VIRGINIA LIFELINE
2013 CONFERENCE ISSUE
Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the LIFELINE 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 Editor if you need assistance in writing an article at gdalton@vavrs.com Deadline for future issues as follows: October 10, 2013 for November/December Issue December 10, 2013 for January/February Issue
Thank you for letting me be your Editor, it has truly been my pleasure!
Gary Dalton
THE VIRGINIA LIFELINE ISSN 0279-6023 is the official bimonthly publication of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. Editorial material should be sent directly to the VAVRS Editor at P O Box 522 Woodstock, VA 22664 (H) 540-459-4849 (W) 540-536-2758 (FAX) 540-459-4925 (C) 540-481-0125 Email-gdalton@vavrs.com Requests for advertising rates, material specifications and deadlines should be directed to the Editor.
VAVRS OFFICERS 2012-2013 President Edward B. “ Bubby” Bish Jr. Vice President Rickey Hodge Secretary Connie Moore Treasurer Steven Dove Training Officer Scott Davis Chaplain Darleen Ferguson Historian Dreama Chandler Editor Gary Dalton Immediate Past President Steve Grayson Legal Advisor S. Craig Lane Medical Advisor James R. Dudley, MD, MBA Parliamentarian J. C. Phillips Lobbyist Ed Rhodes Office Manager Frances Brooks Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank Administrative Secretary Shirley Bagby District 1 V. P. Scott Masincup District 2 V. P. Carolyn White District 3 V. P. Kenny Frenier District 4 V. P. Gary Dalton District 5 V. P. James Fontaine District 6 V. P. June Ann Wilkes District 7 V. P. Thomas E. Harris “Ted” District 8 V. P. Blake Byrd District 9 V. P. Darrell Beavers Acting District 10 V. P. George Langford
AVAVRS OFFICERS 2012-2013 President - Fern Puckett Vice President - Sharon Campbell Secretary - Dolores Hudson Treasurer - Kitty Campbell Chaplain - Clara Craig Historian - Heather S. Fox Parliamentarian - Harry Householder Immediate Past President - Joan Smoot Midwestern VP - Sheila Gordon Northeastern VP - Eddie Ann Orndoff Southcentral VP - Patsy Wingfield Southeastern VP - Fay Browning Southwestern VP - Valarie Becker Western VP - Debbie Rohr VAJVRS OFFICERS 2012-2013 President Cora Fearnow Vice President Emily Snyder Secretary/Treasurer Aryn Onnen Chaplain Dakota Looney Historian Shannon Cain District 3 V. P. Cora Fearnow District 7 V. P. Dakota Looney District 9 V. P. Christina Stanley Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith Advisor Woody T. Connor Advisor Brandon Baugus Advisor Woody Connor Advisor Micky Grodski Advisor Kim Craig
From the VAVRS President Submitted by E.B. “Bubby” Bish, Jr., VAVRS President I would like to welcome you to the VAVRS 79th Annual Conference. I hope all of you have had a great summer and achieved goals you have set.
As we move forward there will continue to be changes for VAVRS. We will work together to preserve the heritage and reputation of VAVRS. Again, “thank you” for the privilege to serve as your President.
It has been my honor to serve as President of the VAVRS for the past two years. There have been many changes and changes will continue as we move forward; therefore, I have named the past two years, “The Wings of Change”.
Photo of VAVRS President E. B. “Bubby” Bish and Tidewater EMS Council Executive Director Jim Chandler was taken at the 40th anniversary of the Virginia Beach Emergency Coronary Program held at the Historic Cavalier on the Hill. I would like thank Fern Puckett, AVAVRS President for her work and continued dedication, Cora Fearnow, VAJVRS President for her leadership and determination making sure the Juniors exceed. To all District Vice-Presidents, “Thank you” for all you do. With no intentions of leaving any one person out, as there are so many of you that have worked so very hard to in assisting me in serving the VAVRS.
The 40th anniversary celebration is the last event to be held at the Cavalier before starting major renovations. Photo submitted by Bobby Hill, Va Beach VRS Historian VBVRS Cart 14 on the Beach shows the crew treating a participant in the Allen Stone Run Swim Run. Photo submitted by Bobby Hill, VA Beach VRS Historian
Thank You for Your Exceptional Work for the VAVRS! Submitted by Fran Phillips, Recruitment & Retention Chair The VAVRS would like to say “Thank You” for your exceptional work to make the Commonwealth of Virginia one of the best Emergency Medical Service areas in the United States. For the past five plus years the VAVRS Recruitment & Retention Committee has given a “Thank You” token to the registered persons attending Conference. This year due to the financial status of the VAVRS the committee will not be giving this token. We hope in the future to be able to resume this practice. CONFERENCE: The VAVRS Recruitment and Retention Committee unanimously decided before the April Board of
Governors Meeting not to be reimbursed for each members Conference expenses but to put the budgeted amount toward helping squads and auxiliaries who request help in
Recruitment and Retention and in Management. I am very proud of this unselfish sacrifice by the members of the R & R Committee. AFTER THE CONFERENCE: Make an effort to attend your District Meetings. At these meetings information is given by officers and committee chairs that is very important for each squad to be aware of. Also, make an effort to make friends with other squad members. Find out how they operate, about their Recruitment & Retention efforts and fund-raising programs.
VAVRS COMMITTEE CHAIRS 2012-2013 Nominating—R. Bruce Stratton Membership—Rickey Hodge Life Membership—Ronnie Slough Bylaws—Bruce Edwards Rescue Hall of Fame—Ford Wirt Convention—Ford Wirt Rescue College—Rickey Hodge Rescue College—Wayne Myers EMS Advisory Bd.—Dreama Chandler EMS Advisory Bd.—Wayne Myers Strategic Planning—Karen Wagner Course Development—Doug Eberhardt Grant—Elizabeth Papelino Scholarship Fund—Carolyn Brand EMS Memorial Service—Kevin Dillard EMS Exchange—Jane LaVerne Rec. & Ret.—Fran Phillips Course Development—Doug Eberhardt Facility Manager—Lin Matthews Volunteer Management—J. C. Phillips Legislative—Dreama Chandler VAVRS Web Page—Gary Dalton AVAVRS COMMITTEE CHAIRS 2012-2013 Convention - Janis Slough Convention Co-Chair - Vickie Arnold Life Membership - Ruth Swicegood Nominating - Carolyn Brand Resolutions - Harry Householder Emergency Care - Ailease Short Membership - Sharon K. Campbell For a complete Finance - Kitty Campbell list of the Roll Call - Jean Garrett current courses being offered by Roll Call Co-Chair - Valarie Becker the VAVRS go to Rec. & Ret. - Marie Householder www.vavrs.com Fund Raising - Linda Berkstresser
The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J. C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian WHAT IS A “BOG?” When referring to the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, a BOG is the Board of Governor or sometimes referred to as a Delegate who represents the squad or crew at the Spring BOG Meeting and the Conference Meetings. This person is either elected or appointed by their squad or is the President or Chief Operations Officer of the squad. What are the responsibilities of the BOG? They should attend all of the meetings of the VAVRS which take place on From the AVAVRS Nominating Committee Chair Carolyn Brand: The following is the slate of officers for the AVAVRS for 2013-2014:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the Conference. Each BOG must sign in each day at the tables in front of the meeting room at the Virginia Beach Pavilion. Take notes as to what transpired during each of these meetings so a report can be given to your organization at their next meeting.
the way he or she was instructed.
A BOG is free to vote as they see fit unless they are instructed by their squad how to vote on certain matters. Squads should avoid telling a BOG how to vote on issues because certain information may come up on the floor that would change the perception of the whole situation and the BOG would still have to vote
2013-2014 AVAVRS Slate of Officers
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President—Sharon Campbell Cave Spring Auxiliary—South Central Vice President—Harry Householder Loudoun Auxiliary—Northeastern Treasurer—Patsy Wingfield Cave Spring Auxiliary—South Central Historian—Linda Berkstresser Lexington Auxiliary—Western Chaplain—Ailease Short Brunswick Auxiliary—Southeastern Chaplain—Jean Garrett Bristol Crewettes—Southwestern
Some squads tell their BOG how to vote in elections. A good BOG will vote the way they feel that their organization would want them to vote, even though they personally might not agree with it. Remember, a BOG is representing their entire organization and should not take that responsibility lightly.
2013-2014 VAVRS Slate of Officers
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President—Rickey Hodge Blacksburg—District 7 Vice President—Connie Moore Kenbridge—District 5 Vice President—Steve Dove Chancellor—District 10 Secretary—Scott Davis Giles County—District 7 Treasurer—Steve Grayson Madison County—District 10 Training Officer—Cecil Leach Churchville—District 1 Chaplain—Darleen Ferguson Brunswick—District 2
From the VAVRS Nominating Committee Chair Bruce Stratton: The following is the slate of officers for the VAVRS for 2013-2014:
2013 VAVRS Conference Seminars
2013 VAVRS CONFERENCE Pre-Conference Programs *MUST PREREGISTER TO ATTEND* METHODS OF INSTRUCTION 8 hour course Sun Sept 22 and Mon Sept 23, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day INFECTION DISEASE CONTROL BASIC 4 hour course Mon Sept 23, 2013 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. INFECTION DISEASE CONTROL OFFICER 8 hour course Tue Sept 24, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. TACTICAL MEDIC CLASS 16 hour course Tue Sept 24, 2013 and Wed Sept 25, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE TO TERRORISM 8 hour course offered at three different times Mon Sept 23, 2013 Tue Sept 24, 2013 Wed Sept 25, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Also…... “SO YOU THINK YOU ARE CRAZY” Special seminar being offered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center at the conclusion of seminars Tue Sept 24, 2013 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required via the website @ www.vavrs.com $25 registration fee will be required. Problems registering Call the VAVRS Office 800 833 0602
For a listing of all of the events and seminars being held in conjunction with the 2013 VAVRS Conference visit the VAVRS Website and download the entire brochure.
www.vavrs.com
Registration deadline for these programs Tuesday September 10, 2013. Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 757 481 9000 or 1 800 468 2722
2013 VAVRS CONFERENCE Pre-Conference Programs *MUST PREREGISTER TO ATTEND* GRANT WRITING 8 hour course Wed Sept 25, 2013 Or Thu Sept 26, 2013 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (sign up for whichever day works best for you!) Also…... “THE LOW DOWN ON THE HIGH SIDE; SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOTORCYCLE CRASHES” Special seminar being offered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center at the conclusion of seminars Thu Sept 26, 2013 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also…... VIRGINIA ITLS INSTRUCTOR COURSE Fri Sept 27, 2013 Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center To Register—Mail Application to Virginia ACEP/ITLS P O Box 911 Norge, VA 23127
CONFERENCE PROGRAM 79th ANNUAL CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 25 - 28, 2013 VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA HEADQUARTERS Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center (VBRCC) 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA Phone—757-481-9000
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Seminar:
Thanks to Our Vendors CHESTERFIELD INSURERS ESS INC EXCELLANCE AMBULANCE FESCO EMERGENCY SALES
Virginia Beach Resort & Conference Center, See Brochure for Details. 1:30 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Seminar: Virginia Beach Resort & Conference Center, See Brochure for Details.
FIRE & SAFETY EQUIPMENT
ID BADGE IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND SEMINARS THURSDAY & FRIDAY ONLY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Registration: Virginia Beach Convention Center outside Hall C. 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Seminar: Virginia Beach Resort & Conference Center, See Brochure for Details.. ID BADGE IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND SEMINARS THURSDAY & FRIDAY ONLY
1:30 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Seminar: Virginia Beach Resort & Conference Center, See Brochure for Details..
FIRE ENGINE COLLECTIBLES FISHERS SPORTSWEAR GOODMAN SPECIALIZED VEHICLES LLC
6:00 p.m. Past Presidents’ Dinner:
GRANDMAS
VAVRS Rescue College June 6-15, 2014
HEROES APPAREL MED 3000 EMS BILLING
Thanks to Our Vendors
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. ALS Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation. 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Rescue Diver Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Rescue Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Vehicle Extrication Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest information. 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. EMT Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation. 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Registration: Virginia Beach Convention Center outside Hall A. 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Exhibits: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Hall C. .9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Scrapbook Display: Virginia Beach Convention Center Main Lobby. 10:00 a.m. EVOC Written Exam: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 1-B .10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. VAVRS State Officers’ Meeting: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 5. 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Seminar: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 4 See Brochure for Details. 11:30 a.m. AVAVRS Officers’ Luncheon: Location TBA. 12:30 p.m. VAVRS Board of Governors’ Meeting: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 5. 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. AVAVRS Officers’ Meeting: VBRCC 8th Floor Board Room. 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. EVOC Contest Driving Course: Location of contest at time of written test . 1:30 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Seminar: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 4 See Brochure for Details. 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. AVAVRS Delegates’ Meeting: VBRCC, Chesapeake Room. 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. President’s Dinner: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Tower VIP Lounge. 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony: Virginia Beach Convention Center,
MEDICAL CLAIMS ASSISTANCE MUNICIPAL MARKETING NORTHWESTERN EMERGENCY VEHICLES PENN CARE INC PHYSIOCONTROL PROVIDENT INSURANCE AGENCY PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES VEST SALES & SERVICE VFIS OF VIRGINIA WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2013 7:00 a.m. VAVRS Life Member Breakfast: VBRCC outside, Chesapeake A. Sponsor: Chesterfield Insurers. 7:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. ALS Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation. 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. AVAVRS Life Member Breakfast: VBRCC, Virginia Room. Sponsor: Chesterfield Insurers. 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Rescue Diver Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation. 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Rescue Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation. 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Vehicle Extrication Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation. 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. ITLS Instructor Course: VBRCC, (STUDENTS MUST BE PREREGISTERED FOR CLASS)
8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. EMT Contest: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation. 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Exhibits: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Hall C. 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Scrapbook Display: Virginia Beach Convention Center Main Lobby. 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon EVOC Contest Driving Course: Location of contest site to be provided with contest confirmation. 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon Registration: Virginia Beach Convention Center outside Hall A. 10:00 a.m. VAVRS Board of Governors’ Meeting: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 5. 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Seminar: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 4. See Brochure for Details. 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon AVAVRS Business Meeting: VBRCC, Chesapeake Rooms, A, B, C. 1:30 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Seminar: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 4. See Brochure for Details 3:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. VAJVRS State Officers’ Meeting: Virginia Beach
Thanks to Our Vendors CHESTERFIELD INSURERS ESS INC EXCELLANCE AMBULANCE FESCO EMERGENCY SALES FIRE & SAFETY EQUIPMENT FIRE ENGINE COLLECTIBLES FISHERS SPORTSWEAR GOODMAN SPECIALIZED VEHICLES LLC GRANDMAS HEROES APPAREL MED 3000 EMS BILLING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 7:00 a.m. Rescue Hall of Fame Breakfast: VBRCC 8th Floor Board Room.. 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. AVAVRS Breakfast Meeting: VBRCC, Chesapeake Rooms A, B, C. 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. EMS Instructor update for EMT and EOI Instructors and ALS Coordinators: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite CDE. 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Exhibits: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Hall C. 9:00 a.m. VAVRS Board of Governors Meeting: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 1. 10:00 a.m. VAJVRS Board of Governors’ Meeting: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Show Management Office AB. 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. Scrapbook Pick Up: Virginia Beach Convention Center Main Lobby. 3:00 p.m. Incoming Officers’ Photos: Virginia Beach Convention Center, TBA. (OFFICERS ONLY) 3:30 p.m. Doors open for Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Ballroom 1 & 2 NO RESERVED SEATING. 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Installation of Officers, Memorial Service and Awards Ceremony: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Ballroom 1 & 2
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013
Thanks to Our Vendors MEDICAL CLAIMS ASSISTANCE MUNICIPAL MARKETING NORTHWESTERN EMERGENCY VEHICLES PENN CARE INC PHYSIOCONTROL PROVIDENT INSURANCE AGENCY
7:30 a.m. Officers’ Continental Breakfast: VBRCC., Horizons Room. 8:00 a.m. Convention Committee Meeting: VBRCC, Lynnhaven Room. 9:00 a.m. VAVRS Officers’ Meeting: VBRCC, Virginia Room.
PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
9:00 a.m. AVAVRS Officers’ Meeting: VBRCC, Dominion Room. .
PLEASE NOTE THE MEETING ROOM FOR ANY EVENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
VEST SALES & SERVICE
ANY CHANGES WILL BE POSTED AT EITHER THE CONVENTION CENTER OR THE HOTEL.
VFIS OF VIRGINIA
We hope that you have enjoyed the 79th Conference
WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY
May you all have a safe trip home and we look forward to seeing you in Virginia Beach September 24-27, 2014.
2013 Memorial Service Iredo Alderman ----- Falling Spring RS
William Lee Fowler ----- Rural Retreat VEMS
Angela Evans Bane ----- Sperryville VRS
Wilbur Fraenzel ----- Henrico VRS
George Lawson Beard ----- Roseland RS
Garland Frye Sr. ----- Millwood Station VF&R
Virginia Belcher ----- Newport Vol. RS
Freddie George ----- Woodstock VRS
James “Jim” Bellamy ----- Castlewood F&R
Ethel Giancaterino ----- Henrico VRS
John Benner ----- Charlottesville – Albemarle RS
Gertrude Gibson ----- Scott Co. LS&FAC
Ruth S. Benson ----- Middlesex Co. VRS
Vickie Gilbert ----- Cleveland LSC
Violet Benson ----- Colonial Beach RS
Vivian Giles ----- Danville LS&FAC
Everett W. Bise ----- Castlewood F&R
Claude Graybeal ----- Washington Co. LSC
Margaret Bishop ----- Christiansburg RS
O. E. “Buster” Greene ----- Manchester VRS
Helen Brand ----- Henrico VRS
Doris “Sissy “Huffman Hall ----- Buena VRS
Harvey M. Carpenter ----- Lead Mines RS
Ruby Harris ----- Stuarts Draft RS
Lawrence Harless Clark ----- Westvaco RS
Patrick Healey ----- Bristol LSC
Sylvia Clatterbuck ----- Bensley Bermuda VRS
Aubrey “Chink” Hudgins ----- Middlesex Co. RS
Geraldine Mae Cooke ----- Henrico VRS
John H. Huffman ----- Millwood Station VF&R
Bill Craig ----- Fieldale – Collinsville VRS
Lee Jenkins ----- Madison Co. RS
Margaret Craig ----- Stuarts Draft RS
Mae D. Johnson ----- Stony Creek VRS
Robert Merle Davis ----- Buena Vista RS
James “Mickey” Jones ----- Stony Creek VRS
Ferman E. Dixon ----- Westmoreland Co. VRS
James W. Kelliher ----- Madison Co. RS
Kristin Ekey ----- Blacksburg VRS
Annie Kinett ----- Stuarts Draft RS
Stephanie Elliot ----- Giles Co. RS
W. Nolen Koger ----- Bassett RS
Roger Fitzgerald ----- Rural Retreat VEMS
Thomas Walter Lamons ----- Cave Spring FA&RS
2013 Memorial Service Randy Lane ----- Wise RS
Robert T. Slusser ----- Westmoreland Co. VRS
Don Lee ----- Millwood Station VF&R
Cody Alan Smith ----- Hopewell EC
Phyllis A. Mace ----- Isle of Wright VRS
Lula Smith ----- Falling Spring RS
Eleanor Masincup ----- Staunton-Augusta FA&RS
Malcolm Eugene Snead ----- Washington Co. LSC
Edwin “Ed” Dale Matthews ----- Brooke FSA
Vernon D. Snyder ----- Lexington FD
Lawrence “Lonnie” McLane ----- Campbell Co. RS
Leona L. Hand Stanley ----- Glade Spring VLSC
Edith Higgins Medley ----- Pipers Gap RS
Dot Statler ----- Waynesboro FAC
Aubrey Lee Mohler ----- Buena Vista RS
Jasper Day “Jack” Stinespring -- Falling Spring RS
Ronnie Gene Montgomery ----- Saltville RS
Howard Vance Tedder ----- Lead Mines RS
James D. Mosely Jr. ----- Boydton LSC
William “Billy” Temple ----- Brunswick VRS
Frank Ott ---- Wintergreen Property Owners VRS
Charles Hugh Tuggle ----- Saltville RS
Robert “Bob” Paulsen ----- Kempsville VRS
Jedidiah “Jed” Vanhoozer—Fieldale-Collinsville VRS
Ila Faye Payne ----- Pipers Gap RS
James “Jim” Wagner ----- Woodstock VRS
Jesse Phillips ----- Greensville VRS
Gene Wallace ----- Shawsville VRS
Edward A. Publicover ----- Dumfries-Triangle RS
Ann Walthall ----- Forest View VRS
Herman Randolph ----- Henrico VRS
Louise C. Warf ----- Clifton Forge RS
Edith F. Retter ----- Colonial Beach VRS
Arnold “Tony” Warlitner ----- Westvaco RS
Wade Richardson Sr. ----- Central LS&RS
Wanda Warlitner ----- Westvaco RS
William “Willie” N. Sheppard ----- Saltville RS
Freda Williams ----- Falling Spring RS
Susan Jane Sirbaugh ----- Millwood Station VF&R
Michael “Mike” Wyatt ----- Prince George VEC
Tony Lawrence Sizemore ----- Pipers Gap RS
Emma Young ----- Christiansburg RS
Bruce Skinner ----- Greensville VRS
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ATV Rescue, Operations and Awareness is now “SEOR-Ops” Submitted by Tarry Pribble, SEOR-OPS Coordinator This year there will be an unfamiliar name with familiar faces on the exhibit floor at the VAVRS Conference. Last year the VAVRS’ ATV Rescue, Awareness and Operations Course put on an exhibit and “Ride and Drive” event to promote the course to the Association’s membership. This year we will be back with the “Ride and Drive” event, a more informative exhibit, upcoming class announcements and a new name. ATV Rescue, Awareness and Operations Course is now “Special Events and Off-Road Operations”, SEOR-Ops for short! Why the name change? Special Events and Off-Road Operations better represents the objectives and content of the course. Our intent is to educate VAVRS members and
Appomattox Fire Department’s Cub Cadet slogs through the mud during practical evolutions
give them a skill set for the use of ATVs and UTVs in rescue and recovery work. Specifically in environments where the use of full size emergency vehicles is impossible or problematic or where substantial amounts of manpower is needed to retrieve a victim from inaccessible or rough terrain. Examples of these types of environments are festivals, sporting events,
A Forest View member works an ATV over a curbing during a practical evolution.
classroom and hands on learning. The curriculum has been reconfigured to make the course more applicable to agencies who do not already own ATVs or UTVs. We have added modules that discuss developing Special Events and Off-Road Operations teams and their values to an agency. We hope to eventually provide this portion to the Association as a separate “Awareness Class”. In the meantime Course Coordinators and Instructors will be glad to come to crew trainings and District Meetings to present this material for informational purposes only. We recognized that more agencies will have the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills developed in the ”Special Events” section (Continued on page 27)
marathons, NASCAR races, hiking and horseback trails, farms and hunting areas. Over the last 12 months much material has been developed to expand current subject matters and add new content to the course. It is anticipated that shortly after the annual conference the standard SEOR-Ops course will consist of 16 hours of
Citizens Emergency Crew on Special Event Duty at the NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway
ATV Rescue, Operations and Awareness is now “SEOR-Ops” the experienced.
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of the class than in Off-Road. Therefore we are working diligently to expand that module. The development of a precision driving cone course that simulates working in tight
quarters amongst huge crowds is nearly complete. It’s the intensity of EVOC with soft targets! Even with all the changes this course is still designed to be teach the beginning rider and challenge
VAVRS' 2013 Polaris Ranger 500 Crew purchased with funds raised by the Course Coordinators and Instructors
Not every agency has ATVs or UTVs in their equipment inventory but that number is growing. In the last 6 months we have been contacted by 6 agencies who have acquired UTVs. We are working with several of those agencies to work out future classes. To assist agencies who would like to take or host a SEOR-Ops Class but do not have a machine, the Course Coordinators and Instructors raised over $9000 to purchase a 2013 Polaris Ranger Crew 500 for the Association. The machine will be on display in the exhibit hall at this year’s conference. Come see your Association’s newest teaching tool! Drop by the SEOR-Ops exhibit at Conference and view our equipment, ask questions and pick up information on the class.. Ask a Coordinator or Instructor how your agency can host a class or have someone come talk to your agency about the benefits of a SEOR-Ops team. You can also keep track of what is going on with the SEOR-Ops course by following us on Facebook or visit our website (currently under construction) at SEOR-Ops.org. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
From The VAVRS Treasurer Submitted by Steve Dove, VAVRS Treasurer The past two years have certainly brought to light the effects of the economic crisis we have all experienced even in our personal finances and dayto-day operations, especially how that has played a role in the treasury of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. After being given the privilege to serve as your Treasurer in 2011, I began to notice several concerns that needed to be addressed.
system. This was alarming to me as those that have access to the accounts should not also be the same individuals conducting monthly reconciliation checks and balances. The President and I decided that an informal internal audit would be appropriate to ensure no irregularities in the accounting division of VAVRS. The internal audit was conducted by the auditing firm
As many of you know, the VAVRS State Office went through some personnel changes after the 2011 Convention. This impacted the personnel that I would have been working with to conduct the daily financial business of the Association. After some delay, the monthly reconciliation reports were turned over to me. I had been informed this reporting mechanism had been in place for some time. My initial concern was that none of the month-to-month reports matched up, for example, some months- beginning balances were different from the previous month's ending balance. After speaking to the prior Treasurer it seemed as if Office Staff had balanced their own checks and balance
and no irregularities were discovered. During this time I had several questions and concerns that I wanted addressed by the auditing firm. General Accounting practices did not seem to be in place with VAVRS and many of the oversights that I identified should have been addressed by the auditing firm. With the support of the Finance Committee, I
determined that the business relationship between VAVRS and the auditing firm needed to be dissolved and another firm sought to manage our finance more clearly. In 2012, we hired Hantzmon Wiebel LLP to complete our annual audits. During this ordeal, I soon realized that our financial institution was charging us $12.95 monthly on each of our accounts. At that time we had five accounts set up at that financial institution. One account was our operations account, two accounts had very little monthly activity and two accounts were savings accounts. Paying this fee seemed illogical since it was cost us over $750.00 annually to keep out money in this particular bank. In this economy, banks are striving to maintain customers and offer free checking and certainly provide the option of a non-fee based savings account. We were earning pennies each month on our savings account but then being accessed a monthly fee that resulted in lost revenue monthly on our savings accounts. I spoke to the bank about these concerns and was informed that no changes could be made to the accounts' fee structure. I began shopping around for other banks to transfer our funds and with the approval of the Finance (Continued on page 29)
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Committee, changeD our financial institution to Union First Market Bank. During this period, the Human Resource Committee hired Frances Brooks to conduct the day-to-day finances of the Association. Frances became an immediate asset to me as she came with a wealth of accounting knowledge. Having a significant background in this area helped since I was limited in my availability to travel to the State Office only every other week. Frances and I realized the accounting system needed a complete overhaul and better methods of practicing under standard business accounting practices. Our initial assessment was to ask Hantzmon Wiebel LLP to obtain records from the previous auditing firm to make sure everything would be ready for the 2012 audit. This would also give us an idea of what was working in the past and what was not so we could make improvements on. Next, Frances was tasked with establishing a new chart of accounts that would better identify expenses and revenue of the Association. This would create a much simpler reporting format and would be shared to keep everyone in the loop of what was going on financially with VAVRS.
During this time the financial overview of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads became much clearer. Unfortunately, it was determined that on average over the prior three years the Association had a year end deficit of $100,000.00. At this rate the Association would be without sufficient funds within five years. This was certainly not the news I had hoped for in my first term as Treasurer and it certainly was an eye opener to the Finance Committee and the Executive Committee. In a nutshell, while the economy was looming in a financial crisis, the VAVRS was not adjusting its spending habits. As Treasurer, I was tasked to closely monitor the finances of the Association and maintain the professional service and quality training that the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc. stands for. The President and I worked closely to reduce expenses that would save the Association yet have little impact on the services and training we provide. We knew we were going to have to take a long hard look at the future of VAVRS revenue sources and expenses. In July of 2012, the Finance Committee held a two-day retreat to balance the budget without much success. Committee members were
tasked to meet at a later date to establish a proposed balance budget for the 2012 VAVRS Convention. Reducing expenses was not an easy task and many Committee members commented that no budget process they had participated in before with the VAVRS had taken so long or been so detailed. At our final meeting a motion was made by a Committee member to establish a $25.00 Course Registration Fee to help offset our revenue which would balance the expenses. This motion passed the Finance Committee and creating this revenue source would create a balanced budget. Simultaneously, we began to meet with the Office of Emergency Medical Services to discuss our new reporting formats from our newly established chart of accounts. OEMS expressed concerns about how our funding was reported and frankly the previous reporting had me confused. After a few meetings with OEMS, it was determined that our new reports would be more than sufficient to present to the OEMS Advisory Board as required in the $4.25 for Life legislation. This was one of the first times that we began to hear that the changes the VAVRS had made were making a positive impact on our relationships with other (Continued on page 30)
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organizations. Many of you know that the 2012 Conference had a common theme “we needed to find ways to save money.” I honestly believe during this time that some individuals began looking at me as the “deliverer of bad news” for bringing things to light about the Association’s finances. I personally gained nothing out of this, and felt that my role as Treasurer was to ensure the best financial stability of the VAVRS. No decisions had been made solely by me yet always with the support of the Committees and leadership of the Association. Change is often difficult for some people to accept, and I heard from several people that the Association did not need to change. After the annual conference I realized that the financial picture of the Association and my second term as Treasurer would prove to be just as active as my first term. Immediately the President and I continued to identify ways to save money through the end of 2012. I began to work closely with Keith Haney of Hantzmon Wiebel LLP to begin the 2012 year-end audit. We began to realize during this time that many items that Keith had requested from the previous auditing firm were not being met. Even a visit to their office did not resolve many of
our issues. This reconfirmed my opinion that we had made the right choice to dissolve our relationship with the previous auditing firm.
By year-end we began to get a final projection on our finances. I am thrilled to say that we ended the year only in a $13,000 deficit. While this is still not the ideal situation, it surpassed my expectations. Even Hantzmon Wiebel LLP commented that we made a much greater improvement in the first year than they would have imagined. This was only because of the hard work and dedication by the Officers and Executive Committee through the year. Going from an average of $100,000.00 deficit to $13,000.00 deficit was an accomplishment that we can all be proud of. In early 2013, the Finance Committee was requested to attend a teleconference by the
Conference Committee Chairman and Exhibitor Chairman to seek input on vendors to raise revenue for the Conference and to identify expenses that could be cut back during the Annual Conference. This meeting went well with several adjustments made to save on expenses and the suggestion of bringing in vendors we would not necessarily think of seeing at our Annual Conference. This “thinking outside the box” mentality could change how our Exhibits Hall looks in a few years and would potentially pull in additional revenue sources that had not been sought out in the past. The Exhibitor Chairman was tasked with identify and seeking out these vendors. In May I was tasked with representing the VAVRS in a matter concerning the Fire Suppression System in the Oilville Business Park with the other lot owners and the County of Goochland. Goochland County wished to do away with the Fire Suppression System and Water Tower that was in the Office Park since it was no longer cost effective for them. The option was for the lot owners to take over the system and pay the maintenance of the system. This would have required the establishment of a Business Association, an option which I did not support. Further (Continued on page 31)
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research showed that by doing away with the system would not impact the VAVRS at all. This was discussed with the Finance Committee and I was appointed as the liaison to represent VAVRS with the County of Goochland Economic Development Authority and other lot owners. The opinion of VAVRS was shared by most of the other lot owners and the County of Goochland made the decision to do away with the Fire Suppression System and Water Tower in the coming year. Again this will not impact the VAVRS in any way. The Finance Committee met in July to establish the 2014 proposed budget. The process this year was much easier and clearer based on the new reporting system, and we had true actual numbers from the past year to measure expenses and revenue. The Finance Committee looked at areas to reduce expenses and continue to keep the quality training and valuable services we provide. Unfortunately, there was still a difference between the income and expenses that would not provide a balanced budget. Discussion incurred about maintaining the $25.00 Course Registration Fee as a source of revenue. While this would balance the budget it was also clear there had been some concerns around the
Commonwealth about this fee. Our goal had been for agencies to join the Association and receive free training funded by the membership dues. A proposal was made to establish a second budget that would do away with the $25.00 Course Registration Fee and increase the Unit Membership Dues from $5.00 per member to $10.00 per member and Individual Membership increasing from $25.00 to $50.00. The Finance Committee decided that the decision on which option would be accepted should be left up to the Board of Governors to vote on the revenue source they felt would provide the best benefit to their agencies. Since this time many of you may have seen me at your District Meeting. I have traveled the Commonwealth of Virginia explaining the budget process and the two options that will be presented at the Annual Conference in September in VA Beach. These trips have been very beneficial and lots of great questions were addressed. My goal is to give everyone ample time to review the budget and get feedback from their agencies. The Q & A sessions at the District Meetings may eliminate some of the questions at the Annual Conference and save time. As you may know I am seeking the Office of Vice President.
My trips around the Commonwealth of Virginia provided some great insight into the world of EMS throughout this great Commonwealth. I understand when meeting the field providers around the State why we have been dubbed the “Greatest EMS System in the World.� I universally heard the same concerns from one District to another, realizing that no one region stands alone in their struggles and triumphs. I do believe we need to pull our team closer together now more than ever. The EMS concerns in Bristol are no different than the concerns in Winchester or the Eastern Shore, for that matter. The message has been loud and clear: the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads needs to be a viable organization. I am up for this task and believe my record has proven that I am the one for the job. I would appreciate your support for me as the VAVRS Vice President.
Diane & Kyle night duty crew pulling up to Croc’s Restaurant for a wonderful meal. Croc’s is located on Cypress Avenue one block away from Rescue Station 14.
Lynnhaven Mall. VB EMS Volunteer Recruitment display center court. Great shopping and food at Lynnhaven and Pembroke Malls.
Photos submitted by Bobby Hill EMT-B Recruitment Coordinator Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation
Kathy-Ellen-Sam Rescue 14 day duty crew. Early morning breakfast & too much coffee already at Mary’s Restaurant on 17th Street just down from Rescue Station 14.
The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad invites you to enjoy our beautiful beach weatherfantastic restaurants and 2 great indoor malls.
Ann Morse VBVRS paramedic-rescue diver. Water is fine.
“Need to wash your EMS vehicles? Stop by Rescue 14 located at 740 VA Beach Blvd. You provide the manpower and we provide the water.� Washing day units. A cleaned ambulance is a sign of pride.