Virginia
LIFELINE 2nd Quarter 2022
The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads
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Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA LIFELINE 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
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Photos and/or graphics are acceptable and can be returned if requested.
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Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00
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LifeCare Medical Transports Dedicates Newest Ambulance in Remembrance of The Events of September 11, 2001 Submitted by Morgan Szymczyk, MSC – LifeCare Marketing and Communications Associate Director (Fredericksburg, Virginia)— LifeCare Medical Transports is proud to announce its newest ambulance dedicated to the victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The newest Advance Life Support unit was designed to honor and remember all those effected by the events of that day.
LifeCare’s dedicated ambulance in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001.
On September 11, 2001, LifeCare crews were one of the first EMS units on the scene. LifeCare quickly became the staging area for the Rappahannock EMS Council's command center. In all LifeCare had six ambulances on scene and continued to render aid the following day. This dedicated ambulance is also a symbol of appreciation for all the LifeCare employees as well as all First Responders who went above and beyond that day and the following days lending aid to all those who needed it.
Units from across the region responding to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
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“We are honored to be able to present our newest dedicated ambulance in honor and remembrance of those affected by the events of September 11, 2001. The impact of that day is still felt today, and we hope this truck will symbolize the unity and strength of not only our region, but the nation,” said Kevin Dillard, President & CEO of LifeCare Medical Transports.
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Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes Well, here is the new look of the Legislative Attic. Could not take a picture as I begin this article, as stacks daily calendars are taking up space on the desk. So this is neat right now. The General Assembly ended March 12th in the early afternoon with a number of bills in conference and no budget. Such legislation that is still in conference are items like the reduction in the food tax, refunds for persons filing joint tax returns, military benefits and more. The budget bills are also included. The Governor gets to set the date for a “Special Session” sometime in the near future. On February 24th, Delegate John McGuire took this picture while I was testifying on the Traffic Incident Management Vehicle legislation. This was in the House Transportation Committee meeting looking to add requirements that these vehicles could not violate the emergency vehicle codes, i.e. no speeding, wrong way driving, and no sirens, etc. This was on the Senate bill and passed the committee without any negative votes. VAVRS will be working with VDOT in providing EVOC instruction to these vehicle operators after the bill takes effect. The Governor has to act on these two bills by April 11, 2022. Delegate Bobby Orrock submitted legislation that would allow, at the approval of local governments, for locally approved volunteer services such as training, and training related activities approved by law. Locality can use this as a credit against an individual’s taxTestifying before House Transportation Committee es and/or fees with the exception of property taxes. This is HB 911 and the Governor has until April 11, 2022 to sign it. There were two bills submitted by the previous governor’s administration concerning state boards and commissions. One board affected is the EMS advisory board where nine members would gain another year of service due to the pandemic. Finally about 4 bills were submitted regarding “safe haven” for infants. These bills changed from 15 days to 30 days where a new mother could give up her infant. Two other bills allowed for the installation of baby boxes in hospitals and EMS agencies. Your legislative committee took the position of no position on these bills, but rather leave decision to the agency along with the installation costs and the requirements of an EMT being on site 24 hours a day. These bills passed but it is still up to the agency to provide the box, though this has been around for a number of years and people will still visit the agency to give up their new infant anyway. Most go to hospitals, though. (Continued on page 7)
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During the session, Bubby Bish, Kenny Frenier and Barry McDonald visited and met with members of the House and Senate to talk about VAVRS positions on bills and also the legislator’s reasons for specific bills.
VAVRS visiting the 2022 General Assembly.
L-R Delegate Mike Cherry (R-66th), Ed Rhodes, Kenny Frenier, Bubby Bish, and Barry McDonald
In March, I attended the EMS Advisory Board meeting along with other members of VAVRS, the Legislative and Planning meeting and the FARC meeting. In April the next meeting of Rules and Regulations will be occurring and have about three weeks to read the proposed regulations. The next EMS Advisory Board meeting is on May 6th in Richmond. Lots of work to get done along with the Spring BOG meeting.
Back to the General Assembly for a moment – the Reconvened Session or Veto Session is scheduled for April 27th for bills that the Governor takes action on by April 11th. The carryover bills that will be handled in Special Session will have a different reconvened session date. This concludes the article and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
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A Time of Change Submitted by Eddie Ann Orndoff, AVAVRS President Here it is the middle of March and once again the world is changing. Spring appears to have finally arrived. Soon the flowers will be blooming and the trees will get their leaves on. Some of us will likely be saying good riddance to a rather odd winter. One day temperatures in the 70s and the next day go grab your snow shovel and go to work. As I sit here writing this message, I am preparing to lead my first meeting as your President. I don’t often get up in front of a large group of people. My trusted advisors just tell me to give it my best. So here we go. Another first for me. Now since everyone is reading this after the fact, I’ll just let you know that unless we had a confirmed earthquake, the ground shaking was me shaking in my shoes. A time of change. This Spring Executive Board and Delegates meeting is being held in Fredericksburg. All my other spring meetings have been held in Roanoke or Lynchburg. This year’s convention (First Responder Virginia) is once again being held in Hampton. As I look around, I see the changes. Some have been minor and others have been significant. As we travel this road, lets treat the changes with grace and compassion as we celebrate the angels among us.
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Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary Submitted by CeCe McCormick, WFAC Auxiliary Historian Hello to everyone. Well Spring is already here, it’s hard to believe the Winter months are gone and a new year is here. Continue to pray for more improvement of COVID-19. In December our Auxiliary had done several community service projects. We made up Christmas card bags for the Springdale bingo players group and made up Christmas cards for the local nursing homes in the S.A.W. Areas donating over 400 cards to those projects. We donated children’s books for the local “The little library displays”. We are just finishing up on collecting slightly used vases to an area florist that had a fire. They posted on Facebook to the community for vases for upcoming holidays. We donated and delivered 25 vases to them. We put up the Christmas tree to give some Christmas spirit to the members. Also we had our Christmas party and played the exchange gift game. Unfortunately we were unable to give a Children’s Christmas party this year due to Covid, but we still gave out gift cards to the crew and auxiliaries’ children and grandchildren. Maybe next year Santa can stop by, ho, ho, ho. We made up a fruit and candy box for the crew just to let them know we are still thinking about them.
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Some of our Auxiliary members gathered for a small New Year’s Eve party. We had a great time, great food and great fellowship. We also invited the duty crew to come over and join us. “New Years New 2022”. In our Western District, we received sad news about the passing of Broadways Auxiliary Member Nellie Sue Richie and December, several of our members attended her celebration of life service. Nellie Sue left behind an amazing legacy of her life to her family friends and Auxiliary and all the other projects she did for her community. She will be sadly missed. Can’t wait for Convention 2022 in August in Hampton, VA. Everyone have a great summer, maybe we will meet up sooner. Hoping the VAVRS plans on a Fall Camporee. Stay Safe. God Bless—from the Auxiliary of Waynesboro First Aid Crew.
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Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Announces Officers for 2022 & Award Recognitions for 2021 Submitted by Sara Hunt, PR Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (CBVRS) has installed officers for 2022, honored Top Call Runners for 2021, and recognized several squad members and community members for exemplary work in 2021. Administrative Officers for 2022 are:
Operational Line Officers for 2022 are:
President – Nick Szobota
Chief – Les Greeley
Vice President – Donna Shelar
Assistant Chief – Holden Oliff
Secretary – Krystal Eldred
Captain: Robert Rivenbark
Treasurer – Pat FitzGerald
Lieutenant – Porter Preston
Member-at-Large – Troy Green Community Member – Zedda Viets Support Team Officers for 2022 are: CBVRS Chief Joey Straughan noted that Co-Leaders – Pat FitzGerald and Samantha Straughan the squad responded to 671 calls for service Secretary – Zedda Viets in 2021. Assistant Chief Pat FitzGerald was the squad’s Top Call Runner for 2021 with 514 calls. The other Top Five Call Runners for 2021 were Tammy Preston, Holden Oliff, Nick Szobota and Krystal Eldred. In addition to being the Top Call Runner for yet another consecutive year, Pat FitzGerald was named EMS Person of the Year for her dedication to CBVRS and the community at large. “Pat has helped less fortunate people and animals during these difficult and challenging times,” said outgoing Chief Joey Straughan. “She truly has a heart of gold.” Squad members receiving Certificates of Appreciation for various accomplishments in 2021 were Krystal Eldred, Les Greeley, Holden Oliff, Donna Shelar, Patrick Simmons, Maria Murillo, Porter Preston, and Danny Stinson. Robert Rivenbark was presented with a plaque for his dedication to the squad by serving as President for the past 11 years and Joey Straughan received a plaque honoring his service as Chief for five years. Bill Cease, Chief of Westmoreland County Department of EMS, received a Certificate of Appreciation from Joey Straughan for the outstanding working relationship during Straughan’s tenure as
The Administrative Officers for 2022 are (standing, left to right): Nick Szobota, President; Pat FitzGerald, Treasurer; Krystal Eldred, Secretary; Troy Green, Member-at-Large; and Zedda Viets, Community Member. Not pictured: Donna Shelar, Vice President
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Chief of CBVRS. The Eugenia Urbanck Award, recognizing citizens who helped to save a life in an emergency situation, was presented to Ilka McCoy and Bertila Arias for their successful efforts to prevent a child from drowning. The following organizations were acknowledged and thanked for their exceptional work to keep the community safe and healthy:
Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department Colonial Beach Police Department Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department Westmoreland County Department of EMS Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office “It has been an honor to serve as Chief of CBVRS for the past five years and I look forward to watching the squad continue to The Operational Line Officers for 2022 thrive under the leadership of Les, Holden, were sworn in by Steve Zirkle (at podium). Nick and the other officers,” said Straughan. From left are Les Greeley, Chief; Holden Oliff, Assistant Chief; “I would like to thank each member of Robert Rivenbark, Captain; and Porter Preston, Lieutenant. CBVRS who pushed forward through this very difficult time caused by the pandemic. Also, I would like to thank all of the businesses, emergency agencies and citizens for their continued support of our organization. It’s our privilege to provide EMS services to our home communities of Colonial Beach and Westmoreland County.” I hope you are having a good 2022 so far! Attached is the press release from VAVRS about the 2022 officers and the 2021 award winners. Below are the captions for the 2 photos attached. Feel free to crop the photos as needed for your space.
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Empowering the Next Generation LifeCare Introduces New Tuition Assistance Program for Full-Time Employees As the pandemic continues, EMS agencies across the nation have seen dramatic recruitment and retention concerns. To ensure that he future of EMS is strong and capable, current EMS agencies must make a stand to show the younger generation as well as those who have already dedicated their lives to their community, that their future is important.
While assistance programs have been in place to assist employees with furthering their education, LifeCare’s new tuition assistance program is focused on ensuring that the gravity of the financial burden of growing in the EMS field, is not on the employee. This exciting new program will allow for our communities to grow exceptional healthcare providers, creating a bright future for our communities statewide. Interested in learning more about LifeCare? Pleas reach out to Morgan Szymczyk at 540.737.4883 or melkins@lifecare94.com.
Director of Administrative Operations, Richard Szymczyk training provider on LifeCare’s High Flow Oxygen (AIRVO 2) Device
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3 Annual First Responder Virginia Conference/Expo VSFA and VAVRS On-line registration is available on April 1, 2022 @ firstrespondervirginia.com Hotel availability and conference schedule will also by posted. Register early to take advantage of the $60 early-bird registration fee.
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The VAVRS Spring BOG Meeting was held March 18-20, 2022 at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. Attendees were welcomed by VA Delegate Bobby Orrock and with a proclamation from the City of Fredericksburg presented by Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw.
Pictured from left to right 54th District Virginia House of Delegate Robert (Bobby) D. Orrock Sr., VAVRS President Wesley Melson and Fredericksburg Mayor the Honorable Mary Katherine Greenlaw Official
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Send your “blasts from the past” photos to the VAVRS Editor.
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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, Being involved with my volunteer rescue squad, helping the community, and finding a sense of purpose are just some of the reasons I became a First Responder. How about you? Seeing Clearly in Staunton Dear Steve R., This is how being a First Responder makes me feel:
Dear Rescue Ranger, I never did hear what you got from your wife for Christmas—can you tell me? KE Dear Kathy, This past Christmas, I told her that all I wanted was an Xbox. You know what she got me? A homemade frame with a picture of us from our first date together. Which was find, because I got her an Xbox. Dear Rescue Ranger, I went to the doctor today and he told me to loose a little weight and to take an aspirin every day. What is the aspirin for? Curious Dear Bubby, To prevent a heart attack, take one aspirin every day. Take it out for a run, then take it to the gym, then take it for a bike ride….” Dear Rescue Ranger, I heard that after over 100 years some divers found the Titanic on the floor of the ocean! WOW! Dear Mr. Fontaine, Yes, and unbelievably the ship’s swimming pool was still full!
Dear Rescue Ranger, What a great Spring BOG Meeting. It was great to catch up with friends, network with other agencies and experience an uplifting meeting. There is a lot going on and it is obvious there is a lot to do. One of the things I would like to see the VAVRS accomplish is to put that Strategic Plan to work and push the VAVRS into the future. How about you? Planning the Future Dear Me too—onward and upward, I say. I remember when I was a young advanced first aid provider and I developed a plan for myself to become an EMT, EMT Instructor, Paramedic, EMS leader, and an allaround nice guy. Well, I am an all-around nice guy and if you don’t believe me ask anyone but my wife. Strange as it may seem, my life is based on a true story. With that said, my wife had always wanted to learn to play the piano so for her birthday I bought her a clarinet. She asked me why I did that, I said because with a clarinet, you can’t sing along!
Dear Rescue Ranger, Several months ago I downloaded a new fitness app on my iPhone. It is great—measures the steps I take, number of stairs I climb and even my sleeping patterns. I love it! Fit as a Fiddle Dear FF, I entered what I ate today into my new fitness app and it just sent an ambulance to my house. But on another note—I burned 2000 calories today...that’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I take a nap. Dear Rescue Ranger, I love being a Paramedic. I have noticed that I have many more friends, a great support system and I feel so intelligent. People are always asking me to explain medical procedures and what blood test results indicate. I walk around everyday with my head held high because in our profession we get to put our knowledge to work and make a difference in the lives of the people we encounter. I am so blessed to be a part of this profession. Head Held High Dear PG, I do know that feeling and used to enjoy being popular. I was very popular once but my therapist took all my imaginary friends away and I miss them.
See—plan ahead to get the results you want.
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A sincere thank-you to the VAVRS, AVAVRS, VAJVRS and friends for the many acts of kindness to this family during our recent losses. Jack and Ruth’s daughter, Diane Nolen, passed away in December, 2021 and Jack passed away in March, 2022. The flowers, food, cards, phone calls and the money donations to Franklin County Rescue Squad in their honor were greatly appreciated. The family would like to acknowledge the thoughts and bonds of friendship of the rescue community. Jack and Ruth Swicegood Gary and Molly
Condolences can be sent to: Ruth Swicegood 208 Riverview Street Rocky Mount, VA 24151 Jack Allyn Swicegood, age 91 of Rocky Mount, passed away peacefully March 6, 2022.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Thelma Swicegood; brothers, Leon Swicegood and Rev. Charles Swicegood; sisters, Joyce Dunlap, Rowana Stephens, Delores Earlywine, and Estelle Pagans; daughter, Diane Nolen; grandson, Jay Bennett; granddaughter, Stephanie Bennett; and special friend, Roger Robertson. Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ruth Swicegood; son, Gary (Joy) Swicegood; daughter, Mollie Hodges; granddaughters, Leslie Nolen, Stacy Nolen, Morgan Swicegood (Jamie Carter); great-grandchildren, Ella, Eli and Elin Nolen-Funk; special grandson-in-law, Brandon Funk; special granddaughter-in-law, Ginny Bennett; son-in-law, Warren Nolen; siblings, Gerald Swicegood, Elaine Swindell and Donna Gay; numerous nieces and nephews; and many VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS friends. Jack served in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. He joined the Franklin County Rescue Squad in 1967, where he served as Jr. Squad Advisor and Chaplain. Jack was also active in the VAVRS, as well as a life member, where he served as State Jr. Squad Advisor and District 6 V.P. and Chaplain. He was instrumental in assisting several Franklin County Volunteer Squads in organizing during the early years. Jack was an instructor in EMT, CPR, Vehicle Extrication and EVOC. One of his greatest accomplishments was being inducted in the Virginia Life Saving and Rescue Hall of Fame in 2010.
Papa Jack and Granny Ruth owned and operated Rainbow Child Care for over 25 years. This was not a job or business, but an act of love for them. Last year Jack was surprised with a 91st birthday parade. Rescue Squads, Fire, Police, Public Safety, a fly over of Life Guard 10, and many friends participated. It was a site to see. The volunteer rescue squads of Franklin County honored Jack with a wooden American flag plaque. The family would like to thank everyone for calls, cards, food and visits. Also, Home Health Care and Franklin Health and Rehab for the excellent care given to Jack. The kindness meant more to him than you know.
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Mike Goff Celebration Submitted by Bubby Bish On March 19, 2022, we held the Mike Goff Celebration in the City of Petersburg. It was the 40th anniversary of the death of Mike Goff. Mike was a member of Petersburg Fire Department and the Southside Virginia Emergency Crew. Even though it has been 40 years since this tragic event, there were so many area firefighters that attended. There were about 180 family and friends that attend. There were so many to make this so successful. Petersburg Fire and Rescue, Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home, Colonial Heights Fire and EMS Honor Guard, American Legion Post 2, Bill Feasenmyer, Randy Foster, Greer Fulton, a group of retired firefighters, known as Support 6, and Jerry Fisher. A huge thanks go out to Wayne Covil of CBS6 for Wayne’s World and Robby Dawson for the Firehouse Logbook Podcast. It was a celebration where some are still healing from 40 years ago. The speeches still brought tears to some and just talking about it was a joy of some. Most everyone attended the reception at the American Legion Post 2 to continue just visiting and talking. The event so great for so many. Story from a friend of Mike’s of her care for him. Today marks the 40th anniversary of a fire that killed a Petersburg firefighter. Sgt. Mike Goff died in a fire that nearly cost the city its entire downtown. Firefighters from six different fire departments were credited with saving downtown Petersburg. Three explosions rocked downtown, injuring 25 people, including firemen, the fire chief, policemen, and citizens. Damages came out to over $3 million dollars. A scholarship fund bearing his name is still given away to this day. He is the only Petersburg firefighter killed in the line of duty. Official
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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
"Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friends." John 15:13
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Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.