Virginia
LIFELINE 4th Quarter 2023
The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads
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L-R—Ed Rhodes, Bubby Bish and John Craig—VAVRS attendees at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the new Virginia General Assembly Building.
VAVRS Executive Director Edward “Bubby” Bish inside the new General Assembly Building
Photos submitted by Bubby Bish Page
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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 Nominating - To be determined by the committee 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
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
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Secretary - Maxie Kerns Parliamentarian - Warren Winner Finance - Fay Browning Bylaws - Carolyn Brand Nominating - Sharon Castle Life Member - Fern Puckett Convention Chair - Marie Householder 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
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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 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.
Contact the VAVRS Editor (editor@vavrs.com) if you need assistance submitting to the publication. Advertising Rates: Member Squads…,…......no charge Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Half Page………………..…$150.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00
VAVRS – 2024 IMPORTANT DATES November 3, 2023 - 2pm - Oilville - VAVRS Convention Committee November 4, 2023 - 9am - Oilville - Officer’s Workshop
February 3, 2024 - 9am - Oilville - Board of Directors March 2, 2024 - 9am / 1pm - Oilville - EVOC Instructor Update (Tentative) March 23, 2024 - 9am - Charlottesville - Spring BOG Meeting May 4, 2024 - 9am - ZOOM - Board of Directors May 19-25, 2024 - EMS Week
May 22, 2024 - 1pm – Oilville - EMS Week Celebration (Tentative) June 7-16, 2024 - Blacksburg - Rescue College July 2024 – Finance Committee Meeting (Budget) - TBD July 20, 2024 - Crystal City - National EMS Memorial (Tentative) August 3, 2024 - 9am - Oilville - Board of Directors
September 18-24, 2024 - Virginia Beach – Convention (Tentative) November 2, 2024 - 9am - Oilville - Board of Directors November 6-10, 2024 – Norfolk - EMS Symposium (Tentative)
More to come! - Stay up-to-date - Visit our website - VAVRS.com Page
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Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary Submitted by CeCe McCormick Historian It’s hard to believe summer is here and gone. In June we had three Auxiliary members attend Rescue College, our classes were very informative and fun to be in. It was great seeing everyone. At the end of the month our members attended the AVAVRS Western District Meeting at Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad. In July, we had a spaghetti dinner—it was carry out only. We plan to have another one in October. This will be our last one until next Spring. Our monthly business meeting in July was our annual picnic. Everyone brought their favorite dish. We had great fellowship. The entire month of July and August, until the deadline, Historian CeCe McCormick was very busy with two scrapbooks being Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary’s Historian but is also the AVARS Western District Historian. She hand-delivered both scrapbooks to the AVAVRS State Historian, Samantha Snell in Leesburg. They had a beautiful drive with great weather. At the end of the month we celebrated three Auxiliary member’s birthdays. Beginning in September, buildings and grounds, Danny McCormick, weeded and replaced two flags in the Memorial Garden, on September 11, 2023 “Never Forgotten “. We always put out the 9/11 wreath on the front of the building. It’s hard to believe the 2023 Convention has also come and gone. Hope to see everyone soon.
Safe travels!
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Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad Submitted by John and Susan Hilliard Forest View has had a busy few years with its three locations. After much thought and deliberation, Station 2 was sold as it was infrequently used. Forest View was fortunate to receive the Midlothian Company 5 Fire Station in the heart of Midlothian, VA several years ago when the volunteers disbanded. To help maintain and protect the history of Midlothian (which was also the site of the first coal mines in the United States) the members decided to renovate the old fire station, built in 1955. For years Forest View volunteers proudly shared the building with career Chesterfield Fire and EMS while their new station was being built one mile down Midlothian Turnpike. A new station was necessary to serve a sprawling community of new homes and apartment buildings, some of which would require a ladder truck if the upper stories were engulfed in flames. The old firehouse was too small to accommodate this newer equipment; however, it is perfect for the volunteers and their ambulances. Considering the small footprint of the firehouse property, the members of Forest View voted to purchase the property immediately behind its station and to remove the existing house. Renovation has begun, beginning with expanding and paving a much-needed parking lot. With a referral from the Midlothian Supervisor, Dr. Mark Miller, a paving company was hired, and the work has been completed as shown in the adjoining picture. Plans are currently in the works to begin renovations to the interior as well. Forest View sent 10 members of the senior squad/auxiliary to the VAVRS Convention in Hampton in September where a Forest View member, Cameron Cluff, was awarded 2 VAVRS scholarships. Cameron is the grandson of John and Susan Hilliard. Forest View extends its best wishes.
CONGRATULATIONS Submitted by Fran Phillips, Forest View Auxiliary President Congratulations to Carl Cherry on being elected and honored with Life Membership in the Auxiliary to the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. His continued work with the Forest View Auxiliary, our Squad, the Southeastern District, District 3 and the AVAVRS are appreciated by all. Carl, we are so proud of your accomplishment! Official
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AVAVRS Convention Award Winners Submitted by Fern Puckett, 2023 AVAVRS Convention Chair
The 2023 AVAVRS Convention Awards were announced at the VAVRS Convention. LIFE MEMBER Debbie Rohr ----- Staunton-Augusta Auxiliary Carl Cherry ------ Forest View Auxiliary OUTSTANDING AUXILIARY OF THE YEAR Greater Manassas Rescue Squad Auxiliary OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD Marcella Caudill ------ Washington County LSC Auxiliary CeCe McCormick ------ Waynesboro First Aid Auxiliary SCRAPBOOK AWARDS
DISTRICT 1st - Southcentral 2nd - Southeastern AUXILIARY 1st - Campbell County 2nd - Waynesboro 3rd - Bensley Bermuda
Congratulations to the newest recipients of the AVAVRS Life Membership. Left-right: Carl Cherry, Forest View Auxiliary, and Debi Rohr, Staunton-August Auxiliary. Official
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Congratulations to the newest recipients of the AVAVRS Outstanding Service Awards. Left-right: CeCe McCormick, Waynesboro Auxiliary, and Marcella Caudill, Washington County Auxiliary. Page
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From the AVAVRS President Submitted by Kelley Snell, AVAVRS President I would like to thank all the Auxiliaries for their support in becoming the new AVAVRS President. I look forward to working with the Auxiliaries and the Association as well. My term moto is “Golden Rule with Grace.” Our emblem is the Butterfly with all colors. Hopefully, Bubby can install the AVAVRS Officers when we next get together. It was nice to be able to see everyone even though our time was cut short due to the weather. We were able to conduct business and enjoy some time together before having to leave. I was able to attend the AVAVRS Life member luncheon which was wonderful. Thank you to Fern and Marie for working hard to get it planned. Excellent job ladies. Congratulations to the two new Life members, Debbie Rohr from Staunton-Augusta Auxiliary and Carl Cherry from Forest View Auxiliary. I want to also congratulate all the elected and appointed Officers both AVAVRS, and VAVRS as well. Take care and I will see you through my travels this year.
Behind the Scenes Submitted by Eddie Ann Orndoff, AVARS Chaplain, Immediate Past President and Life Member As the Immediate Past President of the AVAVRS, I can only say wow. The past two years have indeed been an adventure. As an organization the AVAVRS “Celebrated the Angels Among Us” and then we “Let Our Lights Shine”. In celebrating our angels, we found them in many places and doing many things. There were acts of kindness that went far beyond your imagination. Folks going above and beyond the call of duty. Auxiliary members are the support personnel of a rescue squad. We generally don’t run calls, but some members do. We prepare meals, handle administrative duties and even help out with fundraising. While letting our lights shine, members could be found helping with public education events, and assisting with community service projects such as blood drives or providing school supplies to those less fortunate. Some of our auxiliaries assist with recruitment activities at public events. Of the eighteen auxiliaries that currently comprise the AVAVRS, sixteen sent in reports for this past year. These auxiliaries collectively raised $140,000 for their departments. Our auxiliaries raised this money in a variety of ways such as dinners, photo projects and even making and selling Easter eggs. Funds that are raised are used for the betterment of our squads for providing much needed equipment that is used for service to the community that each department works for. It has been my pleasure to serve as the President for the past two years. As we go forward, may we treat each other with grace and compassion. Page
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CELEBRATING 90 YEARS of SERVICE COVINGTON VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD Submitted by Roy Markham Jr. After 90 years od service to the City of Covington and Alleghany County, the Covington Volunteer Rescue Squad is alive and well, providing Emergency Medical Service to the community. Currently, the volunteer squad has twenty five members on roll dedicated to carrying out the long tradition of EMS care to the sick and injured. On the rescue squad's 90 anniversary of continued service, this is how the history unfolded. In 1909, a boy was walking along the Roanoke River in Roanoke, Virginia; when he witnessed two men capsize a canoe in deep, rough water. Though many onlookers saw the accident, none of them had the equipment or training to offer much in the way of help, and both men drowned. The boy, Julian Stanley Wise later said of the incident, ”I vowed that never again would I watch a man die when he could have been saved if only those around him knew how.” In 1928 Julian Wise organized and created the first ever volunteer rescue squad in America, the Roanoke Life Saving Crew. The rescue squad movement had begun. Creation of the Covington Rescue Squad goes hands down to Fred C. Jesser. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Jesser moved his family to Covington in 1901 where he opened the Covington Bakery and Confectionery Company on Maple Avenue. Mr. Jesser also worked for the Town of Covington in the water filtration plant. In 1901, Fred Jesser along with several other men gathered at the Alleghany County Courthouse and organized the Covington Fire Department. Mr. Jesser was elected as the fire company's first fire chief. Chief Jesser became a statewide icon as he was elected President of the Virginia Firemen's Association. On August 25, 1926, Chief Jesser was again elected as President of the Virginia Fireman's Association. Over a twenty year period Chief Jesser also served the Fireman's Association as Treasurer and Vice President.
Almost from the organization, the Covington Volunteer Fire Department received calls from those in need in other misfortunes in the community. Members aided in rescuing flood victims, in dragging the river for drowning persons, and formed search parties to look for people lost in the mountains. Chief Jesser annually attended the National Fire Chief's Convention. While attending one of the conventions in Los Angeles, California. In 1932, Chief Jesser returned home to Covington and introduced to the fire department, an idea of forming a first aid crew to work in conjunction with the fire department. The idea became a reality at the November 1932 fire department meeting. The Covington Fire Department First Aid and Life Saving Crew was born. The oldest rescue squad in the Alleghany Highlands and the third oldest rescue squad in the Commonwealth of Virginia, followed by Roanoke Life Saving Crew and Salem Rescue Squad, the following firemen signed up as charter members; Lloyd Steele, who was elected as the first captain of the First Aid crew, John Knighton, Otho Knighton, Howard Fridley, Ernest Bosserman, Sr., Eddie Q. Jones, Clyde Overholt, John W. Hughes, Reginald K. Wolfe, C.C. King, J.C. Myers, Ralph Brown, and T. Gray Keirn. Basic and advanced first aid classes were taught to the men by the late Dr. William J. Ellis. This included 34 hours of instruction on atomic damage. Dr. Ellis had a long tenure as the medical advisor for the rescue squad, which he held until June 30, 1996. Dr. Ellis was an Honorary Member of the Covington Rescue Squad. Six of the fourteen men went on to become instructors in Standard First Aid. After the first aid (Continued on page 13)
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classes were completed, the Covington Fire Department First Aid and Life Saving Crew were officially organized in April 1933. Later, the late Gladys Ryder Griffith, grandmother to retired member Roy Markham Jr., helped teach first aid to not only first aid crew members, but also, as cited for her contributions to the rescue squad and its community. Upon completion of the first aid training in 1033, the town purchased additional materials to complement minor equipment already on hand when the crew was organized. A truck belonging to the fire department was converted into a unit to carry the crew's equipment. Soon, it was realized that the community needed ambulance service and after a six-week fund drive by the first aid crew $3,100 was raised and a 1934 Buick ambulance was purchased. The ambulance was described in the November 22, 1933 edition of the Covington Virginian Newspaper, ”The $3,800 ambulance that will be used by the first aid squad of the Covington Fire Department has arrived and is ready for inspection as well as service. It was described as a handsome vehicle, the color of the body being Bangor green while the fenders and top are Colorado tan Equipment. Included is a Bomgardner cot, side rails and foot rest, large siren, two attendant seats, medicine cabinets, rescue equipment, axe, wrecking bar, saw, one suspended stretcher, splints, heater, spotlights, electric fan, and red driving lights.” On February 12, 1935 the Covington Fire Department First Aid and Life Saving Crew became a charter member after helping to organize the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. In September 1933, the crew also became a charter member of the International Rescue Squad Association, which organized in Atlantic City, New Jersey. From 1933 until 1949, the first aid crew rendered emergency and non-emergency ambulance service to the area. In 1949, it was decided to turn the non-emergency ambulance service over to the Loving Funeral Home Service and the first aid crew turned their attention to emergencies. Today, several agencies throughout the region provided non-emergency ambulance service. At that time, the 1934 Buick ambulance was replaced with a 1948 Oldsmobile crew car and a 1948 panel truck complete with all modern equipment. From 1933 until 1938, the Covington Fire Department First Aid and Life Saving Crew was the only volunteer rescue squad in the Alleghany Highlands area. In 1938 the Westvaco Rescue Squad was organized, but initially did not respond to calls outside of the mill property. It wasn't until the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad was formed in 1945 that Covington had assistance in covering the broad area of the Highlands. By 1967, when the crew celebrated its 35th Anniversary, the first aid crew received 500 calls for service that year totaling 2,500 man hours. In the 1980's, the rescue squad averaged around 1,100 calls for service each year, traveling 19,000 miles and expending 6,300 man hours. Today the rescue squad averages over 1700 calls for service including paid EMS and countless hours expended by the crew, attending business meetings, drill meetings, training, public education to the schools and the citizens, maintaining first aid certifications, etc. In 1974, several first aid crew members took the newly state certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class. Also, in the 1970's, the hit TV series “Emergency 51” spread the pre-hospital “Advanced Life Support Care” across America like wildfire. It did not take the Covington Fire Department First aid and Life Saving crew long, grabbing a piece of the wildfire fever. In 1978 a few members of the crew certified as Shock Trauma Technicians. This enabled them to do some advanced life support measures in the pre-hospital setting, such as advanced airway techniques and IV fluid therapy. This proved to enhance patient care. Furthermore, in 1982 the crew joined the other area squads in a massive community fund raising event to secure funds for cardiac monitoring/defibrillation equipment as well as training. Four of the crew members certified as Cardiac Technicians. Since that point in time, several folks in the Alleghany Highlands area survived life-threatening events, due to the Cardiac Tech Program, that would have otherwise been fatal. When the crew was founded in 1933, it was stipulated that all members had to also be members of the fire department. In an effort to increase membership and due to the continuously strenuous life saving and rescue training requirements, the first aid crew voted to split from the fire department in 1981. Then, Fire (Continued on page 14)
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Chief Jerry Burks, a former first aid captain, helped the crew set up by-laws and polices to ensure a smooth transition when the squad and fire department separated their charters. Following the split in December 1981, for the first time in the first aid crew's history, men and women could join without being a member of the fire department. Captain Harrison Scott was at the helm of the crew when the split took place and soon after, the organization was renamed, at a motion from member Winnie McCallister, the Covington Rescue Squad. A female applied for membership in February,1982 but was rejected. Then on March 5, 1982, Virginia Black Montgomery was elected as the first women in the rescue squad. In April 1982, Sharon Crookshanks was the second women elected and then Teresa Wilhelm was then elected as the third woman in the rescue squad. Teresa, now retired member of the crew, went on to become the first elected woman President and Captain of the Covington Rescue Squad during her tenure. These women, current and past, have proven their place in what was once a man's organization, and have made a positive impact on the success of the organization. After keeping an ambulance parked on Church Street in the Edgemont area of Covington to cover emergency calls in the south side of the city and to improve response time with more members living in that area, it was decided to build a fire/rescue sub-station in that area. With the donation of land by then Hercules Inc. and the talent of architectural drawings by now retired rescue squad member Jerry Burks, Station 2 was dedicated in April 1982. This modern two bay station houses a fire engine and an advanced life support ambulance along with other equipment. The station also includes a restroom, office as well as storage area and is powered by a back-up generator in times of power failures. Station 2 on Edgemont Drive was dedicated in honor of Jerry Burks for his efforts. In the mid 1990's in an effort to again increase membership, the Covington Rescue Squad looked for solutions. There were potential folks who wanted to volunteer their time, but did not have enough time in their lives to certify in EMT, pull night call and was looking to play mainly a support role with the organization. Thus, the Associate Program was created. Over the years this program grew and eventually, also created was a Junior Membership Program, which captured young teens from the high school level. Most of the Associate Members went on to attain their EMT certifications and stepping up as full members. This phase of the organization seems to fill the gap and has put the rescue squad back in a position of moving forward. After the June 2012 Derecho, our crew responded to 63 EMS calls in less then 3 days. This storm seem to place a curse on the crew. Although Covington recovered, the calls never slowed. In 2015 the rescue squad approached City council asking for part time paid help as members were finding it harder to keep up with the EMS calls. October 1, 2018 a city supported paid crew implemented to work in conjunction with the volunteers. This bonding has been a success. Today, the Covington Rescue squad is still supported by the city government budget along with donations from the public. We operate out of two stations with (3) advanced life support ambulance, a crash-rescue truck, Avon rubber boat with trailer, and a captain's crew vehicle. We are twenty five members strong and dispatched by the City of Covington Emergency 911 Center. Although our rich history enabled us to celebrate a milestone of 90 years of service to our community, we look forward in continuing our EMS success story, “Still in the making. ”We are a strong Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squad family serving Virginians. Memorable mentions in the last few years are: 1984, member Winnie McCallister made a motion to change the name of the Covington Fire Department First Aid & Life Saving Crew to the Covington Rescue Squad. The motion carried. 1991, then Governor Douglas Wilder presented the Covington Rescue Squad with the Virginia Governor's Award for Volunteer Excellence. 1991, the Covington Rescue Squad was awarded the Organization of the Year, presented by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce. At the 65th Annual Convention, the Covington rescue Squad was presented the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, “Rescue Squad of the Year”. At the 71st Annual VAVRS Convention in Virginia Beach, the Modular Ambulance Vehicle Extrication Team, consisting of Greg Burton, Gary Fisher, Kim Vass, and Donnie Heironimus placed first, becoming “Virginia State Champions”. At the 2021 and 2022 VAVRS Conventions Covington Rescue Squad won the EMT-BLS Contests and were recognized ad Virginia State Champions. Official
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From the
Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes
Again, hello from the “Attic”, where meetings and other activities are gearing up for the coming General Assembly session. I was glad to see many of you at the FRV gathering earlier in September, but a tropical storm took care of a number of activities. Congratulations to the contest winners this year. As I said in my verbal report to the Board of Governor’s, I did attend the Fire Services Council Legislative Summit in early September with many different items being brought forward for discussion. This included the report on 911 dispatcher which will be released in October and the location of the Office of EMS in the future. Also briefly, discussed was an upcoming report on funding for OEMS and VDFP. One item I did leave out was a reminder to go out and VOTE, whether it be early voting or on November 7th. Your vote could make a difference and each race is expected to be very close. On October 3rd , I attended a “Preview Tour” of the new General Assembly Building – all 14 floors plus one below ground with a committee room that seats 400 individuals. There will be a dining area on the 1st floor that will open the afternoon of October 11th after the ribbon cutting. The ribbon cutting for the new General Assembly Building is scheduled for October 11, 2023 at 1:00p.m. There is also a tunnel that is not quite completed, going from the General Assembly Building to the Capital. I did receive a copy of the new budget and will be reviewing it after completing this article and taking care of the grocery shopping and yard work. In looking at the newly approved budget, I did not see anything that affects EMS, but as always it needs to be carefully gone over. There are places to hide items in the budget. (Continued on page 17)
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Lobby Ceiling
Photos by Elizabeth Rhodes
Speaker’s Office
This is a picture of the 400 seat House Room that is underground. There is lots of technology built into these committee rooms. This picture was taken prior to the beginning of a question-and-answer session after the tour was complete.
House Room A (Continued from page 16)
“Congratulations to Bruce Stratton in being selected by the Governor to serve on the EMS Advisory board. He replaces Dreama Chandler who completed her term on June 30th. Bruce has been serving the past six years on the FARC committee representing the Blue Ridge EMS Council. I know Bruce will do a great job!” This completes my article and should you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
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Winners Submitted by Darlene Gee RN BSN Paramedic Salem Rescue Squad continues to recover from the effects that COVID had upon our squad. We continue to work on recruitment and retention within our squad and our membership numbers continue to rise. We’ve climbed up into the 30s for our membership numbers and this has resulted in our volunteers answering more EMS calls. We continue to cover the numerous standbys in the city and to interact with the many wonderful people in our community. Being that we are once again proving to be a valuable resource to our city that means we’re on the winning side of the table. We’re winners in another realm also. September finds two of our line officers traveling to New Orleans to claim an award that we were nominated for back several months ago. Ken Cook, our Captain and Lt. Personnel will be taking a trip to New Orleans as well as myself to bring home an award on behalf of our squad as will be awarded by EMS World Expo and the NAEMT for Volunteer EMS Service of the Year Award. Our membership is excited and honored to be receiving such a prestigious award. The EMS World Expo will be held in New Orleans during the week of Monday, September 18th through Friday, September 22nd. Not only will we be attending a number of ceremonies to offer recognition of our award, there will be a number of great educational/learning opportunities Wednesday through Friday. I know I am looking forward to this wonderful opportunity. Maintaining a good rapport with the leaders of our city and the various departments within our city including, Salem Fire and EMS, our dispatchers and our law enforcement officers has proven to be a success for us as we continue to move in the direction of being the super EMS agency that we once were. Our line officers have proven to be devoted to Salem Rescue Squad being a success. That’s a winning hand no matter how you look at it.
Our members continue to be devoted to training and continuing education so as to provide the best in emergency medical care to anyone in need of such in our community. We have a great lineup of training opportunities for our members including the plan for an EMT-B course to begin in January 2024 and to run through the beginning of April 2024. The EMS world continues to change and progress as does healthcare in general. We all know this is the status quo of healthcare, ever changing and we can go forward competently and confidently to meet the needs of our community. Until next time, everyone take care and stay safe.
VAVRS Breakfast
Submitted by Kevin Dillard, VAVRS Life Membership Chair The honors breakfast was held on September 22, 2023, at the Embassy Suites in Hampton, VA. A breakfast was held and a small program. Members in attendance gave their years of service along with comments. There were over 1,064 years of service represented by the VAVRS Life Members present.
A VAVRS tumbler with the member’s name on it was given as a gift to all the Life Members. Also, a Life Member/ Hall of Fame book was given to each of those in attendance. It was announced that Life Members receive free registration to the annual convention and can participate in the Death Benefit plan at no charge. After the program, elections were held for the Life Member committee to replace Greg Burton & Roger Vassar, who had completed a two-year term. Jimmy Rice and Steve Grayson were voted on for a two-year term. Afterwards elections were held for the Hall of Fame committee. Ken Morgan, Chair of the Hall of Fame committee was unable to attend due to illness so the elections were conducted by Kevin Dillard. Bruce Stratton and J C Phillips came off the committee after competing two-year terms and Roger Vassar & Warren Winner were voted on for a two-year term. Official
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50 Years of Service at Virginia Beach Recently Bobby Hill was recognized by Virginia Beach EMS for 50+ years of public safety service. At the age of 16, Bobby became a Fire Explorer with the Davis Corner Volunteer Fire Dept & Rescue Squad (station 2) In 1968 at the age of 18 Bobby joined Davis Corner (station 2) as a volunteer firefighter serving along side his father. During his 4 years at Fire/Rescue 2, Bobby held the rank of Fire-Rescue Captain & Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief where he also participated in VAVRS District 2 competition. In 1972, Bobby join the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (Rescue 14). During his time at Rescue 14 he earned EMT-Cardiac Tech & Nationally Registered Paramedic credentials. He continues to hold EMT certification.
Virginia Beach EMS Chief Jason Stroud honoring Bobby Hill for 50 Years of Service
He has chaired many public safety committees & held numerous operational & administrative positions with Rescue 14 & VA Beach EMS, including Brigade Chief, training officer, squad truck supervisor, public relationsmarketing, recruitingretention & many more. Today, Bobby serves in an administrative role as part of Rescue 14 social media marketing team along with serving on the VA Beach EMS Sustainability Team. Bobby also serves on the Virginia Fire-EMS Recruitment Retention Network, VAVRS Facebook Marketing Team & as the Rescue 14 VAVRS Board of Governors Representative.
Bobby Hill with his 3 brothers -(Left to right) Charlie Hill, Bobby Hill, Retired VBFD Captain Harold Hill, Chesapeake Fire Captain Scott Hill Page
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Submitted by Gerald Layne, VAVRS Life Member
This is the picture from the District 5 awards on November 11, 2001 at Boydton VA. The challenge you may try is to name everyone in this picture. There are nine I cannot name today. Sitting in the front and wearing the gray shirt is Jason Morgan from Campbell Co Vol Rescue. The row kneeling behind him are: Consada Phillips CCVRS, yellow shirt is unknown, the next three girls are Mecklenburg VRS, Sterling Huff MVRS, two children are unknown and Jimmy Phillips from CCVRS on the end. Standing are: the first three are unknown CCVRS, Mike Johnson Appomattox VRS, Robbie Lindsey, Tarry Pribble, Frank Smith, Gail Rice, Gerald Layne and Heather Palm all from Citizens.
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Timeless Wonders—Still Volunteering Today! Submitted by Greg Burton, VAVRS Life Member District One agencies that are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2023!
Covington Rescue Squad
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90 years
WestRock Rescue Squad
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85 years
Hot Springs Rescue Squad
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60 years
Bridgewater Rescue Squad
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50 years
Millboro Area Rescue Squad
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25 years
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Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces State EMS Advisory Board Appointments RELEASE: September 29, 2023 STATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin of Chesterfield County, Retired Director of Health/Counseling Services, Virginia State University Brian Frankel of Fredericksburg, Deputy Chief of EMS, Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department Robert E. Lipscomb, Jr., of Lynchburg, Retired Deputy Fire Chief, Lynchburg Fire Department Beth Matish of Henrico County, CEO, Johnston Willis Hospital.
Dr. Patrick McLaughlin of Midlothian, Physician, VCU Health Matthew Rickman of Roanoke, Deputy Chief, City of Salem Fire-EMS Department Torie Smith of Palmer Springs, Flight Nurse, Duke Life Flight R. Bruce Stratton of Concord, Life Member & Hall of Fame Recipient, Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads Inc.
Dreama Chandler
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R. Bruce Stratton
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The VAVRS will be offering various opportunities for our membership and other EMS providers to obtain ALS and BLS Continuing Education Hours. These announcements will be distributed through our communication network email system and posted on our website. The first opportunities is scheduled for November 11, 2023 in Oilville (information below along with an opportunity to attend a Traffic Incident Management Course. Register by emailing training@vavrs.com
On their website, the Virginia Office of EMS lists “EMS Continuing Education Resources and states it “is proud to provide complimentary online education and support to local Fire and EMS with content spanning all aspects of pre-hospital care. Whether improving your skills or looking for specific EMS education topics for re-certification, we have a one-stop shop for your needs. We are dedicated to providing all EMS providers with quality online continuing education in a variety of formats.” Official
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The Fourth Annual Conference / Expo—First Responder Virginia was held September 21-23, 2023 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Though we had one uninvited guest (Tropical Storm Ophelia) that shorten our programs on Friday and Saturday, the conference and education opportunities were successful. A special thank you goes out to Fire Chief John Morrison-Vienna Volunteer Fire Department who served as the Keynote Speaker during the Opening Ceremony. Photos above, Chief Morrison during his keynote address and above right-Left to Right, Master of Ceremony Gary Dalton, Chief John Morrison and Master of Ceremony Joan Dempsey. Below left is photo at the VAVRS Booth, L-R back row, Vendor Chair Gerald Layne, Executive Director Bubby Bish and Training Coordinator Biran Bilheimer. L-R front row, Administrative Assistant Carol Gothard and Amelia Emergency Squad Alternate BOG Anetta Baxley. Below on the right is a photo of (L-R) VAVRS Secretary Gary Dalton, VAVRS Treasurer Andy Neagle, VAVRS President Wesley Melson and VAVRS Executive Director Bubby Bish during the Board of Governor’s Meeting on Friday. Our thanks also go out to the FRV Committee - VFSA Ken Brown, Jimmy Byer, Pete Kirby, Larry Gwaltney and Joan Dempsey - VAVRS Bubby Bish, Gary Dalton, Nick Brown, Tarry Pribble and Fern Puckett for all of their hard work in preparing for the event. The 2024 FRV Conference and Expo is planned for Virginia Beach—September 18-24, 2024. A lot of plans will need to be made to improve attendance and participation. We as you for your help and ideas. You can contact the committee by emailing gdalton@vavrs.com.
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Thoughts from a young “old man” Submitted by Brandon Baugus A-EMT, Ettrick-Matoaca Vol. Rescue Squad The following views are mine alone and are not affiliated with any agency or position. As I sit here shortly after my 33rd birthday I am reflecting on the past, both as a volunteer EMS provider and as a member of the VAVRS. Many of you heard me speak at the Spring BOG meeting and I can tell you that I speak from the heart with the passion I have for the Association. I hear a lot of negativity regarding the current state of the Association however what I am not hearing are any potential solutions. As you all know we began from the humblest beginnings with the desire to serve our fellow man and how to unify and deliver that help efficiently. We as an association have moved mountains in order to get where we are today, we have created industry standards, passed legislation and inherently made our jobs safer for us and our patients.
While times and trends are constantly changing and evolving, I believe we have reached a crucial point in our existence where we need to determine in which direction we will travel. Our Association historically has supported the mission and goals of our mostly volunteer membership and I think we should build upon that foundation. It wasn’t very long ago when it was suggested that we remove the word “volunteer” from the name of our Association, however I think it’s time we expand on it. We as an association have a large and well-respected voice and I believe that we should utilize that voice and essentially be a special interest group representing the desires and wishes of volunteer emergency response agencies, to include volunteer rescue squads and fire companies. Did you know that roughly 51% of EMS care delivered in the Commonwealth is done by volunteer agencies and roughly 70% of Virginia’s firefighters are volunteer. None of this is to say that we cannot continue to provide the highest quality training to our paid EMS membership, but this would allow us to grow.
Growth gives us the power to foster more change, to broaden our horizons to persuade legislators to create new laws, create new provider levels to bridge the gap after the dissolution of the EMT-I program, but we cannot accomplish anything alone. The Association needs fresh faces to be welcomed to our meetings, we need to hear the struggles that our people face in all corners of the state, we need to groom the next generation of leadership. For the upcoming conference and future Spring BOG, I propose a challenge to all of you. Bring one operational member from your organization that has not come before, let them see what we have built and the passion we have for serving others. Together we can overcome!
VAJVRS OFFICERS 2023-2024 Submitted by Alfred Smith, VAJVRS Senior Advisor President, Shade Johnson; Vice President , Christopher Skeen; Secretary/Treasurer, Haven Johnson; Chaplain, Kaden Gray; and Historian, Koedan Murphy. (VAJVRS OFFICERS in the photo pictured above are in the order corresponding to their office.) Since the Tropical storm, Ophelia, cancelled the scheduled installation of officers, we were fortunate to have Steve Rohr, Junior Advisor for Staunton Augusta, to still be available to perform a hallway installation. He gave an inspirational talk to the new VAJVRS Officers and duly installed them. We are fortunate to have these young people to agree to volunteer their services this year. It was also nice to have in attendance BOG Scotty Caldwell from Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, Cleveland BOG Billy Johnson and Cleveland Junior Advisor, Marcus Combs. Official
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DISTRICT FIVE NEWS – KIMBALL GLASS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED Submitted by Phyllis Mayhew, District 5 Historian On Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the District 5 Meeting John McKinney announced the recipients of the 2023 Kimball Glass Scholarship. This year two individuals were awarded with scholarships. Kathryn Homa from Loudoun County Rescue Squad who will be attending Duke University and Layla Smoot, the granddaughter of Mike and Joan Smoot who will be attending the University of Lynchburg. District 5 would like to congratulate both of these young ladies and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
Woodstock Fire Department 200 Years of Service On February 8, 1823 a group of 100 citizens of the Town of Woodstock gathered at the county courthouse to establish a fire department. That meeting led to the birth of what is now the Woodstock Fire Department. Operating under the name “Woodstock Fire Company” and later “Shenandoah Fire Company,” this early organization provided fire protection to the Town of Woodstock utilizing a hand drawn engine and hose carts. Water was accessed via a series of cisterns and fires were fought using scores of men and brute strength. In 2023 we celebrated 200 years of volunteer service with a special program in February and commemorative parade in July. We look forward to continuing our inherited legacy of service for decades to come.
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Ronnie Slough Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant Ronnie was born on May 20, 1945. He joined the Buena Vista Rescue Squad in 1976 and has held every office in the squad, more than you can count. Ronnie said he joined Buena Vista Rescue Squad because he just wanted to help people and that is just what he did. His first instructor position helping the community was a CPR Instructor and later he became an instructor for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads where he got involved in 1976. While being a member of the squad, he was a member of the EMT team for 12 years and a member of the vehicle extrication team for 15 years. Ronnie completed his schooling at Natural Bridge High School. He sought employment in his native Rockbridge County. In 1964 he was employed by Mundet-Hermetite where he continued to work and was a dedicated and consistent employee for 33 years. In 1984, Ronnie married Susan, who also became a member of Buena Vista Rescue Squad. Ronnie has two children, Chad and Amy, and one stepdaughter. Ronnie became involved with VAVRS in 1976. His first appointment with VAVRS was Junior Advisor, a position he held for three years. Ronnie taught EVOC-Instructor Trainer, Farm Machinery Extrication-Instructor Trainer, Vehicle Extrication, and Search and Rescue Instructor. He served as District 1 Vice-President which he was a proud member. Ronnie was awarded as Life Member in 1994 and a member of the Virginia Lifesaving and Rescue Hall of Fame in 1997. His involvement with the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads was a great adventure for him. He loved people and teaching people who he had never met. Ronnie served in so many positions for VAVRS but was so honored to be on the Convention Committee and most of all, serving as President for two years. Ronnie was asked, why did you join the Rescue Squad? He stated, “I just want to help, I just want to help people”. During a conversation with Ronnie, he was asked what some of the funniest things that has happened to you. He replied, there were many, but the times his old friend Bennie Summerlin would play tricks on him. He didn’t go into it too much but did start to laugh. He was asked, does it involve Search and Rescue, where someone was yelling for help up on the mountain? Ronnie stated that was one of many. Unfortunately, we lost Ronnie Slough on September 15, 2023. I hope he is reading this article in Heaven. RIP Our friend! Official
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Marie Householder Submitted by Carol Gothard, VAVRS Administrative Assistant Marie Householder was born in Louisburg, North Carolina on September 2, 1946. She lived there until 1972. She married Harry Householder in 1978. They have ten children and 9 great-grandchildren with two more on the way. Marie joined the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad in September of 1977. She received her EMT certification. She was also a member of the American Red Cross and taught CPR for many years. Marie is a Life Member of Loudoun County VRS and has served for over 40 years. When it came the time that she could no longer keep her operational status, she remained a vital part of the First Responder community. She was always coming up with new and successful ways to raise money and support the committee. She joined the LCVRS Auxiliary and served in many positions including President. She is an AVAVRS Life Member. She and her husband, Harry, and the first husband and wife team to both hold the office of President of the Auxiliary! She is also a Life Member of the Auxiliary. She was inducted into the Fire-Rescue Hall of Fame in 2019 because her significant contributions to Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad and to her local community. The VAVRS/AVAVRS is like a second family to her. She misses her friends in the organization who have passed and has many fond memories of them and their service. Her advice to the younger members of VAVRS is get trained, showup, volunteer, attend meetings and encourage your friends to join. She feels the more you become involved and learn, the more you feel part of this big family. Having friends join also make you want to show up and watch your family grow. Marie says most people did not realize how shy she actually is. She had to overcome this shyness to do the things she wants to do and things she wants to get accomplished. Wanting to teach CPR was the first step to make her want to overcome this shyness. You can’t teach it if you can’t talk in public. She tells the story of pulling up to the Convention in Roanoke and finding two of LCVRS’s Jr. members sitting on top of a rig drinking beer. Naturally they gave them a stern talk on why the underage drinking and unprofessional conduct need to stop. During the night, the Juniors were pulling fire alarms and all the floors of the hotel and putting bubbles into the outdoor fountain. They straightened up after these foolish incidents. Several juniors from those events and still members of the rescue squad to this day and occasionally talk about it (LOL). Her service, dedication and enthusiasm have made her an irreplaceable member of the VAVRS/AVAVRS family. Page
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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, I was doing going through all my receipts and payroll stubs in preparation for completing my 2024 tax return. Do you know if I can claim the hours I volunteer at the squad as a deduction? B. B. Dear Bubby, You don’t need to worry about taxes this coming year—it is an election year and according to unofficial sources, a new simplified income-tax form contains only four lines: 1. What was your income for the year? 2. What were your expenses? 3. How much have you left? 4. Send it in. Dear Rescue Ranger, I have been having trouble with my eyesight recently so I went to a doctor and told him—”Doc, I think I need glasses!” He said, “You certainly do, this is a bank!” C. G. Dear Carol, I told my doctor that I get severe heartburn when I eat birthday cake. He said, “Next time, take off the candles first!” Dear Rescue Ranger, They say that the average person only uses 10% of their brain. I wonder what the other 40% is used for? B. B. Dear Brian, I hate when I see an old person in the store and I realize I went to school with them!
Dear Rescue Ranger, I hate to admit it, my wife’s cooking has seriously improved. Last night I had the best slice of soup I’ve ever eaten! J. B. Dear Jimmy, Fuel prices are so high that I went to local car dealership and test drove 3 cars to run my errands. Follow me for more money saving tips. Dear Rescue Ranger, When I was a kid, when we played “spin the bottle”, if they didn't want to kiss you, they’d have to give you a quarter. By the time I was 12, I owned my own home. W. M. Dear Wesley, I went to a faith healer group last night. He was so bad, even the guy in the wheelchair walked out. Dear Rescue Ranger, Its 6 months since I joined the gym and no progress. I’m going there in person tomorrow, to find out what's really going on. J. C. 3. Dear John, Those who like my letters are happier, more intelligent and better-looking than those who don’t; according to a study I made up. Dear Rescue Ranger, My wife gives me sound advice...99% sound, 1% advice. J. C. Dear J. C. Free Marriage Tip: Don’t ask your wife when dinner will be ready while she is mowing the lawn!
Dear Rescue Ranger, I got home today and my kids were on e-bay all day. If they are still on tomorrow I will have to lower the price. A. N. Dear Andy, The squirrels must be expecting a very cold winter. They’re gathering more nuts than usual. Yesterday my sister disappeared. Dear Rescue Ranger, I have reached the age when my train of thought often leaves the station without me. W.M. Dear Wayne, Someone asked my about a patient that I transported recently that had swallowed 10 quarters. I said, “No change yet!”
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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023
NON-PROFIT ORGAN.. U.S.POSTAGE PAID WOODSTOCK, VA PERMIT NO. 82
Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.
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