Lifeline mar apr 2016

Photos Submitted by Bobby Hill

Virginia Lifeline March / April 2016

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2015-2016 VAVRS Officers President Kim Craig Vice President Scott Davis Secretary Cecil Leach Treasurer Tarry Pribble Training Officer Greg Burton Chaplain Mike Smoot Chaplain Emeritus Page Entsminger Historian Chris Snyder Editor Gary Dalton Legal Advisor S. Craig Lane Parliamentarian J. C. Phillips Immediate Past President Rickey Hodge Medical Advisor James R. Dudley, MD, MBA Lobbyist Ed Rhodes

District 1 V. P. Patrick Scott District 2 V. P. Chris Flioro District 3 V. P. Warren Winner District 5 V. P. Jason Morgan District 6 V. P. Bob Wingfield District 7 V. P. Curtis Crawford District 8 V. P. Erik Brown District 9 V. P. Dwayne Stanley District 10 V. P. Wesley Melson Training Coordinator Kathy Eubank Administrative Secretary Shirley Bagby Secretary Cindy Bailey Bookkeeper Elizabeth Babb

2015-2016 VAVRS Committee Chairs Nominating: Bruce Stratton Membership: Scott Davis By-Laws: Bruce Edwards Lifeline: Gary Dalton Conference: Ford Wirt Camporee: Ronnie Slough Finance: Tarry Pribble Scholarship: Carolyn Brand EMS Memorial: Kevin Dillard Grant: Elizabeth Papelino Web Page: Gary Dalton Legislative: Bubby Bish Nominating: Bruce Stratton

Rescue College: Rickey Hodge Rescue College: Wayne Myers Facility Manager: George Langford Life Membership: Ronnie Slough Rescue Hall of Fame: Page Entsminger EMS Advisory Board: Valeta Daniels EMS Advisory Board: Denene Hannon Strategic Planning: Rickey Hodge Recruitment and Retention: Fran Phillips Volunteer Management: Dave Tesh Volunteer Management: Walter Stephens EMS Exchange Program: Jane Laverne Information Technology: Steve Ayers

2015-2016 VAJVRS Officers President Elizabeth Pittman Vice President Adarah Williams Secretary/Treasurer Toby Akers Historian Bradley Hancock Chaplain Makayla Hancock

Advisor, Chair Alfred Smith Advisor Brandon Baugus Advisor Kim Melson Advisor Debbie Rice

For a complete list of the current courses being offered by the VAVRS go to

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2015-2016 AVAVRS Officers President - Harry Householder Vice President - Ailease Short Secretary - Marie Householder Treasurer - Fay Browning Chaplain - Linda Berkstresser Historian - Valarie Becker Parliamentarian - Nancy Winner

Immediate Past President - Fern Puckett Northeastern VP - Eddie Ann Orndorff Southcentral VP - Vicki Arnold Southeastern VP - Elsie Butler Southwestern VP - Roger Lynthlin Western VP - Janis Slough

2015-2016 AVAVRS Committee Chairs Conference: Fern Puckett Conference: Ruth Swicegood Nominating: Donna Porter Life Membership: Jean Garrett Emergency Care: John Dimino Resolutions: Nancy Winner

Deadline for the Upcoming Issues of the VIRGINIA 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 at gdalton@vavrs.com if you need assistance in writing an article Deadline for future issues as follows: April 1, 2016 for the May/June 2016 Issue June 1, 2016 for the July/August 2016 Issue August 1, 2016 for the September/October 2016 Issue September 1, 2016 for the 2016 Conference Issue Advertising Rates: Member Squads…,…......no charge Full Page…………………..$ 275.00 Half Page………………..…$150.00 Quarter Page……………....$100.00 Business Card……………..$ 50.00

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Membership: Ailease Short Finance: Fay Browning Roll Call: Laura Booze Roll Call: Clara Craig Fundraising: Stacey Frame Fundraising: Tracey Frame

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.

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Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Announces New Officers & Award Winners Hollie Williams named as CVFR Member of the Year Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Spotsylvania, Va. (Feb. 1, 2016) – At its annual banquet and awards ceremony on January 29, 2016, Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue (CVFR) kicked off the new year with installation of officers and presentation of awards to honor several members for their outstanding performance in 2015. The featured speaker was Senator Bryce Reeves (R-17th District), who thanked the organization’s members for their service and praised them for being a beacon of light to the citizens of Spotsylvania County.

The organization’s most prestigious award, Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue Member of the Year, is presented to the member who embodies the best of Chancellor in the areas of leadership, dedication, service and excellence. This year’s winner, who was selected in a secret ballot vote by the membership, was Hollie Williams. A CVFR member for over a decade, Williams was recognized for her role as treasurer for the past four years as well as the coming year, for coordinating the annual Santa Run and for her involvement in all aspects of the organization. Also, she was the Top Canteen Hours Runner with over 1,000 hours served.

Kevin Dillard, administrative chief of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue, congratulates Hollie Williams, the organization's treasurer, who was named CVFR's Member of the Year for her great work in 2015.

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Senator Bryce Reeves (left), R-17th District, enjoyed talking with Ryan Rankins and his Service Dog, Madeline, at the annual banquet and awards ceremony for Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue.

Senator Reeves was the featured speaker during the program and he helped install the officers for 2016.

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Other top award winners included: Rookie Firefighter of the Year – Jacob Kelly Firefighter of the Year – Logan McNeil Oscar Award – Phillip Gouldman EMS Rookie of the Year – Veronique Montagna EMS Provider of the Year – Pat Gray EMS Driver of the Year – Jessica Fines Canteen Member of the Year – Skip White Honor Guard Member of the Year – Ryan Passera Administrative Member of the Year – Wanda Wine President’s Award – John Manson Chief’s Award – Gerald Calaway Top EMS Hours Runner – Eric Miller with 1,325 hours Top Fire Hours Runner – Bob Weber with 1,958 hours Top Canteen Hours Runner – Hollie Williams with 1,018 hours The newly-installed Administrative Officers for 2016 are: James LaClaire – President Phillip Gouldman – Vice President Anne Payne Bullock – Secretary Hollie Williams – Treasurer Steven Dove – Board of Directors and Member at Large Ryan Fines – Board of Directors and Member at Large Kevin Dillard - Administrative Chief The newly installed Operational Officers for 2016 are: John Richter – Fire Chief Robert Weber – Deputy Fire Chief William Hart – Assistant Fire Chief Sarah Rees – Assistant Chief of Rescue Ryan Passera – Captain 5 Geoffrey Knight – Lieutenant 5 Meredith Howdyshell – Rescue Captain 5 Pat Gray – Rescue Lieutenant 5 Nicholas Gilbert – Rescue Lieutenant 10-1 Janna Roland – Rescue Lieutenant 10-1 “We congratulate Hollie Williams and all of the award winners who were recognized for their dedicated service and achievements over the past 12 months,” said Kevin Dillard, Administrative Chief of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue. “Thanks to their exemplary efforts, CVFR had a great year in 2015.”

Chief Dillard noted that CVFR recently launched a new website, and that the new fire station is scheduled to open in the late spring or early summer of 2016. “We always have training classes to learn the latest lifesaving skills and we hope to welcome more volunteers into the CVFR family this year,” he said. To request information about becoming a member of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue, visit www.cvfr.net.

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The 60 Second Parliamentarian Tip Submitted by J.C. Phillips, VAVRS Parliamentarian

I GOOFED! Yes, Parliamentarians can make a mistake. They cannot walk on water. What mistake did I make? In the previous January/ February 2016 issue of the Virginia Lifeline, I mixed up a majority vote for the election of officers with a plurality vote for the election of officers. As you probably already know, a plurality vote means that the candidate with the most votes wins, even though it may not be the majority of the votes cast.

I caught the mistake as I read the Lifeline issue when I received it in the mail. I don’t know why I didn’t catch this mistake when I read it while it was still on my computer, before I sent it to the Editor. O.K. let’s start over again with the January/ February issue. I was writing about when a plurality vote in the election of officers can turn into a majority vote for the election of the same officers.

A plurality vote can turn into a majority vote when only two candidates are running for the same office. Also, this can happen when two or more candidates are running for the same office and the two top candidates end up with a tie vote. When this happens, these two candidates run again in the second ballot. Thus, with only two candidates running for the same office, it takes a majority vote to win.

So if your bylaws state that a candidate wins by a plurality of votes, you now know that the plurality vote can end up being a majority vote. I hope all of this makes sense to you.

FOR SALE by Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad The squad is in the process of replacing it’s first response vehicle and is selling their a first response vehicle with all warning equipment (all operational).

2003 Ford Expedition XLT 5.4 V8 Engine 4WD Towing Package 3rd Row Seating 98,000 Miles If anyone is interested in this vehicle they can contact me at (434) 532-6347 or via email at gvrs406@gmail.com. Thanks, Jimmy Lee Official

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TWO FOREST VIEW RESCUE SQUAD MEMBERS RECEIVE RECOGNITION Submitted by J. C. Phillips J. C. Phillips and Fran Phillips were recognized for 50 years service to the squad. J. C. for 50 years as a continuous active member of the squad and Fran for 50 years of continuous active service as a member of the Auxiliary. A special recognition was presented to Fran, from her husband, for achieving Life Membership in five EMS organizations. The plaque reads as follows:

Congratulations To Fran Phillips On Achieving Life Membership In Five EMS Related Organizations: Forest View Vol. Rescue Squad Auxiliary Auxiliary To The Virginia Association Of Vol. Rescue Squads Forest View Vol. Rescue Squad Virginia Association Of Vol. Rescue Squads Virginia Association Of Vol. Rescue Squads, District 3

“I Am Very Proud Of Her.” - J. C.

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Joe Garrett, WCLSC Life Member was recently recognized for more than 50 years of service to the Washington County Life Saving Crew.

News from District 9 Submitted by Ruth Stanley A lifetime member of the Washington County Life Saving Crew was honored recently for more than 50 years of service.

It was just one of many awards Joe Garrett has received over his career of saving lives.

Garrett spent most of his time training new members on how to safely rescue people involved in car crashes, as well as people who have fallen off cliffs and other life threatening situations.

"I trained them how to get them out of cars, how to pry them open, and how to cut in to them,” said Garrett. “That was before we had all these manmade tools you have now. That was when you had to do everything by hand."

Garrett’s nickname around the squad is "Ropes" because of how he would use his ropes to go over cliffs after people who had fallen.

Joe served District 9 as Chief Rescue Officer for many years and still attends District meetings on a regular basis.

The last District 9 meeting was held on January 16th and was hosted by Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew at their building. Despite the cold weather there was a good turnout. The next meeting will be on April 23, 2016 and will be hosted by Lebanon Lifesaving Crew, we would like to invite everyone to come out and compete. Competitions will begin at noon and will include: BLS, ALS, EVOC, Vehicle Extrication and Junior EMT, we welcome teams from other districts to come and compete.

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Online Versus Classroom Education Submitted by B. Locklair BA NRP Southside Virginia Emergency Crew has focused on stressors that arise from various calls and continuing education in our past articles. Adding onto the previous education article, Southside has decided to focus this article on the ongoing debate between online and classroom education.

The education system has seen a rise in on-line based programs within the past decade. It is hard to miss the advertisements focused on working adults and their inspirations to continue their education in certain fields.

Whereas many believe it is plausible to complete an online degree in business, management, information technology, etc., some find it hard to develop a strong curriculum for Emergency Medical Technician classes.

Whereas on-line based programs for traditional degrees/training has been in circulation for some time, a curriculum for EMS is fairly new.

Bubby Bish, Director of Southside Virginia Emergency Crew and an Emergency Medical Technician Instructor, comments on the above. "EMT is more hands on and a lot easier to have an instructor to ask questions to clarify problem solving. If it is online, who do you ask when the questions are fresh in your mind?"

Taking both sides into consideration, Joe Grau, Paramedic for Southside Virginia Emergency Crew and a Paramedic Instructor himself, weighs in by stating, "I think that certain student bodies will be able to integrate with the online class atmosphere well, but a traditional class atmosphere will probably be a more successful environment for the majority of students."

Granted this trend is still in the early steps of progress, Southside Virginia Emergency Crew continues to challenge providers to continue their education, whether it is through an online or classroom setting.

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Submitted by VAVRS President: Kim Craig The beginning of a New Year brings promises, changes, and resolutions are made to lose weight, be on time, get healthy, and exercise more and to make a difference.

Before we know it, it is the end of the year and there have been no changes, unkempt promises and failed resolutions. The definition of New Year’s resolution by Wikipedia is; a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere, in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice, such as opening doors for people beginning from New Year’s Day. What resolutions have you made? What act of self-improvement or act of kindness have you promised? What doors are you opening? I look forward to a great year as the Association opens new doors, makes changes, keeps promises and makes resolutions.

The future of VAVRS lies in the membership. With the future new doors will open with opportunities, dreams, achievements and change. One of our great Presidents, John F. Kennedy said; And our liberty, too is endangered if we pause for the passing moment, if we rest on our achievements, if we resist the pace of progress. For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future. President Kennedy spoke of our liberty being endangered if the American people weren’t willing to change, that the world would move forward without us. Will the Association be endangered if we pause for a passing moment, resist the pace of progress; for time and the world will not stand still? We as the membership of the Association must not only look to the past or the present but look to the future so that we won’t miss it. The membership of the association has the power to do what needs to be done and to seek solutions to remove the obstacles that could prevent us from moving forward. Some of the things that need to change are increasing the attendance to Convention and Rescue College, mentor successors for leadership roles, have continuity in staffing and be transparent in all our practices.

The Future Vision Committee who consists of Ken Morgan, Mac McGuire, Kevin Dillard and Scott Davis have worked diligently by doing research and talking to members to move the Association forward. At the 2015 Hall of Fame breakfast there were discussions held on the future of the Association and what might be done to impact the future. There was discussion about change and about the opposition that will be there by some members. The Rescue Hall of Fame members requested that a committee be appointed to make recommendations to be presented to the Executive Committee as the first step in moving forward. The first step has been taken now the rest will be left up to all of us.

I have a challenge for each of you, identify members in your organization who want to get involved at the district and or State level. They may be the person in the back of the room or sitting in the corner afraid to speak. It is up to us as members of the association to find that person. For the future, it is important to mentor successors for the offices and committees. Please contact any Officer, District VP or Committee members to let them know of others that are interested in being involved.

To make a difference all members have a direct impact by getting involved, energize others by being supportive, focus on the positive, mentor and transfer your knowledge of the Association, refuse to contribute to the negative by turning it into constructive criticism and know that all members have a purpose. You do make a difference!!

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Future Vision Committee Report: Committee Members: Ken Morgan, VAVRS President 1975-77; Mac McGuire, VAVRS President 1989-91; Kevin Dillard, VAVRS President 1997-99; Scott Davis, VAVRS Vice President 2015-16 VAVRS President, Kim Craig appointed a special four person committee to review current association operations and make recommendations to the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors on potential changes. The committee members met at the State Office on several occasions to review documents and prepare its report to the Executive Committee.

The committee considered the recommendations made by the Hall of Fame members at the 2015 Conference. Members of the Hall of Fame present at the breakfast passed a motion to recommend two actions to the Executive Committee. They were change the name of the Association and hire a full time executive to manage the day to day affairs of the Association.

The focus of the committee was on the financial and operational issues that are confronting the association.

We had broad authorization to examine any areas that we deemed appropriate. Staff at the state office were very helpful in locating and copying documents for our review. We developed several spread sheets focused on the income and expenses of the Association over the past 10 years. (Attachment 1 and 2) The committee reviewed numerous documents in its deliberations. The most significant was the report and recommendations of the Strategic Planning Committee in April 1999 (Attachment 3). Almost all of the significant recommendations were made in 1999 and it appears that little was done on the recommendations.

Spread sheets were developed documenting income and expenses for the past ten years.

The committee agreed that our primary focus in making recommendations was “how to increase influence of the Association in the in EMS Community, the legislative, and with our members.”

Over the past few years, membership in the Association has been declining, more and more agencies are hiring staff to provide 24 hour coverage, and in some cases counties are completely taking over the provision of pre-hospital emergency medical services. Very few “volunteer” squads as we knew them 30 years ago still exist as 24/7 all-volunteer squads.

It is also a concern that attendance of members and vendors has steadily declined at the Annual Conference.

As a result of our discussions, we make the following recommendations.

1. Hiring of Full Time Executive - It is our recommendation that the Executive Committee either appoint a special committee or empower the finance committee to redirect current funding to hire the position within the next 6 months.

2. Changing the name of the association - If the Association is to survive and grow, it must make the decision to remove the word “Volunteer.”

3. Categories of Membership - The effect of this change will be to have 3 categories of membership, EMS Agency, Associate Member, and Individual member.

4. Best Practices of Nonprofit Associations - We are recommending that all appointed officers and committee chairs be limited to no more than three terms.

5. Conference / Convention - Change the name of the annual meeting back to Convention, shorten the meeting by one day, move to more cost effective location, develop policy on reimbursements for attendance at the Convention to control the amounts being spent and reduce the expenses, reexamine all convention related line items to reduce expenses, limit the officers compensated to 3 nights and reduce the number of Convention Committee members.

6. Finances - We recommend that the Finance Committee be changed to include at least 3 members with professional expertise in finance and budgeting and not current officers or committee chairs except for the Treasurer who serves as chair. We further recommend that the Executive Committee consider adding an audit committee of 3-5 individuals with budget or finance experience to review all reimbursements over the past three years and develop recommended policies to tighten up reimbursements.

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HAVING AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS IS THE WAY WE SERVE YOU

The Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads is THE voice of EMS…. the advocate for our members, Virginia’s EMS agencies and providers. We link members and agencies for the purpose of sharing ideas, giving you a voice at the General Assembly, on state advisory boards, as well as on state and local committees. When our members have training issues or needs, they come to the VAVRS. When our members need assistance from leadership to budgets they come to the VAVRS. We help rescue squads throughout the Commonwealth thrive and succeed so they can provide prompt, effective patient care 24/7 in the communities they serve.

Make Your Plans to Join Us at the Annual VAVRS Conference September 22-25, 2015 in Virginia Beach (Continued from page 16)

6. Rescue College - The Rescue College has grown considerably and now is conducted over a 9 day period. It is unclear if anyone has reviewed the individual courses for their revenue/expense ratio.

Any classes that have paid instructors should have a procedure for bidding the class to qualified instructors.

The committee suggests that a committee by appointed to document all Rescue College decisions and to assure that VAVRS officers understand the importance of risk management for the Association.

7. Nominating Committee - It is our opinion that more transparency in the process would improve the overall selection. While no bylaw changes are recommended, we recommend that an evaluation of the process and the “appearance of transparency” in decision making is a priority.

8. Employment Practices - It is our opinion that the legal and financial exposure of the association due to potential nonadherence to federal and state law is exposing the association to significant risk.

9. Other Suggested Bylaw Changes - The voting on Life Members could be greatly simplified by returning to the simplified voice vote of the delegates. NO Life Member recommended by the Life Membership Committee has been refused Life Membership by the Board of Governors. The cost to print ballots, the time spent voting by ballot could be greatly reduced if this requirement was removed.

Life Membership Committee should consist of the Chair appointed by the president and four (4) Life Members elected to two year terms by the Life Members at the Annual Conference. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms on the committee. (In year one, two members will be elected for one year, and two elected for two years.)

It is also our feeling that the Hall of Fame members should elect the Hall of Fame Committee and the Life Members elect the Life Member Committee.

Consist of the Chair appointed by the president and four (4) Hall of Fame Members elected to two year terms by the Hall of Fame Members at the Annual Conference. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms on the committee. (In year one, two members will be elected for one year, and two elected for two years.)

The committee shall recommend to the Board of Governors individuals for selection into the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads Life Saving and Rescue Hall of Fame in accordance with the procedure enumerated below for such purpose.

Finally, the committee realizes that change is difficult. The Association has discussed and deliberated on the issues for many years. NOW is the time to take bold action and move the Association forward. We appeal to each member of the Executive Committee to focus on “WHAT IS BEST FOR THE ASSOCIATION” and not what does the change do to me.

For a copy of the full report please visit www.vavrs.com FORMS Page and download the entire report.

Each agency should view the report, ask questions of VAVRS officers and attend the Spring BOG in Roanoke, VA on April 9, 2016 to discuss the future of the VAVRS. Page

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John Toone—A Man of Vision Submitted by Warren A Winner, VAVRS Life Member As a teenager, I often camped with my family at the Kerr Dam area in Southern Virginia near the North Carolina state line. We would often go into the town of Boydton, Virginia as a break from the camping life. As a young person I do not recall anything special about the town except for a drug store where one could sit at the counter on stools and order ice cold soft drinks while my parents shopped for the everyday essentials that they may have been looking for. The experience lives on in my mind.

The town of Boydton, in Mecklenburg County, had a population of 431 in the 2010 census. Boydton was founded in 1812 and was the original home of Randolph-Macon College where it changed from a Methodist seminary to a military cadet training center during the Civil War. The trustees moved the college closer to railroad service to the present location in Ashland, Virginia, North of Richmond.

Microsoft has selected a site near Boydton for a major data center project with plans to invest up to $499 million in the rural community. The cutting edge data center will serve as the East Coast hub for Microsoft's online services often referred to as Cloud capacity.

Having set the stage let me tell you about the Boydton Life Station Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Squad Captain, Mr. John Toone. The rescue squad was formed in 1988 having previously been designated as a sub-station of the Chase City Volunteer Rescue Squad. The headquarters was a modular home with an attached garage area to house the emergency vehicles. When I first made business calls on the squad I recall that at the corner was a rather large unoccupied church building marking the entrance to the rescue squad. The jail was directly behind the squad building and thus there was a degree of safety provided by the ever present police traffic in the area.

Time moved onward and when I next had contact with the squad was about 2007. I received a telephone call from the squad wherein they asked if I would visit with them to look over some of their business needs and advise them of what direction that they should go. With an appointment with John Toone and Jean Dellinger, I made the almost two hour trip down from Richmond to meet with them. I first noticed that the church building had been torn down and in its place was a gravel lot. The modular building serving as squad headquarters was still standing but certainly was showing its age.

John told me at that time that they had plans to build a new building but engineering and financing options were still being developed. In 2008 actual planning and development started. It took about 3 years to complete construction.

During the construction phase they experienced a number of problems with their contractor. Construction progress was slow but with strong community support, strict attention to money management and a good third party billing program, John's vision came into being. The squad's planning was so well managed that the building note was paid off in 2015.

During construction, a local business allowed use of a facility about a mile away. The ambulances were parked under a carport and there was a one room office area with bath and simple living area. John's EMS crew partner, Jean Dellinger, was resting on the sofa one evening when something hit her in the face. Upon awakening, she discovered that a snake had fallen out of the ceiling tiles onto her. She brushed the snake onto the floor and was successful in getting it outside where it was dispatched. This experience, I believe had something to do with efforts to speed up the building progress.

I was invited to attend the squad's membership banquet on January 9, 2016. As a surprise to all, an award was presented to John. A very nice plaque was presented honoring John for all of his hard work and dedication to the organization. The building at 349 Madison Street, in Boydton, has been dedicated to JOHN TOONE. Who is his person, John Toone? When I first met John back in 2007 I sized him up while he was doing the same to me.

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(Continued from page 18)

My impression was that he was a simple man with few demands on life but had a passion to work hard and provide services to the community where he lived. John told me that he had few educational opportunities as a young person and received most of his education experience in North Carolina and a school in Tennessee. When I asked how he became involved in volunteer rescue squad work he related the following. A neighbor needed medical assistance and the next available rescue services were in Chase City, some time and distance away. When the squad arrived, John asked if there was any place for him to serve in the local area to speed up rescue squad services. A volunteer by the name of Maynard Chandler of the Chase City Rescue Squad encouraged John to seek training and certifications to fill such a need in the area. As a long time rescue volunteer myself, I knew Maynard and respected him as a person of dedicated visions for EMS in his town of Chase City. John has now been serving as Captain of the Boydton Life Station for 11 years. An unselfish person, John gives constant credit to the members of the rescue squad and community leaders in making the squad and its new headquarters building a success. He specifically mentioned the services of the Boydton Volunteer Fire Department for their support services and to Mr. Jimmy Burch, regional EMS representative, for his encouragement and assistance as John completed his training as an Emergency Medical Technician.

John saw a need when his neighbor needed help. He worked to fulfill that community need. He then envisioned a need for a new building to house the rescue squad's vehicles and training facilities. He stepped up to that need and this simple man has made a tremendous change in the welfare of this Mecklenburg County community. John indicated that over 1/3rd of their calls for service are to areas outside of Boydton on a mutual aid basis. John Toone certainly is a big man in a small town.

John and Jean both stated that they value the squad's membership in the VAYRS. The squad is in the VAYRS District 5 area. They indicated that they look forward to the annual conference where they can take advantage of educational opportunities and visit with vendors for needed supplies, equipment and services. They also indicated that they recognize and appreciate the services of the VAYRS training opportunities and legislative services that benefit small squads like themselves that cannot make a big impact acting alone.

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Cave Spring Rescue and Auxiliary News District 6 & Southcentral District Submitted by Vickie M. Arnold, President CSRS Auxiliary

The Cave Spring Rescue Squad and Auxiliary installed their officers for the 2016 year at the Holiday Banquet and Installation of Officers at the Holiday Inn – Tanglewood on December 5, 2015.

The Squad officers are: Chief – Ethan Dressler, Deputy Chief – Glendon Robertson, Training Lt. – Heather Carroll, Logistics Lt. – Mike Clark, Equipment Lt. -Lindsey Arnold, President – Laura Alexander, Vice President – Joel Haywood, Secretary – George Taylor, Treasurer – George Ferguson, and Advisory board – George Blanar, Karin Brown, and Steve Ferguson.

The Auxiliary officers are: President – Vickie Arnold, Vice President – Daniela Santos, Secretary – Angie Williams, Treasurer – Patsy Wingfield, Historian – Brenda Clark, and Chaplain – Laura Clark.

One year of service certificates went to: Dr. Carol Bernier, Kaitlyn Bixel, Mike Clark, Emma Duff, Joel Haywood, Logan Spencer, Jordan Tittle, and Ryan Williams.

5 years of service certificates went to: Matt Chapin, Christina Dobson, and Ethan Dressler.

The crew also awarded George Taylor as Basic Life Support Provider of the Year, Heather Carroll as Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year, Mike Clark as Member of the Year, Glendon Robertson as Officer of the Year, and Emma Duff as Junior Member of the Year.

The Auxiliary presented Life Membership to Phyllis Martin and Katie Forrest; and Honorary Membership to crew life member Bob Wingfield.

Laura Alexander and Ethan Dressler presented a plaque as a tribute to Sharon Campbell. It was accepted by her daughter Terri Langford and in coming Auxiliary President, Vickie Arnold. Sharon was a member of the auxiliary for 44 years and held all of the offices through the years. She has been the driving force of the auxiliary and will be greatly missed.

The auxiliary presented the crew a check for $2,000 to defray the cost of the new audio-visual equipment installed at the building. This high tech equipment will help in the classes held at the crew hall.

Door prizes were donated by Annie Moore’s Tavern, Remini’s Fresh Italian Food, Country Cookin, Wildwood Smokehouse, Macado’s, Kroger, Curves for Women, Brambleton Deli, Frank’s Pizza, Burger in the Square, Firehouse Subs, Mission BBQ, and Windsor Gifts.

In January, the Auxiliary presented the crew with a check for $1,000 to use to purchase new mattresses and pillows for the bunkrooms.

With the start of a Hybrid EMT class beginning in February, the Auxiliary hosted a BLS class for EMT students and opened it to the crew members that needed recertification as well.

HAVING AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS IS THE WAY WE SERVE YOU MAKE YOUR PLANS TO JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL VAVRS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 22-25, 2016 IN VIRGINIA BEACH Official

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EMS Chief Bruce Edwards to Retire March 1

Led Largest Volunteer-Based Rescue System in the Nation Submitted by Bobby Hill He started as a volunteer with the Ocean Parks Rescue Squad in 1967, and went on to build the most innovative and agile Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the country. Now, after 49 years with the agency, Chief Bruce W. Edwards will retire effective March 1.

“I’ve known Bruce since 1977 when we were volunteers with the Rescue Squad,” said Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. “I have the utmost respect for the wonderful professional he is and more than anything, I am so appreciative of what he’s done to make sure EMS stays a volunteer system.”

When Chief Edwards was 18, his father had a heart attack. “My interest in cardiac care came in part because of what my father experienced,” said Edwards. “Back then, no one really knew what to do. When I became the executive director of the Emergency Coronary Care Program for the rescue squads in February 1973 and then coordinator of EMS in 1975, I felt this was a key area we could positively impact, and I couldn’t be more proud of the progress we have made.” Last year, EMS achieved a 48% survival rate for patients it treated for cardiac arrest in the field. The national average is around 30%.

In 1984, Chief Edwards was named Director of Emergency Medical Services. “We ran around 8,000 calls for service each year. Now, we run around 44,000. And we do it with 1100 volunteers.” EMS relied almost exclusively on volunteers until 2004 when it hired some career employees to augment the strong volunteer ranks.

“There is no question that Chief Edwards has served with distinction,” City Manager Dave Hansen said. “His contributions are so well known, the Tidewater Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (TEMS), renamed one of its annual awards ‘The Bruce W. Edwards Outstanding EMS Administrator's Award.’ This community will benefit from his work for years to come.”

His work in Virginia Beach came to the attention of people around the state. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine appointed Chief Edwards to the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board in 2006 and to the Virginia State Board of Health in 2009. After Chief Edwards became chair of that board in 2011, he guided the board through some of the most difficult times in its history. Chief Edwards has the most tenure of any CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation) instructor, paramedic and administrator in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master of Public Administration from Old Dominion University.

The city manager has named Senior Division Chief Ed Brazle as interim chief of EMS. Page

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Hello from The Western District AVAVRS Submitted by Janis Slough, AVAVRS Western District VP On October 10, 2015, Western served food all day for the first Super CE Day sponsored by District I. It was a pleasure to do this for District I and we hope to serve them again this year for the event. I attended the District I meeting in Covington in October.

Western District held the November meeting at Staunton/Augusta Auxiliary. We had a good meeting with good attendance. Our auxiliaries are: Bridgewater, Broadway, Buena Vista, Clifton Forge (Founders), Lexington, Staunton Augusta, Waynesboro, and WESTVACO. Harry Householder, AVAVRS President, installed our officers for this year: Assistant Vice President—Debbie Rohr (SARSA); Chaplain—Danny McCormick (Waynesboro); Historian—Judy Leach (SARSA); Secretary/Treasurer—Bernice Payne (Waynesboro); Parliamentarian—Lana Nicely (ALFRD); EMT Chair—Nellie Ritchie (Broadway); Life Member Representative—Laura Booze (Founders) and Vice President—Janis Slough (ALFRD).

Congratulations were extended to our winners at conference competition: Emergency Care Award—SARSA; Auxiliary Scrapbooks—Waynesboro, 3rd place. Lexington and Waynesboro were winners of the attendance awards. Serving on the state level are: Linda Berkstresser—Chaplain; Laura Booze—Roll Call Chair; Janis Slough—Western VP. Kim Craig, VAVRS President, was present at our meeting and spoke to us regarding communication and possible projects between VAVRS and AVAVRS during the upcoming year.

We regret to report that we have lost Fairfield Auxiliary who recently disbanded.

We are currently updating our district directory and looking forward to the February 28th meeting at Waynesboro.

Greetings from Your New AVAVRS Treasurer Submitted by Fay Browning, AVAVRS Treasurer Happy New Year to everyone and I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

It’s a brand new year with new challenges and opportunities for all of us as we support our squads, communities, and going about being “Everyday Heroes.”

I am writing for several reasons and the first is to thank you for your support of me as your new Treasurer. Please bear with me and have patience as I am still on the learning curve.

Just want to remind everyone your AVAVRS dues are payable now and they are $5 per active member, excluding Life Members. The check should be made payable to AVAVRS and sent to me at 7394 Ford Avenue, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. I hope to have the Membership Cards out to those auxiliaries that paid at Conference as soon as possible, as President Harry Householder and I are working out the logistics of signatures on the cards. It was shared with me that these cards are not only for identification, but can be used in certain areas for discounts on food and lodging if you simply ask. It never hurts to ask, so try it some time.

I am getting ready to order some auxiliary pins, so if you need any, please let me know. I know some of you requested some at the Conference, but let me know again how many you need. You can email me at faybrowning@comcast.net. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

I am hoping for a brighter year this year, especially since we lost so many of our stars late last year. Brenda Hargrave (Forest View), Judy Snyder (Millwood Station), and Sharon Campbell (Cave Spring) were mentors, friends, and dedicated individuals to their squads, communities, and the VAVRS. These truly are “Everyday Heroes” to the AVAVRS and shining examples for all of us to remember and look up to.

Again, Happy New Year and sincerely yours.

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Celebration of Years of 35 years of Service to the Auxiliary to Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad Paige Wagner Submitted by Kim Galloway, President Paige Wagner joined the Auxiliary to Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad in October 1980. Paige was an active member of the Auxiliary from the beginning and has provided leadership organization through the years. Paige participates in Western District Activities and meetings and has been a past Western District Assistant Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. She has served as Past Auxiliary President, Vice President, and Secretary. She currently serves as our Auxiliary Historian, Parliamentarian and Treasurer. We celebrated Paige’s years of service and dedication to our organization with a dinner at the squad building in October and recognized this outstanding achievement at our annual banquet in January. Thank you Paige for your continued dedication and service to the Auxiliary.

Auxiliary – Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad

Paige Wagner with Auxiliary President Kim Galloway Photo submitted by Judy Leach

Submitted by Paige Wagner It was an exciting an enjoyable time for the Auxiliary – Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad on January 9, 2016.

Our Auxiliary members attended a joint banquet at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton.

Our officers were installed at the banquet by Kim Craig, President of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads and a member of our own Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad. The 2016 officers are as follows: President Kim Galloway; Vice President Debbie Rohr; Secretary Judy Leach; Treasurer Paige Wagner; Chaplain Margaret Lyle.

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Kim Craig, President VAVRS installing officer, Kim Galloway—President; Debbie Rohr—Vice-President, Judy Leach—Secretary, Paige Wagner—Treasurer and Margaret Lyle—Chaplain March

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Hi Everyone From The Auxiliary Of The Waynesboro First Aid Crew Submitted by Cece McCormick Historian and Jill Stachowski, Corresponding Secretary It's hard to believe winter is almost here. At the end of October we donated our multipurpose room and refreshments for the volunteers with the Waynesboro's Public Schools Health Fair for three days. We attended the Western District meeting that was held at the Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad.

The auxiliary placed second in the EMT quiz and second in submitting pictures to the district historian.

The rest of November got a little busy. We made meals for Thursday and Friday's monthly drills. Our biggest event was having our annual crew Thanksgiving dinner. We had over 100 crew members and their families.

During this we also invited the fire department that was on duty. Also, at the end of November, our Kathy Plummer retired from EOC of Waynesboro after 25 years of service. The auxiliary prepared and donated the refreshments for her retirement party which we all attended.

Before we knew it was December. The first aid crew and auxiliary lost an honorary crew member, Russell Carter. He was a very special man to all of us and he will be sadly missed. We did our monthly drills, some auxiliary members attended the Junior Squad banquet where we were presented with a bouquet of flowers and a certificate of recognition in honor of our 60 years of dedicated service. We had our annual Children's Christmas party where Santa and his helpers passed out gift cards and candy to all the children. The crew gave us a thank you dinner for all we do and they gave us a wonderful reception for our 60th year in service anniversary. We also received an certificate of appreciation from the Waynesboro Fire Department for helping them during the year.

The auxiliary hosted a blood drive. Some auxiliary members participated in four local Christmas parades in Unit 11 with the crew bringing an ambulance. We prepared our annual Christmas dinner for Vectors Industries. We had refreshments and gifts for Springdale bingo at the end of the year. We had our New Year's Eve party with over 25 people in attendance. Yes, it's a new year—2016. We started off with the monthly drills. We had our annual awards banquet which was held at the Best Western in Waynesboro. We had Jerry Beard install our 2016 auxiliary officers. The officers are President Danny McCormick, Vice President Carolyn Beard, Secretary Bernie Payne, Treasurer Norma Lee Braden, Chaplin Charlotte Kyle, Corresponding Secretary Jill Stachowski, and Historian Cece McCormick. We had an all day scrapbooking day with our Historian Cece McCormick for a fundraiser. And here we go with snow storm Jonas. The auxiliary went shopping. We had a soup cooking day before the storm hit. We served the first aid crew, the fire department, the EOC, and the National Guardsmen, whom were stationed at our squad for 24 hours. With the snow being so bad, two of our auxiliary members could not get home, Bernice Payne and Connie Jones, whom slept at the squad building for two nights. We lost another honorary auxiliary member, Barbara Gutshall. She will be sadly missed. We will wait to see what the rest of winter brings us. We are all praying that the groundhog sees his shadow for an early spring. Blessing and until next time from the Auxiliary of the Waynesboro First Aid Crew.

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Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Announces Award Winners Installs Officers for 2016 Alexandra Nance named EMS Member of the Year Submitted by Sara Hunt PR Colonial Beach, VA (Jan. 2, 2016) – At its annual banquet on Jan. 2, 2016, Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad kicked off the New Year with installation of officers and presenting a number of awards to honor several members for their outstanding achievements in 2015.

The squad’s most prestigious award, EMS Member of the Year, went to Lieutenant Alexandra “Alex” Nance. An upand-coming leader in the organization, Nance completed the VAVRS Leadership Challenge, spearheaded a new recruitment and retention program, launched a new member orientation program and headed up the squad’s infection control program. She also was fourth on the list of CBVRS’ Top Ten Call Runners for 2015.

The Top Call Runner for 2015 was—once again!—Assistant EMS Chief Patricia FitzGerald. She has headed the Call Runner list since 1993, which is an outstanding statistic by any standard.

Other top award winners included:

Alexandra "Alex" Nance, who was named EMS Member of the Year.

Chief’s Service Award – Patricia FitzGerald and Barry Melson Operational Officer of the Year – Danny Stinson Administrative Officer of the Year – Sheila Monroe Rookie of the Year – Kim Melson and Sarah Emery Technician of the Year – Luis Bermudez and Antwan Smith BLS Provider of the Year – Jamie Little Advanced Provider of the Year – Caroline Weaver Eugenia Urbank Award – The entire CBVRS organization Junior Member of the Year – Makayla McMahon Support Team Members of the Year – Elta Melson Hudson-Costenbader Award for Outstanding Support – Zedda Viets, CBVRS Board Member and Vice President of BB&T Bank (Continued on page 27)

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CBVRS Top Ten Call Runners.

From left to right are: Danny Stinson (#2), Pat FitzGerald (#1 again!), Jamie Little (#3), Sarah Emery (#6), Wesley Melson (#8), Caroline Weaver (#7), Luis Bermudez (#9), Alex Nance (#4), Antwan Smith (#10) and Sheila Monroe (#5).

(Continued from page 26)

The Top Ten Call Runners were: Patricia FitzGerald, Assistant EMS Chief Danny Stinson, Lieutenant Jamie Little Alexandra “Alex” Nance, Lieutenant Sheila Monroe Sarah Emery Caroline Weaver Wesley Melson, EMS Chief Luis Bermudez Antwan Smith (Continued on page 28)

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The Operational Officers for 2016 are: Wesley Melson – Chief Patricia FitzGerald – Assistant Chief Lieutenants: Alexandra Nance, Jamal Harvey, Joseph Straughan, Danny Stinson, Robert Rivenbark, Sheila Monroe, Denise Weaver The Administrative Officers for 2016 are: Robert Rivenbark – President Danny Stinson – Vice President Patricia FitzGerald – Treasurer Shelia Monroe – Secretary Lewis Bowen, Sr. – Member-at-Large Patricia FitzGerald – Member-at-large The Support Team Officers for 2016 are: Kim Melson – Co-Leader Elta Melson – Co-Leader Patricia FitzGerald – Treasurer Debra Guest - Secretary Certificates of Appreciation for Outstanding Support and Service were presented to: Colonial Beach United Methodist Church LifeCare Medical Transports Hall’s Supermarket Trivett’s Furniture Sherry Woods Hoyt & Cathy Perry Beachgate Shopping Center Colonial Beach Yacht Center Colonial Beach Police Department Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department Jake Marshall, EMS Coordinator for Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

The featured guest speaker was Kevin Dillard, Administrative Chief of Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue, who shared details about his recent trip to Colombia, South America, as part of the EMS Exchange Program of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads.

“We congratulate Alex, Pat and the other award winners who were recognized at the event,” said CBVRS Rescue Chief Wesley Melson. “Our squad responded to over 950 calls for service in 2015 and completed more than 4,000 hours of training. In September, we were named the state’s top EMS organization by the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, which really capped off a great year. There are lots of events and activities already planned in the community for 2016 and we hope to recruit more new members in the coming year.”

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District 10 Selects Life Members and EMS Exchange Program Makes Presentation Submitted by Gary Dalton, District 10 Secretary At the February 7, 2016 meeting of VAVRS District 10 the membership recognized the district members that are VAVRS Life Members as District 10 Life Members.

The individuals are: Gary Dalton, Kevin Dillard, John Fray, Steve Grayson, Carlton Hudson, John Hutton, George Langford, Vicki Langford and Karen Wagner.

Also three members were recognized as new Life Members and they were Glenn Sullivan and Sylvia Sullivan of Mountain View RS, Jackie Taylor of Fredericksburg RS/LifeCare Medical Transport and Danny Wildman of Fredericksburg RS/Chancellor Fire and Rescue/LifeCare Medical Transport.

Kevin Dillard (pictured to the left) gave a impressive presentation to those in attendance about the VAVRS EMS Exchange Program participant’s trip to Columbia, South America. Kevin Dillard, Clarence Fox and Jane LaVerne went with the Pan American exchange. He documented the very educational and successful 15 days trip. He stated that many ideas and experiences were exchanged and friends made.

Newly recognized VAVRS District 10 Life Members L-R: Glenn Sullivan, Sylvia Sullivan (not pictured), Jackie Taylor, and Danny Wildman Official

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VAVRS Legislative Committee and Officers in the gallery at the Virginia General Assembly L/R President Kim Craig, Vice President Scott Davis, District 1 Vice President Patrick Scott, Legislative Chair/Chief Rescue Officer Bubby Bish, VAJVRS President Elizabeth Pittman and Legislative Committee Member Steve Southworth.

Photo by Jane Hornbeck

Bubby Bish and Kim Craig with Senator Bryce Reeves.

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L-R Delegate Chris Stolle, Patrick Scott, Steve Southworth, Kim Craig, Scott Davis, Elizabeth Pittman and Bubby Bish .

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Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016 - H. R. 4365 Agencies are encouraged to contact their U. S. Representatives and request their support of this proposed federal law.

As members of volunteer, career or combination Virginia EMS agencies the VAVRS is requesting that we write to our U. S. Representatives to ask them to cosponsor the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016, H.R. 4365. Since our agencies are committed to the safety of patients; it is out of that commitment that we make this request for their support.

H.R. 4365 clarifies that the current practice of physician medical directors overseeing care provided in the field by paramedics and other EMS practitioners via “standing orders” is statutorily allowed and protected. The use of “standing orders” is necessary so that physician medical directors can establish these pre-set protocols which EMS practitioners follow in delivering field EMS care.

When minutes count, “standing orders” are essential to enable EMS practitioners to immediately administer controlled substances on a timely basis and save lives. In the absence of standing orders, patients would not have access to the time-sensitive and potentially life-saving interventions they so desperately need.

Accordingly, H.R. 4365 ensures patients will continue to receive these vital medications by: Codifying the practice of standing orders by a physician Medical Director for the administration and delivery of controlled substances, maintaining physician oversight of medical decisions, while, Making the EMS Agency liable for the receiving, storing, and tracking of controlled substances, similar to current procedure at hospitals.

For more please contact Preston Bell in Rep. Hudson’s (R-NC) office at Preston.Bell@mail.house.gov or in Rep. Butterfield’s office (D-NC) Dennis Sills at dennis.sills@mail.house.gov.

The following organizations support passage of H.R. 4365: 

American Ambulance Association (AAA)

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Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS)

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Association of Critical Care Transport (ACCT)

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American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

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International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)

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International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

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National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)

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National Association of Emergency Medical Physicians® (NAEMSP®)

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The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO)

An agency can download a form letter that can be utilized to send this message to their U. S. Representatives at www.vavrs.com/forms.html

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Photos Submitted

by Bobby Hill Recruitment Coordinator VA Beach RS Foundation

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Faces in Virginia Beach EMS

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PLAQUES AND TROPHIES ARE GREAT BUT--Submitted by Fran Phillips, VAVRS Recruitment and Retention Chair In my last article I wrote on the importance of having a resume.

In this issue I will suggest that recognition of your members is extremely important. I have been to several installations recently where plaques were given for recognition of service to their members. Individual plaques are a great way to honor a member. I have seen small, medium and large plaques given. Recently a “gray squirrel” trophy was given to a member who answered many calls.

Some squads give a “Crew of the Year” plaque with all crew members’ names engraved on it which is hung at the station.

What is given to those members as an individual recognition? I would suggest a certificate of achievement to these members who have worked very hard to receive “Crew of the Year”. Many members do not know how hard another member has worked until they are recognized for their hard work.

The VAVRS gives certificates at Rescue College to those who complete their class or classes. Those honored with VAVRS Life Membership receive a framed certificate. Certificate paper may be purchased at Staples, Home Depot, etc. Certificate holders are available too. A color printer makes a great looking certificate complete. These certificates should be copied before they are given out to your members. The copies should be placed in the members personnel folder.

Recognition is a great retention tool. Many squads do not take the time to say “Thank YOU” to their hardworking personnel. These persons are going on call and risking their lives constantly to help people in their community. Recognize them for their service and reward them with a small individual token of “Thank YOU”.

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Dear Rescue Ranger Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about the blond man that was in the bathroom and his wife shouts: "Did you find the shampoo?"

Paramedic #1 Dear #1 Yes , he answered, "Yes, but I'm not sure what to do... it's for dry hair, and I've just wet mine."

Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about a blond man that was in jail, and the guard looked into his cell and saw him hanging by his feet?

Paramedic #2 Dear #2, Yes, he asked the man what he was doing and he said, “Hanging myself. The guard said, “The rope should be around your neck.” He replied, “I tried that, but the I couldn’t breathe.”

Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about the Italian tourist that asked a blond man: "Why do scuba divers always fall backwards off their boats?"

Paramedic #3 Dear #3, Yes, the man replied, “If they fell forward, they'd still be in the boat."

Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about the friend that told the blond man: "Christmas is on a Friday this year?"

Paramedic #4, Dear #4, Yes, the blond man then said, "Let's hope it's not the 13th."

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Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about the escalator that broke down?

Paramedic #6, Dear #6, Escalators don’t break down… they just turn into stairs Dear Rescue Ranger, “I’m sorry” and “I apologize” mean the same thing, right?

Paramedic #8, Dear #8, … except when you’re at a funeral.

Dear Rescue Ranger, I intend to live forever, Paramedic #9, Dear #9, Me too… or die trying.

Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about the blind man that walked into a bar?

Paramedic #10, Dear #10, ….And a table, and a chair.

Dear Rescue Ranger, At what age is it appropriate to tell my dog that he’s adopted?

Paramedic #11, Dear #11 I used to be in a band, we were called ‘lost dog’. You probably saw our posters.

And by the way, I childproofed the house just like to told me… but they still get in!

Dear Rescue Ranger, Are you on Facebook?

Paramedic #12 Dear #12, I just changed my Facebook name to ‘No one' so when I see stupid posts I can click like and it will say ‘No one likes this'

Dear Rescue Ranger, Did you hear about the two blond men that found three grenades, and they decide to take them to a police station.

Paramedic #5, Dear #5, Yes, one asked: "What if one Official

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Dear Rescue Ranger, What do you call a bear with no teeth?

Paramedic #14, Dear #14, A gummy bear!

Dear Rescue Ranger, Why did the blonde man tip-toe past the medicine cabinet?

Paramedic #15, Dear #15, He didn’t want to wake up the sleeping pills.

Dear Rescue Ranger, If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea, does that mean that one enjoys it?

Paramedic #16, Dear #16, Why doesn’t Paramedic #7 and #13 write to me anymore? And, by the way, I wondered why the Frisbee was getting bigger, and bigger, then it hit me.

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PO Box 279 2535 Turkey Creek Road Oilville, VA 23129 ISSN 0279-6023 Phone: 804-749-8191 Phone: 800-833-0602 Fax: 804-749-8910 E-mail: vavrs@vavrs.com

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

John 15:13

NON-PROFIT ORGAN..

U.S.POSTAGE PAID WOODSTOCK, VA PERMIT NO. 82

Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, Inc.