Published: May 20, 2008 11:36 pm            

EMS WEEK: Have you thanked your volunteer this week?

In Orleans County, when someone dials 911, often they are met with the faces of men and women who volunteer their time to help others.

Across the nation this week, people are celebrating EMS Week. It is a time to celebrate the volunteers that come to the aid of those in need and it is also a time to say "thank you."

"We do a very important function in the county and it’s our time to recognize everybody," said Sue Behrend, administrator for Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance — or COVA as it is more commonly known. "A lot of medics play a dual role. They are firefighters also and they are medics also. About three-quarters (of the medics) have a dual role in different departments."

At the Red Cross, interim Executive Director Diana Fulcomer said outreach to the community is important so residents understand what local emergency services do for the area.

"To have first-hand experience with them is different," she said. "They're dedicated."

Calling EMS personnel a "unique breed," Fulcomer said that fire and ambulance volunteers, along with emergency room doctors and nurses, are not only committed to their communities, they are professional and dependable in times of need.

"This week is to recognize them ... for all they do for their communities," she said.

As an outreach effort at the Red Cross, college intern Elissa Davies, a freshman at GCC, began contacting the school districts and asked if the students would be able to join a letter writing campaign. According to Davies, a majority of the schools responded and said they would write letters to their local fire and EMS companies to thank them for all they do.

"The kids, I don't think they realize how important these individuals are," Fulcomer said. "It's a very important part of our community throughout the county."

As part of the week's celebrations, each battalion will have open houses with hot dogs, hamburgers and soda. COVA is hosting the Central Battalion open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at its headquarters in Albion, the West Battalion open house is being hosted by the Medina Fire Department from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, and the East Battalion open house will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Clarendon Fire Hall.

During the celebrations at COVA, they will also be celebrating a new ambulance, Behrend said. A formal ceremony will be held to switch ambulances, with ’old 60’ retiring and the new 60 being put into service next week. Mercy Flight is expected to be on site for the ribbon cutting and festivities.

Behrend said with COVA getting a new ambulance, "it's a very exciting time" during EMS Week this year, but just as important as the new equipment is the camaraderie within the departments.

"I think the men and women that serve Orleans County in the EMS and fire service ... everybody's phenomenal," Behrend said. "We always pull together. Get the job done."

Contact reporter Miranda Vagg at 798-1400, ext. 2225.

        

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