2 0 1 3
C O N F E R E N C E
I S S U E
VIRGINIA
LIFELINE
Deadline for the Upcoming
Issues of the LIFELINE 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
Requests for advertising rates,
material specifications and deadlines
should be directed to the Editor.
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
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
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
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
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Thank You for Your Exceptional
Work for the VAVRS!
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 Finance - Kitty Campbell Roll Call - Jean Garrett
Roll Call Co-Chair - Valarie Becker Rec. & Ret. - Marie Householder
Fund Raising - Linda Berkstresser
For a complete
list of the current courses being offered by the VAVRS go to www.vavrs.com
The 60 Second
Parliamentarian Tip
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.
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
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
the way he or she was
instructed.
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 AVAVRS
Slate of Officers - - - - -
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
From the
AVAVRS
Nominating
Committee Chair
Carolyn Brand:
The following is
the slate of
officers for the
AVAVRS for
2013-2014:
2013-2014 VAVRS
Slate of Officers - - - - -
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
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
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
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
2013 VAVRS Conference Seminars
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:
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.
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..
6:00 p.m. Past Presidents’ Dinner:
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
VAVRS Rescue
College
June 6-15, 2014
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,
Thanks to Our
Vendors
MEDICAL
CLAIMS
ASSISTANCE
MUNICIPAL
MARKETING
NORTHWESTERN
EMERGENCY
VEHICLES
PENN CARE INC
PHYSIO-
CONTROL
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 PRE-
REGISTERED 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
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.
9:00 a.m. AVAVRS Officers’ Meeting: VBRCC, Dominion Room.
.
PLEASE NOTE THE MEETING ROOM FOR ANY EVENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
ANY CHANGES WILL BE POSTED AT EITHER THE CONVENTION CENTER OR THE HOTEL.
We hope that you have enjoyed the 79th Conference
May you all have a safe trip home and we look forward to
seeing you in Virginia Beach September 24-27, 2014.
Thanks to Our
Vendors
MEDICAL
CLAIMS
ASSISTANCE
MUNICIPAL
MARKETING
NORTHWESTERN
EMERGENCY
VEHICLES
PENN CARE INC
PHYSIO-
CONTROL
PROVIDENT
INSURANCE
AGENCY
PUBLIC SAFETY
SERVICES
VEST SALES &
SERVICE
VFIS OF
VIRGINIA
WHELEN
ENGINEERING
COMPANY
William Lee Fowler ----- Rural Retreat VEMS
Wilbur Fraenzel ----- Henrico VRS
Garland Frye Sr. ----- Millwood Station VF&R
Freddie George ----- Woodstock VRS
Ethel Giancaterino ----- Henrico VRS
Gertrude Gibson ----- Scott Co. LS&FAC
Vickie Gilbert ----- Cleveland LSC
Vivian Giles ----- Danville LS&FAC
Claude Graybeal ----- Washington Co. LSC
O. E. “Buster” Greene ----- Manchester VRS
Doris “Sissy “Huffman Hall ----- Buena VRS
Ruby Harris ----- Stuarts Draft RS
Patrick Healey ----- Bristol LSC
Aubrey “Chink” Hudgins ----- Middlesex Co. RS
John H. Huffman ----- Millwood Station VF&R
Lee Jenkins ----- Madison Co. RS
Mae D. Johnson ----- Stony Creek VRS
James “Mickey” Jones ----- Stony Creek VRS
James W. Kelliher ----- Madison Co. RS
Annie Kinett ----- Stuarts Draft RS
W. Nolen Koger ----- Bassett RS
Thomas Walter Lamons ----- Cave Spring FA&RS
Iredo Alderman ----- Falling Spring RS
Angela Evans Bane ----- Sperryville VRS
George Lawson Beard ----- Roseland RS
Virginia Belcher ----- Newport Vol. RS
James “Jim” Bellamy ----- Castlewood F&R
John Benner ----- Charlottesville – Albemarle RS
Ruth S. Benson ----- Middlesex Co. VRS
Violet Benson ----- Colonial Beach RS
Everett W. Bise ----- Castlewood F&R
Margaret Bishop ----- Christiansburg RS
Helen Brand ----- Henrico VRS
Harvey M. Carpenter ----- Lead Mines RS
Lawrence Harless Clark ----- Westvaco RS
Sylvia Clatterbuck ----- Bensley Bermuda VRS
Geraldine Mae Cooke ----- Henrico VRS
Bill Craig ----- Fieldale – Collinsville VRS
Margaret Craig ----- Stuarts Draft RS
Robert Merle Davis ----- Buena Vista RS
Ferman E. Dixon ----- Westmoreland Co. VRS
Kristin Ekey ----- Blacksburg VRS
Stephanie Elliot ----- Giles Co. RS
Roger Fitzgerald ----- Rural Retreat VEMS
2013 Memorial Service
Robert T. Slusser ----- Westmoreland Co. VRS
Cody Alan Smith ----- Hopewell EC
Lula Smith ----- Falling Spring RS
Malcolm Eugene Snead ----- Washington Co. LSC
Vernon D. Snyder ----- Lexington FD
Leona L. Hand Stanley ----- Glade Spring VLSC
Dot Statler ----- Waynesboro FAC
Jasper Day “Jack” Stinespring -- Falling Spring RS
Howard Vance Tedder ----- Lead Mines RS
William “Billy” Temple ----- Brunswick VRS
Charles Hugh Tuggle ----- Saltville RS
Jedidiah “Jed” Vanhoozer—Fieldale-Collinsville VRS
James “Jim” Wagner ----- Woodstock VRS
Gene Wallace ----- Shawsville VRS
Ann Walthall ----- Forest View VRS
Louise C. Warf ----- Clifton Forge RS
Arnold “Tony” Warlitner ----- Westvaco RS
Wanda Warlitner ----- Westvaco RS
Freda Williams ----- Falling Spring RS
Michael “Mike” Wyatt ----- Prince George VEC
Emma Young ----- Christiansburg RS
Randy Lane ----- Wise RS
Don Lee ----- Millwood Station VF&R
Phyllis A. Mace ----- Isle of Wright VRS
Eleanor Masincup ----- Staunton-Augusta FA&RS
Edwin “Ed” Dale Matthews ----- Brooke FSA
Lawrence “Lonnie” McLane ----- Campbell Co. RS
Edith Higgins Medley ----- Pipers Gap RS
Aubrey Lee Mohler ----- Buena Vista RS
Ronnie Gene Montgomery ----- Saltville RS
James D. Mosely Jr. ----- Boydton LSC
Frank Ott ---- Wintergreen Property Owners VRS
Robert “Bob” Paulsen ----- Kempsville VRS
Ila Faye Payne ----- Pipers Gap RS
Jesse Phillips ----- Greensville VRS
Edward A. Publicover ----- Dumfries-Triangle RS
Herman Randolph ----- Henrico VRS
Edith F. Retter ----- Colonial Beach VRS
Wade Richardson Sr. ----- Central LS&RS
William “Willie” N. Sheppard ----- Saltville RS
Susan Jane Sirbaugh ----- Millwood Station VF&R
Tony Lawrence Sizemore ----- Pipers Gap RS
Bruce Skinner ----- Greensville VRS
2013 Memorial Service
O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e V A V R S
P a g e 2 5
2 0 1 3
C O N F E R E N C E
V I R G I N I A L I F E L I N E
ATV Rescue, Operations and Awareness
is now “SEOR-Ops”
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,
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
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)
Appomattox Fire Department’s
Cub Cadet slogs through the
mud during practical evolutions
A Forest View member works
an ATV over a curbing during
a practical evolution.
Citizens Emergency Crew on
Special Event Duty at the
NASCAR race at Richmond
International Raceway
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
ATV Rescue, Operations and Awareness
is now “SEOR-Ops”
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
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
(Continued from page 26)
the experienced.
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
VAVRS' 2013 Polaris Ranger 500 Crew purchased with funds
raised by the Course Coordinators and Instructors
From The VAVRS Treasurer
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
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 day-
to-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.
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
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)
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
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
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.
(Continued from page 28) 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)
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
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
(Continued from page 29) 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)
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.
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
(Continued from page 30)
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.
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.
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
Washing day units. A cleaned ambulance is a sign of pride.
The Virginia
Beach Volunteer
Rescue Squad
invites you to
enjoy our
beautiful beach weather-
fantastic restaurants and 2
great indoor malls.
“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.”
Ann Morse VBVRS paramedic-rescue diver.
Water is fine.