Virginia
LIFELINE 4th Quarter 2021
The Official Publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads
The Future Is N O W Virginia Association of Junior Volunteer Rescue Squads Officers 2021—2022
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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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Articles may be submitted by any member of the VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS.
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Feature articles are encouraged.
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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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Parliamentary Corner Submitted by G. Kenneth Morgan, VAVRS Parliamentarian We need more VAVRS members to be students of parliamentary procedure. There are two national organizations that teach and promote parliamentary procedure. The National Association of Parliamentarians require a test to join as a regular member but you can join as a provisional member until you complete the test. I can help you study for the test if you are interested in joining. The website for NAP is www.parliamentarians.org. The other organization is American Institute of Parliamentarians. They have several excellent on-line correspondence courses. There website is https://aipparl.org.
Contact me if you have questions. Ken@gkmorgan.com Brief Principles: The principles of parliamentary law include: only one subject may be discussed at a time, discussions should alternate between pro and con comments in debate, a requirement that the chair must always call for the negative vote, and to confine debate to the merits of the proposal. The power and authority of an organization rests with the majority vote of the membership. The membership votes to allow the Board of Directors or officers to take specific actions on their behalf. A “consent agenda” can shorten meetings and eliminate a separate vote on routine matters. Agencies should develop “consent agendas” for all their meetings and learn how to properly expedite routine business.
The chair should never call for abstentions. The majority vote is based on the number voting, not the number present, so abstentions are meaningless in determining the majority vote. Q&A 1. Must a quorum be present to call a meeting to order? NO, the presiding officer may call the meeting to order, but no business can be conducted until a quorum is present. 2. What is a “consent agenda?” A tool for disposing of routine or noncontroversial matters. Usually approved without discussion. Any member may request that an item be removed from the consent agenda and discussed by the assembly. 3. What is meant by “dispense with the reading of the minutes?” This motion only postpones the reading and approval at a later time. A more appropriate motion is, “that the minutes by approved as distributed.” 4. What business may be conducted at a special meeting? A special meeting may only consider the items of business specified in the “call to meeting.” A regular meeting may consider any business that falls within the mission of the organization. 5. If a member is in doubt on the outcome of a voice vote, what can he do? Immediately call for “division” that requires a standing vote. Contact me if your agency is interested in having a class on parliamentary procedure. And if you want to get an opinion on your bylaws or parliamentary procedure, you can contact me at ken@gkmorgan.com
Note from Editor: Thank you Ken Morgan for all you have done for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads and for your service as our Parliamentarian for the past year. You are truly amazing!
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Celebrating the Angels Among Us Submitted by Eddie Ann Orndoff, AVAVRS President Hello everyone. We have just returned from convention. What a convention it was. I was elected as your new AVAVRS President. I must say that this has been a humbling experience. I truly am following in the footsteps of leaders that I have admired and respected for many years. My theme for this year is “Celebrating the Angels Among Us. For the benefit of those who didn’t get to attend the installation of officer’s ceremony, I am including some excerpts from Ruth Swicegood’s speech. Miss Ruth captured my vision so completely and it was really awesome. (You may recognize that part of this speech is from the song Angels Among Us that came out a few years back by Alabama.) I believe there are Angels among us.
“They are sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in the darkest hours to show us how to live. To teach us how to give. To guide us with the light of love. They wear many faces, show up in the strangest places to grace us with their mercy in our time of need.” Our Angels saw a need to form an auxiliary to assist squads 70 years ago in 1951. It started with five auxiliaries and was joined by five more and for the past 70 years we have continued to grow. “Oh, the Angels among us.” You never know when you will come across an angel. They can be just like you and me. The first responders, the police, firefighters, everyone in the health care field, people serving others and all volunteers from every walk of life. Our auxiliary is there in so many different ways. Moral support of the squad and community. Running calls, dinners, installations, fund raisers, attending meetings, training and the list could go on. Let’s think about the Angels that we have had the privilege to meet throughout those 70 years. It brings a smile to our face and a warm place in our hearts. They have been there in every part of life, helping us and loving us. The State office, members of the rescue squad, junior squad, auxiliaries, district and state all go hand in hand. They represent many years of hard work, dedication, strength, courage, commitment, laughter, tears, happiness as well as sorrow not only to the rescue squad but to the citizens throughout the state. They are the Angels Among Us. We need to celebrate them every day. Let us also remember the Angels of the past – those ladies that started it all for us. The Angels Among Us from 1951 to 2021. We celebrate them for the commitment, honor and accomplishments they achieved throughout the years. As we move forward, please know that I am here for you should you need me. I am just a phone call or an email away. Please reach out. It is my hope that I am worthy of the confidence you have in me to lead this very prestigious organization with grace and compassion. Look for the Angels surrounding you, you will find that they are everywhere. Page
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COMMENTS FROM THE AVAVRS IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Submitted by Fay Browning, AVAVRS Immediate Past President Greetings Everyone, I have been waiting a long two years to be honored with this title, AVAVRS Immediate Past President. I cannot accept this title without thanking a bunch of people during my tenure as their President. When I was elected as the AVAVRS President two years ago in Hampton, I thought wow, how am I going to do this job right and make the Association proud. Luckily, right after the Convention in 2019, I was able to visit all six Districts as your President. That was great, because in March, 2020, the world shut down because of COVID 19. They called it a Pandemic and it turned into pandemonium—you couldn’t go anywhere without a mask; everyone was hoarding toilet paper and any other sanitizing materials they could find; they decided the beautiful monuments on Richmond’s Monument Avenue and other areas across the State were offensive and needed to be taken down; and then that created rioting. During all of this, I was burning up my computer and telephone trying to communicate with everyone as best as I could. I was beginning to think my legacy as AVAVRS President was going to be the only President who never presided over a meeting. Then in October, 2020, the VAVRS had a one-day BOG meeting in Lynchburg which I attended, but still did not preside over a meeting. Finally, things got a little better and we were able to have a Spring Officers/ Delegates Meeting on March 27, 2021, in Roanoke, which I got to preside over. Then another strain of the COVID 19 reared its ugly head, and I was beginning to think maybe my legacy was going to be you were not going to be able to get rid of me because we were going to have to cancel Convention this year. Thank goodness we did not have to cancel and carried on with many COVID 19 precautions to keep us safe. Indeed the past two years have been a challenge and an opportunity. I am so proud of our Association in the way it arose to the occasion. In spite of being locked down for 18 months, the Auxiliaries were able to raise $69,055.32 for their Squads and Communities. Many made masks, supplied water, and fed Squads when called upon. This is why we have survived “70 Years to the Rescue.” Who would have thought 70 years after September 28, 1951, when a group of interested ladies met at Hotel Roanoke, Virginia for the purpose of organizing a Woman’s Auxiliary to the Virginia Association of Rescue Squads, our Association, now known as the Auxiliary to the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, would still exist? Auxiliaries represented at that meeting were: Bristol, Clifton Forge, Dublin, Pulaski, and Salem. A year later, 1952, they added Christiansburg, Covington, Fredericksburg, Henrico, and Hopewell Auxiliaries. We even have some of the Auxiliaries still in existence today that were at that meeting. In 1954, they had two Districts: Eastern with five Auxiliaries and
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Western with six Auxiliaries. We are still standing strong, maybe not in number of Auxiliaries or members, but we have changed our name, we currently have six Districts, and Harry S. Householder was our first male President, 2015-2017. I think we have come a long way Baby! I am so glad we were able to have Convention this year, even if we had to make some sacrifices to make us all safe. I cannot say enough about how hard the 2021 Convention Committee worked to make this Convention a success. I am so glad VAVRS President Connie Moore honored Bubby Bish and Tarry Pribble with her President’s Award. It was most deserving! These individuals worked hard on this Convention. I feel it was a great success even with a few hiccups along the way, especially with registration. It was definitely a team effort. I think the Opening Ceremony was one of the most memorable ones I can remember in my many years of attending. If you did not get to attend, you missed a vivid account of the 9/11 terrorist attack on this Country, and specifically the Pentagon. It brought tears to a lot of attendees’ eyes. This attack should never be forgotten and written in history books! I want to thank the Exhibitors who attended our Convention this year. It was so nice to see the Exhibit Hall filled with apparatus and so many vendors turn out to display their wares and support the VAVRS and VSFA. Congratulations to the winners of the Special Awards, the Scholarships, and the Competitions who were announced on Saturday night at the Awards Ceremonies. As I move on as the AVAVRS President, I want to thank all of the AVAVRS members for their friendship and support during my office as President. Without them, I could not have done it. They are the reason we have survived “70 Years to the Rescue.” Thank you for all you do for your Squads, Communities, Districts, the VAVRS, and the AVAVRS. You are this Association and I am proud to be a part of it. I know our newly elected President Eddie Ann Orndoff will do a great job with her Officers, and I encourage all of you to give her the support and cooperation you gave to me. It is our Association and it needs all of us working together for the good of it! Thank you!
Question: Have you ever dreamed of shouting “Drivers Start Your Engines!” at a NASCAR race. I have. Our own VAVRS Training Officer John Craig and VAVRS Past President Kim Craig got that honor recently at Richmond International Speedway. Good Job Guys—you made Virginia First Responders proud. We love ya! Page
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National Ambulance Manager Program Graduates: - Chief Operations Officer, Wesley Melson
- Director of Workforce Services, Richard Szymczyk Submitted by Morgan Szymczyk, LifeCare Medical Transport On August 12, 2021, Fitch & Associates recognized its recent graduates from their Ambulance Service Manager (ASM) program during the 2021 Pinnacle EMS Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The ASM Program is a national EMS program that immerse EMS professionals in the true foundations of Emergency Medical Services and provides them with the framework and tools to apply skills and lessons to real-world situations. LifeCare was proud to have two employees participate in the Class of 2021 ASM Program who were recognized during the ceremony. Chief Operations Officer, Wesley Melson and Director of Workforce Services, Richard Szymczyk both completed their ASM Program earlier this year. Both Melson and Szymczyk who are both Leadership Fredericksburg graduates, have been on a rigorous leadership journey during
Chief Operations Officer Wesley Melson 2020 and 2021 completing not only ASM, but also Certified Ambulance Coder and are both fellows of the national EMS leadership program, Priority Ambulance Leadership Foundation.
Director of Workforce Services Richard Szymczyk Official
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“Providing opportunities for our leaders is at the core of LifeCare. We strive to encourage our employees to take advantage of leadership opportunities like Leadership Fredericksburg, ASM and PALF so they can not only grow themselves as leaders but bring to our agency the knowledge and skills that they learn throughout the various programs. We are extremely proud of both Chief Melson and Captain Szymczyk as they have worked hard to complete these programs while also being vital parts of our corporate leadership team. We look forward to their continued growth in the company and in EMS.” Kevin Dillard, President & CEO Page
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This is the view from my room at the First Responder Virginia Convention (FRV)—VAVRS Headquarters. My personal thanks go to the FRV Convention Committee for all of their hard work. It paid off, the conference was great. See you next year!
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From the Legislative Attic Submitted by Ed Rhodes The Attic" Hello again from the Legislative Attic. I certainly hope that everyone has had an enjoyable summer and convention at Virginia Beach. The month of August was fairly busy with the legislature going into their second Special Session of 2021. This one was to figure out how to spend $4.3billion in federal AFRA funds. The Governor wanted the distribution handled by the House and Senate without any amendments, but the Senate saw otherwise and spent about 13 hours discussing around 140 amendments. The House basically refused to hear any proposed amendments after the first two or three were defeated and went on to approve the Governor’s 18 page bill and sent it on to the Senate. After a lot of back and forth, the conference committee decided on a bill with some amendments, passed it, sent it on to the Governor, who signed it on August 10th. The budget surplus that has been in the media has not been spent but has been transferred by way of constitutional allocations. There is still some funding remaining from the federal funds and hopefully will be handled in the upcoming session Also during the month of August and into September, I attended the FARC meeting, Legislative and Planning Committee meeting, and the EMS Advisory Board meeting. We also made the trip to Staunton for the District 1 meeting, thank you for your wonderful hospitality. On September 2nd I attended virtually the Board of Health meeting. There was a report that nine proposals had been submitted to the Secretary Office for approval and then on to the Governor’s office for proposed legislation. These dealt with wells, water systems and compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Act. None of the proposals that were briefly mentioned did not affect EMS. The VAVRS Executive Committee has asked the Legislative Committee to review bills from the 2021 session(s) that failed and could possibly return in 2022. Two bills that are at the top of the list are (i) adding traffic incident management vehicles to the emergency vehicle code section and (ii) changes to the assault and battery and malicious bodily injury code section that would remove the mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines. These two sections include EMS
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providers, law enforcement and firefighters. Once again, if the legislation shows up, I will talk to the patrons and stand in opposition of these bills on your behalf. We thoroughly enjoyed the 87th Convention and thanks to the committee chairs and all of those who worked continuously to provide an excellent venue. My thanks to the VJAVRS for allowing me to assist VP Melson with the installation of their association officers. It is always good to see the next generation moving up and taking the leadership positions. After returning home and to the office, meetings started up again. Of course with the redistricting that is on-going, campaigning for the House of Delegates and the office of Governor, LT Governor and Attorney General take up a lot of space in the memory of the computer. By the way – don’t forget to vote in November or whenever you get the chance. After getting back, I attended the Executive Committee meeting of the EMS Advisory Board and then the next day the Virginia Fire Services Council Legislative meeting. Wesley Melson and Bubby Bish also attended. This meeting will give the VAVRS Legislative an idea of what the other associations are looking for in the coming General Assembly. If you have an interest in this and working with the Legislative Committee, please contact Wesley, that work will start now. I think that this will conclude my report, so if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
VAVRS Chaplain Submitted by Nick Brown I want to begin by telling you all how grateful I am to have been a part of the 2nd Annual First Responders Virginia Expo. It was a tremendous event and a great time was had by all. I look forward to next year's convention where we can come together again in fellowship. As we recently recognized the 20th anniversary of 9-11, I would like to say another heartfelt thank you to all who serve. Whether it is a fire department, an ambulance, career, or volunteer, your commitment to the communities you serve is much appreciated. I continually lift you up in prayer for peace and safety as you do everything you can to care for your fellow man. I'm sure we all remember exactly where we were on that dark day (if you were old enough). As for me, I was volunteering at my local squad and watched the events unfold. My life, as well as all of yours, changed forever. I pray that it made you a better person, not a bitter one. I would like to conclude with a special thanks to Rhonda Thompson and Ailese Short for their help with the Memorial Service at convention. We recognized 132 fellow first responders. I ask that if you have a member that has passed away and has not been recognized, please send me the information and I will be sure to include them next year. Thank you all for a great year and have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. God Bless. Page
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The First Responder Virginia Committee 2021 Bubby Bish—VAVRS Connie Moore-VAVRS Andy Neagle-VAVRS Tarry Pribble-VAVRS Ken Brown-VSFA Jimmy Byers-VSFA Larry Gwaltney-VSFA Pete Kirby-VSFA
I was lonely until I glued a coffee cup to my car. Now everyone waves at me….
Bubby Bish, pictured above, holding his 2nd Place Trophy-VAVRS EVOC Instructor Competition and Co-Winner along with Tarry Pribble of the President’s Award presented by VAVRS President Connie Moore during the First Responder Virginia Conference. Page
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Contest Results 134th Conference Virginia Beach, VA September 25, 2021 TEAM
Motor Motor 4 Man 6 Man Dressing 4 Man 1 Man Air TOTAL Hose Chem Hose Ladder Ladder Hose Pack
Selma
3
5
Falling Springs
5
1 3
Poquoson Fire Covington
X
5
3
5
21
5
X
1
5
3
20
3
X
1
X
Poquoson Rescue TappahannockEssex
Driver's Name Ross Helmintoller Forest Redd Doug Morris Mark Wolfe Chris Cahoon Brandon Fridley Shane Byer David Vest Andrew Baker Jimmy Byer Kevin Pettit Sandy Byer Marshall Keller Ray Keen Steve McGuire Rennie Fridley Page
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1 3
X 1
3 1
10 1
6
5
5
X
1
Fire Department Covington Station #1 Christiansburg VFD Selma Boiling Springs FD 2 Selma Dunlap Station #2 Covington VFD Dunlap Station #1 Covington Station #1 Boiling Springs FD 2 Covington Station #2 Boiling Springs FD 2 Northampton FC (Hampton) Dunlap Station #1 Dunlap Station #2 4th
Score 04:45 04:59 05:00 05:02 05:55 06:23 06:25 06:26 06:48 07:12 07:32 07:57 08:08 08:14 08:53 09:11 Quarter
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Results of the First Responder Virginia—VAVRS Competitions 2021 Thanks and congratulations to all of the participants!
PLACE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
EMT CONTEST -- SRS. SQUAD SCORE Covington RS 83 Burnsville 76 Clifton Forge 71 Danville LSC 63 Bristol LSC 63 West Rock 61 Southside/SH 59 Ashburn F&R 54
PLACE 1 2 3
ALS CONTEST SQUAD SCORE Westrock RS 80* Ashburn F&R 80* Danville LSC 76
EVOC CONTEST PLACE FIRST NAME 1 Mark 2 Todd 3 Michael 4 Walter 5 Tony 6 Thomas 7 William 8 Billy 9 Aaron
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TIME 30:34:00 32:48:00 55:28:00 SCORE
Wolfe
Boiling Springs VFRS
147.50
Miller
Washington LSC
144.83
Booze
Clifton Forge RS
127.33
Bishop
Colonial Heights Fire /Ems
119.00
Smallwood Covington
114.50
Adams
Bristol LSC
106.17
Davila
Danville LSC
105.83
Johnson
Cleveland LCS
90.17
Gwaltney Southside-South Hill Res.
71.17
EVOC CONTEST PLACE FIRST NAME 1 Scott 2 Bubby 3 David 4 Bryant 5 Sandra 6 Stephen 7 Brandon 8 Kathryn Official
NON-INSTRUCTOR SQUAD
TIME 15:00:00 15:00:00 15:00:00 15:00:00 15:00:00 15:00:00 15:00:00 15:00:00
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LAST
INSTRUCTOR SQUAD
SCORE
Davis
Fredericksburg Rescue
182.17
Bish
Southside Va. Emeg. Crew
161.83
Vest
Westrock
159.33
Cleveland LSC
152.33
Byer
Boiling Springs Fire/Rescue
152.00
Rohr
Staunton-Augusta
135.67
Baugus
Ettrick-Matoaca
127.50
Eubank
Manchester VRS
118.00
Skeen
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CBVRS Gains Two New Lucas 3 Devices Submitted by Sara Hunt PR—Colonial Beach VRS Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad is the proud owner of two new Lucas 3 Chest Compression devices that were funded by generous donations from the community and a 50/50 grant from the Virginia Office of EMS. The device is used during a cardiac arrest and it performs chest compressions automatically so that the squad members don’t have to relieve each other during a long transport to the nearest hospital. With the addition of these two new devices, all of the squad’s vehicles are equipped with Lucas machines. They cost about $15,000 each, so the donations and the grant were much needed and appreciated. They want to thank everyone who made the purchase possible. From left to right are: Patrick Simmons, Troy Green, Chief Joey Straughan, Assistant Chief Pat FitzGerald, Lewis Bowen Sr., and Donna Shelar. The sign was made by Amber Straughan.
The Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 148 delivered an appreciation basket to Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. They wanted to recognize all first responders on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Pictured are Cathy Pavalak, Pat FitzGerald, Shelly Parker and Mary Dykstra. Page
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2021 VAVRS Scholarship Winners Submitted by Carolyn Brand, VAVRS Scholarship Chair
Alex Newman Winner of the Kevin Dillard Leaders of Tomorrow
Scholarship Alex is from Covington, VA and will be attending Virginia Tech to study to become a Physician/Surgeon. He is a member of Covington Rescue Squad in District 1.
Sophia DeSimone Winner of the Anne J Gwaltney Scholarship Sophia is from Midlothian, VA and will attend Virginia Tech in the fall. Her goal is to become a OB/GYN Physician. She is a member of Manchester Rescue Squad in District 3.
Tyler E Varney Winner of Sylvia & Garry Clatterbuck and Kelly G Southard Scholarships
Tyler is from Stuarts Draft, VA and is attending Radford University Carilion. He is continuing his education in Emergency Medical Services. He has been a member of Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, District, for 9 years (Continued on page 21)
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Lindsey Vorous Winner of the Julian S Wise Scholarship Lindsey is from Quintion, VA and will be attending Randolph-Macon College to study computer science. Her grandparents are members of Henrico Rescue Squad, District 3.
Cameron W Cluff Winner of the Julian S Wise Scholarship Cameron is from Chesterfield, VA and will be attending Miami University in Ohio. His career goal is be a residential architect. His grandparents are members of Forest View Rescue Squad, District 3.
Congratulations to the Scholarship Winners! Page
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The 2022 VAJVRS Officers were installed during the First Responder Virginia Conference. L—R: Advisor Alfred Smith Advisor Emily Pittman * President Joshua Thiel (Cleveland LSC) * Vice President Skylar Walker (Southside South Hill RS) * Secretary/Treasurer Khaleigh Smith (Cleveland LSC) * Historian Brandon Linkous (Cleveland LSC) * Chaplain MacKenzie Melson (Colonial Beach VRS) Advisor Kimberly Melson
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Emily Huffman Member of the Month
Brad and Ronnie Donating Blood
Kresten and Norwood Assisted in Carrying the 9/11 Honor Log Page
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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, Our crew enjoyed the convention. We won first place in EMT competition and are stoked. We decided to celebrate and went to a great seafood restaurant. Our thanks to the Convention Committee. By the way, did you know there is no popcorn in popcorn shrimp? Celebrating in Covington Dear Celebrating, I did not know there wasn’t any popcorn in popcorn shrimp. Doesn’t make any sense, but thanks for letting me know. I guess there is no reason for me to try pot roast. Dear Rescue Ranger, I tried to give blood the other day. What a circus, they asked so many questions. Almost makes you reconsider giving. What do you think? Controlled Bleeding in Richmond Dear Barry, I agree, too many questions and stupid questions to, like, Who’s blood is it? Where did it come from? Why is it in a bucket? Dear Rescue Ranger, Have you ever seen someone in a restaurant and wondered if they were a First Responder? I have, and I believe all you have to do is watch them for a little and if they finish their meal 15 minutes before everyone else they are a First Responder. Alert in Aldie Dear Alert, You know you’re a First Responder if:
Even though you work on one, you have to look at every ambulance, fire truck or helicopter you see.
Your friends expect you to be a medical expert on EVERYTHING including their rash.
Working 24 hours without sleep becomes your norm.
You can tell the difference between a police, fire or ambulance siren a mile away.
You clear the traffic to your right when your spouse/friend is driving.
You have developed a resistance to coffee and energy drinks.
You have sworn that no matter how ill or injured you are, you will drive yourself to the hospital.
You have said these words more than once, “That’s not that much blood!”
You can see someone vomiting one minute and go back to eating your sandwich the next minute.
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Dear Rescue Ranger, I am retired now and it feels amazing to walk into a store and buy whatever I want without looking at the price tag. Thank you Dollar Tree! Saving in Sterling Dear Byron, I know what you mean my friend. I got a question for you since you have so much free time and all you do is shop. Is there any day that mattresses are not on sale? Dear Rescue Ranger, I want to lose some weight and I am thinking of only eating food that I can grow myself. Any thoughts? Want to be Skinny Dear Bubby, I also want to grow my own but I can’t find bacon seeds. Also, not to brag, but I got the high score on our bathroom scales today!
1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10 FUN FACTS You can’t see your ears without a mirror. You can’t count your hair. You can’t breathe through your nose while sticking out your tongue. You just tried No. 3 When you did No. 3 your realized that is possible, only you look like a dog. You are smiling right now, because you were fooled. You skipped No. 5 You just check to see if there’s a No. 5 4th
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Twenty Years Later Submitted by Morgan Szymczyk, LifeCare Medical Transport On September 11, 2021, the country gathered as we remembered the tragic events that occurred twenty years prior on September 11, 2001. While the events of that day may have occurred over two decades ago, the memory will be forever embedded in our minds. On that day, LifeCare crews were one of the first on the scene at the Pentagon as two of its employees witnessed the plane hitting the Pentagon. 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. We thank all those employees along with all of the First Responders who went above and beyond that day and the following days lending aide to all of those who needed it.
News article regarding 9/11 and LifeCare’s involvement. As we reflect on the tragedy, we remember and honor the more than 400 First Responders that gave the ultimate sacrifice that day as well as all the victims and their families of 9/11. We remember and honor all of those who have succumbed to 9/11 related illnesses since that day.
LifeCare Unit Responding to Pentagon
“There are events in your lifetime that leave a significant impact on your way of life and your perception of the world. September 11th was a day that I remember vividly to this day. As a First Responder you are called to help those in need and that is what we did. We answered a call and sadly, for many in New York that was their final call, and we honor and remember them each day,” Kevin Dillard, President and CEO said. September 11, 2001, showed us to always take each day as if it is our last and appreciate what we have. That day showed the strong resilient nature of this nation and its citizens. Today we a facing another unprecedented moment in history with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is our hope that we can once again come together and protect each other and take care of one another. Together we can do great things.
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Crews from all over Northern Virginia responding to the Pentagon
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LifeCare crews assisting in Freemont, Wyoming
LifeCare Medical Transports Assists Ambulance Operations Across the Country Submitted by Morgan Szymczyk, LifeCare Medical Transport Since 1994, LifeCare Medical Transports has been in the business of helping others. With their robust commitment to excellence in EMS, LifeCare followed through with their commitment and is known for their trust, compassion and quality throughout the Virginia and Maryland areas. However, President and CEO, Kevin Dillard won’t stop with Virginia and Maryland as he has recently led operations endeavors in both Wyoming and South Carolina to help set up Ambulance Operations. In July, Dillard and seven other LifeCare employees assisted in the opening of operations for Frontier Ambulance in Freemont, Wyoming. Providers assisted with the 911 emergency operations for over a month. Most recently, Dillard led a team of eleven providers in South Carolina with a new countywide 911 contract for MedShore Ambulance in Anderson County. “Helping fellow EMS operations get up and started along with ensuring the residents of those counties get quality EMS services from the start is what it is all about. LifeCare has been very fortunate to be able to have served our local community members for over 27 years. When asked if we would be willing to help other ambulance companies with staffing and operations, we are always ready to go,” said President and & CEO, Kevin Dillard. Page
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VAVRS Memorial Service September 25, 2021
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Jessi Sadler Daniel
Brunswick Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Sally Knigge
Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Alma Cree Snowa
Richmond Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Brenda Gail Adams
Vinton First Aid Crew Auxiliary
Margaret Linda Powell
Clyde Wayne Bowman
Nottoway County Emergency Squad Inc.
John “Jack” Dye
Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad
Mattie Landrum Parker
Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad
Virginia W. “Teeny” McConkie
Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad
Earl M. Little
Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad
Pat Balsley
Irvin “Doug” Adams Jr.
Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc. Auxiliary
Alta Ann Mullins
Bassett Rescue Squad Inc. Auxiliary
Linda Arlean Minter Stevens
Waynesboro First Aid Crew Auxiliary
Norma Jean Campbell Morris
Vinton First Aid Crew
John Clark Arrington
Franklin County Rescue Squad
Virgil “Lee” Abel Jr.
White Oak Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc.
Frederic “Fred” Vanous
Franklin County Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Stafford County Fire & Rescue
Elizabeth “Betty” Dean
Lemuel Sherwood Byers Sr.
Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Becky Arehart
Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Jean Snead Chocklett
Vinton First Aid Crew Auxiliary
Barbara Kelley Chase
Cave Spring Rescue Squad Inc. Auxiliary
George Barry Melson
Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Robert “Bob” Douglas Bristol Life Saving Crew
Harry Dowel Boteler
Millwood Station Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Robert “Bobby” Altice Vinton First Aid Crew
Michael C. Counts Randy L. Johnson Robert Lane
Brunswick Volunteer Rescue Squad of
the
Katherine Dickerson
Chase City Rescue Squad
Calvin Ollie Brumfield
Gretna Fire & Rescue Squad
Cody David Brumfield
Gretna Fire & Rescue Squad
Stella Wright
Central Lifesaving and Rescue Squad
Hellen Louise Wade
Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad
Charles A. Small
Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad Buena Vista Rescue Squad
Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad
Publication
Wyatt Gosnell
Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Inc.
Marshall T. Smith
Salem Rescue Squad
Official
Buena Vista Rescue Squad
VAVRS
Betty Jo Wheeler
Buena Vista Rescue Squad
Susan Slough
Buena Vista Rescue Squad
Page
28
CJ Entsminger
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad
Fred H. Fix Jr.
Randolph “Randy” Thomas Breton
John Cramer Lindsey
John Gardner “Johnny” Adams
Buena Vista Rescue Squad Cool Branch Rescue Squad
John Thornton “JT” Crews Renan Volunteer Fire Department
Carolyn King
Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad
Edward Wayne “Carlie” Woodzell Hot Springs Rescue Squad
Evan Matthew Sabine
Madison County Rescue Squad
John Chomeau
Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad
Charles “Chuck” Ralph Poppe
Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad
Thomas Hart Brown
Holly Grove Fire & Rescue Squad
James Benton Anderson II
Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad
Robert “Bob” Anderson Danville Life Saving Crew
Joseph F. “Joe” Garrett
Washington County Life Saving Crew Bristol Life Saving Crew
Roy Thomas Lovejoy
Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad
James R. Bailey
Hamilton Volunteer Rescue Squad Gretna Rescue Squad Gretna Volunteer Fire Department
Robert “Bob” Holcombe Aquia Harbour Rescue Squad
Connie Campbell
Luray Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc.
Leo Charles Kelly
Sterling Park Volunteer Rescue Squad
Ronald “Ronnie” Wilson
Henrico Volunteer Rescue Squad
Donna Jean Quinn
Ettrick Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc.
Virgie Gallahan Miller
Fredericksburg Rescue Squad
Ida Hudson
Bristol Life Saving Crew Auxiliary
Aileen Rutherford
Bristol Life Saving Crew Auxiliary
Wanda Ryan Helmick
Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad Auxiliary
John Judge
Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad
Patricia Bryant
Christiansburg Rescue Squad Auxiliary
Lewis B. Atkins
Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad
Washington County Life Saving Auxiliary
Katheryn Harper Polen
Buddy “Bulldog” Eller
Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad
Betty Jean Dean
Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad
Clifton “Reed” Forbes
Bristol Life Saving Crew
Walter Revere
Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad
Bill Parsons
Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad
Bristol Life Saving Crew
Kenneth Warren “Ken” Tutt
Jonathan Ray Lester
James Gibson
William “Bill” Roland Welch Jr.
Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad
Scott County Lifesaving & First Aid Crew Inc.
Christopher Brad Campbell
Tazewell EMS
Flint Hill Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Raymond Wayne Lumpkin
LifeCare Medical Transports
Cool Branch Volunteer Rescue Squad
James “Jimmy” Clore
Aaron Blair Jr. Cool Branch Volunteer Rescue Squad
Hartwood Volunteer Fireman’s Association Inc.
Janice Thomas
Michael L. Gwaltney
Holly Grove Volunteer Rescue Squad
Southside Rescue South Hill
Charlotte Reese
William S. “Billy” Harris Jr. Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad
Chase City Rescue Squad Page
Bruce Edwards
Westrock Rescue Squad
29
4th
Quarter
2021
David Montgomery Bristol Life Saving Crew
Ann Marie Bidwell
Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad & Auxiliary
Ester Lee Baker
Scott County Lifesaving & First Aid Crew
Karl M. Dingledine
Southside Emergency Crew
Tony Cox
Luther Virgil Selby
Bristol Life Saving Crew
Central Lifesaving & Rescue Squad
Billy Wayne Dudley
Franklin County Rescue Squad
Charlotte Carr
Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad
Teresa Thisted
Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad
Bob Wingfield
Cave Spring Rescue Squad
Kelly Walters
Charles Leslie Clary
Central Lifesaving & Rescue Squad
Gerald “Sonny” Pullin
Boiling Springs Fire & Rescue
Roger Bryant
Christiansburg Volunteer Rescue Squad
Robert K. Gring
Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad
Scott Gast
Riner Rescue Squad
LifeCare Medical Transports
Shirley Bagby
Geraldine Moore Kirkhum
VAVRS Office Staff
Bensley-Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad & Auxiliary
Lee Rosser
Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad
Burford “Boots” Blackburn Belcher
Marvin Page Clary
Newport Volunteer Rescue Squad Giles Lifesaving & Rescue Squad
Bernard James Arnold
Danville Lifesaving Crew
Owen Edward Yoder
Danville Lifesaving Crew
Tommy Pruett
Longshop McCoy Fire Department & Rescue Squad
Jane Marie Pomfrey Anderson
Cool Branch Volunteer Rescue Squad
Beverly Brooks
Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad
Kenneth Gibson
Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad
Central Lifesaving & Rescue Squad Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Madison County Rescue Squad Danville Lifesaving Crew Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad Franklin County Rescue Squad Salem Rescue Squad
Richard Neal
Almeta Long Cook
Stanley Clay Pickeral
Christopher Rhoads Sr. Bill Woodfin
Kenneth Lee Scruggs
Judy Mathews
Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad & Auxiliary
Gretna Rescue Squad
Christopher G. Phelps
Wilmer “Woody” Merchant
Gladys Volunteer Fire Department
Michael Akers
Danville Lifesaving Crew
David Allen Campbell
Campbell County Rescue Squad
Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad Bristol Life Saving Crew Concord Rescue Squad Concord Volunteer Fire Department
Shelia Dawn Wood
Publication
of
the
Mary Keller
Randolph Maddox Jr.
Lawrence Gayle Jewell
Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad
Jessie Long
Roseland Rescue Squad Official
Anthony Mangum
Broadway Emergency Squad Auxiliary VAVRS
Page
30
Page
31
4th
Quarter
2021
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.