. Over the past three years there has been a flurry of activity at 104 Commerce Street, in the center of the Sterling Park Community. The project had three phases; the first was the demolition of a building on an adjacent property to expand our property and the build a temporary station, which consistent of a large tent to house two units and a set of trailers, the second phase was the demolition of the old building and construction of the new station and the last phase was the demolition of the temporary station and installing the rear parking area. Construction would begin in January 2021 and took temporary occupancy during phase three in November of 2023, it was until February that Phase 3 was completed and both departments were able to return to full operations in the building.

The station footprint went from close to 9000 sq foot building to close to 24000 sq foot. The features include a much larger apparatus area, increase not just the number of bunk space, but also number of available rooms, larger kitchen and dining area, work out area and increase in the available storage space. The design committee sought not to just improve the station; they also added some very nice areas for the members that would be staffing the station. They include an open concept of a gathering areas, a fire pole, exercise area, a spacious terrace overlooking the vast skyline, areas to memorialize rich history of the departments and a Heritage wall, built from the bricks of the

original station, memorializing our charter, life, and honorary members. Between the two departments, the station is staffed with an average of 10 to 12 people a day, houses 3 ambulances, Mass Casualty Support Unit, 2 engines, ladder truck, brush unit and several support and first response vehicles.

A ribbon cutting is presently being planned sometime in the next few months.

Roger Vassar

Submitted by Bubby Bish, VAVRS Executive Director

Citizens Emergency Crew, Inc. formerly Gladys Emergency Crew, Inc. was formed December of 1961 by 10 men of the Gladys community. These 10 men started answering calls out of the back of their personal vehicles January 1. 1962 with just First-Aid Kits that each member purchase with money from their own pockets and kept stocked with money from their own pockets. The Crew purchase a 1957 Chevy Pannel truck that was use as a rescue or Crash truck till 1974 when the crew purchase a 1974 F-350 1Ton Ford Chassis for their new Rescue Truck. The first Crash truck was used to carry all their rescue equipment to all wrecks, which was 4-ton porta-power, 5’ pry bar, 2- 3’ racking bars, 6-lb sledgehammer, 3- different size cold chisels, one 2-cycle electric generator with two 500watt lights, stands and two 100’ extension cords, I- ports a-saw. 2 Hack Saw with extra blades. The truck also carried extra back boards, first aid kits and bandages on it.

Burleigh Vassar, my dad, as one of the Charters members, he became a “First Aid “instructor and also an instructor trainer”. He began to teach First Aid to the people in the community and the in the area. While he was teaching these classes, I was always with him. He was using me as his patient or his dummy. He would use me to demonstrate how to put the bandage on a patient, or how to put the splint on, I was used on how to lift and how to carry a patient.

Not only did my Dad (Burleigh) do all of the first aid teaching for the crew, any piece of new equipment that the crew got, he was the one thar usually got it and would bring it home and (play) with it to make sure that he would know “how” it worked before he would take it to the “Crew Building” to demo to the rest of the members. Me being the rambunctious kid that I was, I usually would have pulled the piece of equipment and learned how to operate, how it all went together, the in and out of it and what it could and couldn’t do before he even had the time to look at it.

I was even use as a patient inside a wreck vehicle when the crew was use as a demo or when the crew was practicing on how to get an injured patient out of a wreck vehicle. I was used as a live patient so much in practice, most of the members would say that they wouldn’t know if it was practice or the will thing.

As soon as I was old enough, I took the Junior American Red Cross First Aid Course, and as I age into the American Standard, Advance Red Cross First Course. I also became A First instructor as well as instructor Trainer. I went on to become A CPR Instructor and Instructor Trainer, I was also in the first EMT course that was offered in the area.

I took the first Basic & Light Ropes and Heavy rope classes that “Monk Jarvis” taught in Lynchburg, Va. With, back there then the Basic and light and the Heavy Class both had Vehicle Extrication as part of the class. After returning from these classes, we had a couple of wrecks that we ran, and it became very noticeable that when it came to if there was an entrapment that I was very knowledge able on how to get someone from the entanglement, that I was put in charge of all wrecks that had entrapment after that.

Why did you first decide to be a volunteer?

Living in a small country rural area with not much to do other than work between three farms, working with tobacco, cows, hays, and other corps, volunteering with the local rescue squad (I could join them at 15) plus it gave me a chance to get out of school. gave me something else I could do till I turn 18 and then I could join the volunteer Fire department.

What year did you become active?

I became an instructor in Basic and light and the Heavy Class both had Vehicle Extrication in the class

October of 1970.

How long have you been a volunteer for VAVRS?

I started teaching Basic and Light, and Heavy-duty rescue in October of 1970.

Do you have family members who are also involved in VAVRS?

My grandson just joined the volunteer fire department who is a member of VAVRS. It is an organization, that its members can get some of the best training from some of the best instructors that you can ask for basically free of charge other than each member agency paying their annual dues. If the member agencies have an acceptable training venue, this organization will send the instructors, and the equipment to the agencies to train them at no cost to them.

The VAVRS also put on a yearly “Rescue College “each year that each member agent can send any of their members to attend for some outstanding training.

Do you feel that VAVRS (AVAVRS) is a family to you?

As far as the instructor groups (the ones that I am a part of) we are family. Technology is changing, teaching methods changes, you must stay up on your game to teach. There are rules to keep up your skills for teaching and these rules need to be followed.

What advice do you have to some of the younger members of the organizations?

Don’t forget that this organization came from a volunteer past, and we need to keep that in the forefront as we continue.

What would you like to see the organization accomplish in the future?

Never forget “4 for Life” monies that we get from the “State of Virginia” and the” % “it is to be spent on “Our Budget”. These monies are given to us for “TRAINING” and the “MAJORITY” of this money is to be spent on “training or training equipment”. I think if you go back and look at it the % of that monies to be spent, if I remember was like between 70-80 % that we get from 4 for LIFE is to go for training or training equipment.

When did you get Married?

Margie and I married June 30, 1974, Margie passed on November 30, 2017.

Do you have kids and grandkids?

I had two children.

Son: Roger Allen Vassar II, D.O.B 7/28/76 D.O.D/1/18/94

Daughter: Alicia V. Fannon, D.O.B 7/08/79

Granddaughter: Kaydee Fannon, D.O.B.5/05

William Allen Fannon, D.O.B.9/28/2005

Hank Watt Fannon, D.O.B. 9/18/2011

Do they live close to you?

By the road 5.5 miles

When and where were you born?

I was born in the old Lynchburg General Hospital Lynchburg, Virginia on October 5, 1952

Many stations often worked together with instructors from several stations helping to put on the programs. Vinton FD often teamed up with other departments to put on classes in Vinton. We worked with Mt Pleasant (RCFR #6) and Stewartsville (Bedford County #13) on several occasions. For example, I took my FF1 and 2 at Vinton, then took FF3 at Cave Spring FD (RCFR #3) in the early 1980’s.

We are hoping that the EMS side of things is finally following suite. For many years EMT classes were taught in house for departments lucky enough to have an EMT Instructor. Prior to EMT certification, many departments had their own Red Cross Advanced First Aid Instructor that taught their members. My first EMT class was taught at Christiansburg Rescue with students from all over Montgomery County attending. Then for a variety of reasons, schools and colleges began being the primary source for EMT classes. Schools like Virginia Western Community College and Jefferson College of Health Sciences. These were quite often very expensive and often required students to take various other classes which also ran the costs up. Most recently, Public School systems have offered EMT to their students, but some programs did not last due to lack of interest. This also was not an option for adult students.

This year Roanoke County F&R is offering an EMS Academy, with volunteers testing for EMT at the completion of the class. The class is free for Roanoke County volunteers.

Vinton First Aid Crew has wholeheartedly supported this program. We have 16 of the 18 students that are attending this volunteer academy! Our attendees are;

David Whiting Zoiee Kimbrough Jay Soesbee

Kinsey Arnold Noah Franks Kormah Padgett

Kaylynn Wilson Cameron Maxey

Caitlin Morris

Taneisha Christiansen

Takeea Johnson Jayden Hedrick Crystal Albertson Amaya Chapman Steve Wood

Layla England

Good Luck!

Fern Puckett was born in Russell County Virginia on August 23, 1950. She is the daughter of James and Kate King. She attended the Lebanon High School and Southwest Community College.

Fern is married to Beecher Puckett. Fern worked for the Town of Lebanon and Beecher worked for Appalachian Power Company. In 1992 they moved to Cleveland, Virginia. They have one daughter Crystal who is married to Jason Salyers, and one grandson, Jase who is very active in sports. Fern and Beecher are retired and enjoy their time traveling and attending ballgames to watch their grandson play basketball or baseball.

The Journey to Volunteering

In 1989, Fern started helping the Cleveland Life Saving Crew with their scheduled events and also attended Conventions with them. In 1992 Fern became a member of the Cleveland Auxiliary and a few years later she joined the Senior Squad and was active in running calls and working fundraisers. She served in different offices but her main job was serving as Secretary for the Auxiliary and the Seniors.

In 2010, Fern joined the Washington County Life Saving Auxiliary. She has served as historian, parliamentarian, chaplain and has served as President since 2015 to present. The members work as a team on all fundraisers, attends all Southwestern District meetings, the AVAVRS Spring Officers & Delegates meeting plus all Conventions.

Fern is a Life Member of the Washington County Life Saving Auxiliary.

Fern is a Life Member of the Southwestern District and has dedicated her time in serving as the Secretary, Treasurer, Life Member Chair, Chaplain, Nominating Chair, Parliamentarian, assistant District VP and District VP. She also helps cook and serve meals when her own squad is hosting the District meeting.

AVAVRS

Fern was awarded Life Member of the AVAVRS in 2012. She also received the Outstanding Service Award in 2005. Fern has served the AVAVRS as President, Vice President, Secretary, historian, Nominating Chair, Life Member Chair, and Immediate Past President. She served four years as Convention Chair and has recently accepted this position once again. Fern believes in the following statements “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You” Be helpful and share your knowledge with others. May I never fail a friend in need.

Fern Puckett

Submitted by Bubby Bish, VAVRS Executive Director

Fern’s Famous Peanut Butter Fudge Yum!

Celebrating our 89thYear of Leadership

The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS…. the advocate for our members, Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers. We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, on state advisory boards, as well as on state and local committees. When our members have training issues or needs, they come to the VAVRS.

When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS. We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.

Dear Rescue Ranger

Dear Rescue Ranger,

I have been giving a lot of thought recently about my retirement from EMS. Lots of options because of all of the life lessons I have learned and all of the skills I have mastered. Thinking about teaching and/or volunteering with some youth programs. What do you think you will be doing when you retire?

BB

Dear Bubby,

Not to brag, but I have already been hired as a fitness model. They hired me for the “before” pictures.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

I know you were my EVOC Instructor and I know you taught me great driving habits. But...I must confess, I had a small “fender bender” when I struck another vehicle at a traffic light. I did not enjoy being called “Crash” around the station but I have put that all behind me. One thing the squad was not prepared for was our insurance did not cover the damages. Gotta read that fine print!

Kenny F

Dear Crash,

Sorry about the incident. I know what you mean about insurance policy fine print. I’ve checked my homeowners insurance and if my blanket is stolen in the middle of the night, I am not covered!

Dear Rescue Ranger,

Being a leader is tough no one listens and truly, I don’t think I can make anyone happy.

JCIII

Dear John,

If you want to make everyone happy, don’t be a leader, sell ice cream.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

How do you get away with making jokes about your wife being so short? If I even mention my wife’s height she gets so defensive and mad.

TS

Dear Tim,

I don’t say she is short, I just say if it rains she is the last one to know.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

Exercise, exercise, exercise that is all that hear from my collogues. Yes, I know, being in great physical shape is important in EMS and patient care delivery. Curious, what is your exercise routine?

WM

Dear Wesley,

The other day I got up at 5am, ran 4 miles, came back, made a vegetable smoothy for breakfast, did 2 loads of laundry, mopped and vacuumed the floor at the station and that’s all remember of the dream.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Already this year is headed for disaster. Taxes are high, gas prices are outrageous and food costs continue to go up and up. What can we do to deal with this inflation?

Broke

Dear Bill B.

Just remember in 3,026 years from now life will either be really good or really bad. It’s 5050.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Is it OK to lie about your age when you meet someone you want to have a relationship with?

Asking for a friend.

Wondering

Dear Howard O,

If there is anything I have learned in my 23 years of life, it is OK to lie about your age.

Dear Rescue Ranger,

There is a rumor going around the squad that you were the inventor of the rubber glove. Is that true?

Thanks

Dear Gary M.,

Yes, I invented the rubber glove! No, I’m lying but I did have a hand in it!

Dear Rescue Ranger,

I was wondering if I could give a “shout out” to my wife. She means everything to me. She is my rock and she is the center of everything that is good in my life. Countless hours away from home pulling duty plus going to meetings and training events but she greets me with a smile, a warm (sometimes rewarmed) meal and a hug. Life is Good.

SH

Dear Scott,

I know exactly how you feel. Sometimes I look at my wife and say “MAN! She is one lucky woman!

PO

2535

ISSN 0279-6023

Phone: 804-749-8191

Phone: 800-833-0602

Fax: 804-749-8910

E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com

"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends." John 15:13

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.