On October 19, 2013 Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad (SVRS) held their annual banquet and installation of officers. Themed “Harvest Fest,” the event was held at the American Legion Post 320 on Brock Rd.

The guest speaker was Mr. Tim Perkins, EMS Systems Planner for the Virginia Office of EMS. Mr. Perkins spoke of his own EMS experience when he was injured in a bicycle accident in the County. Mr. Perkins thanked the crew, EMT-E Belinda Teidt, EMT Corey Tolland and Paramedic John Weedon for not only providing excellent care, but for going the extra mile and ensuring his bike was transported with him.

The outgoing officers were recognized for their contributions to the agency:

Tom Vickers, Assistant Chief, 2007-2013

Linda Harris, Vice President, 2009-2013

Rich Renner, Member at Large, 2008-2013

Michelle Swanger, Member at Large, 2011-2013

Amie Putnam, Member at Large, 2010-2013

The new 2013-2014 officers were sworn in. The new officers are

Chief LeRon Lewis

Deputy Chief Kimberly Madison

Assistant Chief Richard Renner

Lieutenant Amie Putnam

President Carolyn Marsh

Vice President Robert Morrison

Secretary Christy Payne

Members at Large Austin Adams,

Kristyn DeCaprio

and David Beachboard

Treasurer Wanda Gardner

Assistant Treasurer Bernice Hawkins

Training Officer Wanda Gardner

Statistician Robert Hayden

Operational Medical Director Dr. Colleen Rickabaugh, Dr. Sambat

Trustees Bobby Orrock, Robert Taylor, and Bob Pendelton

Medical Advisor is Dr. Sambat

These positions were elected by the membership.

In addition to officer installations, the following service awards were given to members:

BLS Provider of the Year - The BLS provider of the year is a released provider that goes above and beyond what is required of a BLS provider, has not had their performance found questionable by the QI committee, shows their dedication and commitment to the squad by providing more time than is obligatory, and is knowledgeable and confident in all of their BLS skills. The 2013 BLS provider of the year is Mr. Bill Tosick. Mr. Tosick is a released EMT-B and driver with our agency. He is currently attending Paramedic school at VCU.

ALS Provider of the Year - The ALS provider of the year is a released ALS provider that responds to calls for ALS assistance when appropriate, works well with BLS providers, correctly and carefully documents ALS procedures on their PPCRs, and is knowledgeable and confident in their ALS skills using everything available to them in providing the best care to their patients. This award is a tie between Ms. Kristyn DeCaprio (EMT-I) and Ms. Kimberly Madison (Paramedic). Both members have been ALS providers with the agency for the last few years.

Rookie of the Year - The Rookie of the Year is a released provider that has been a squad member for less than two years, has worked hard within the agency to perfect their skills, has shown their dedication to the squad during their tenure, fulfills their duty requirements while not having been questioned by administrative committees. Rookie of the Year was awarded to Mr. David Beachboard. Mr. Beachboard came into our agency as a Driver and quickly enrolled in EMT-B. After completing class he was one of the first from his class released as an EMT-B.

Squad Member of the Year - The Squad Member of the Year is someone whom the squad would like to recognize for their commitment and dedication to the squad, is in good standing with the squad, goes above and beyond what is required of a squad member, and is someone you would feel comfortable with placing in the eye of the public as a representative and spokesperson of the squad. The 2013 Squad Member of the Year is Kimberly Madison.

Karen Brennan Spirit Award - While serving on committees, pulling extra shifts, and going above and beyond are attributes of the squad member of the year, The Karen Brennan Spirit Award was created to recognize those members in the agency who embodied the essence of Karen and shared her love of helping people in need. She always showed the utmost dedication for all her patients whether a paper cut or cardiac arrest. Each and every patient received the best care she could provide. Her enthusiasm and devotion to her community were inspiring. She ran rescue because of her love for helping others and the joy of making a difference. The Banquet Planning Committee selected an individual whom they believe embodies all of these attributes, Paramedic Sarah Lenker. Ms. Lenker was a close friend to Karen. Karen also precepted her as a junior member upon receiving her EMT-B.

Also recognized were members who volunteered 1000 hours or more during the fiscal year. Known as the “1000 Hour Club,” recipients are given an embroidered coat with their name and year, plus a $25 gift card to Olde Town Steak and Seafood in downtown Fredericksburg. Repeat recipients have the current year added to their sleeve and a $50 gift card to Olde Town Steak and Seafood. Congratulations to this years’ 1000 hour members:
Justin Richardson 1010

Amie Putnam 1033.5

Joe Schlatter 1048

Jim Lehnert 1055

Lisa Eley 1099.5

Elizabeth Vickers 1181.5

Stephanie VanZandt 1196

Kristen Renner 1223

LeRon Lewis 1333

Bob Morrison 1438.5

Carolyn Marsh 1447.75

Elizabeth Tosick 1502

Tom Vickers 1563.5

William Tosick 1758

Chance Bland 1995

Kim Madison 2547.5

Congratulations to all!

Throughout the night baskets were given out to our members. We would like to thank those that donated the baskets to be given out. Tom & Elizabeth Vickers, Linda Harris, Carolyn Marsh, Michele Reaves, Valerie Gray, Charlie Duckett, Janet & Steve Gomez, Shelby & Phil McKenzie, Kelly Sands, Lisa Eley, SRMC, Austin Adams, David Beachboard, Sue Blincoe, Vicky Vargo, Samantha Heinlein, Robert Hayden, Christine Hemming, Kim Moore, Steve McNamara, Lauren Melone, Pat Rumsey, Kricket Curtis, Belinda Tiedt, Tiffany Samuels and Anita Volante. Also thanks to Kenneth Mastin who assisted with obtaining the venue early for decorating and setup. Also, thanks to those members that assisted with setup and cleanup the banquet committee and membership is very appreciative.

Vickiey Vargo, Elizabeth Vickers, Susie Blincoe, Carolyn Marsh and Antonio Marcus were apart of the banquet planning committee. Thank you.