Currently viewing the tag: "Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC)"

EMMITSBURG AMBULANCE COMPANY Merges to Become Part of VIGILANT HOSE COMPANY

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by Deb Abraham Spalding

At a combined meeting of all available Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) and Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) members at Vigilant Hose Company’s Station 6 on Tuesday evening, December 12, 2017, the signing of merger documentation, in which the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company became a part of the Vigilant Hose Company, took place. This followed the signing of merger documentation by EVAC leadership members that authorized the transfer of all assets and liabilities to the VHC. The VHC was represented by the Law Offices of Michael H. Delauter, while EVAC was represented by Ian Bartman of Offutt & Kurman.

Following a presentation by the VHC Attorney Michael Delauter, EVAC and VHC membership, together and unanimously, approved the action, thus exceeding the required two-thirds membership vote.

The merger documents stipulated that the legal transfer would take place at 12:00 a.m. on January 1, 2018. At the stroke of midnight, during EVAC’s New Year’s Eve Bingo at the Activities Building on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg, the crowd of approximately 350 people had more to celebrate than just the new year 2018. As they burst into cheer at midnight, it was to celebrate the new year and the merger. Earlier that night, in a different part of the same facility, a party was held during the final hours of VHC’s Six of Hearts fundraiser. Tickets were drawn every ten minutes until a winner was finally pulled at 10:00 p.m. The name Barbara Berg was drawn and the card behind number 45 revealed the 6 of Hearts. Barbara became the lucky winner of the $54,000 cumulative jackpot.

The New Year’s Eve Bingo and the Six of Hearts fundraisers are perfect examples of the new stronger volunteer force working together for one unified organization. “It’s a win-win situation,” shared Mary Lou Little, former president of EVAC, “I can’t emphasize how well it’s working. It’s the greatest thing ever! It made Emmitsburg stronger than it’s ever been. We’re all so proud.”

VHC president Frank Davis expressed a similar sentiment, “The biggest thing is that it was the right thing to do for both organizations, overall, and it was the right thing to do for the community. The merger strengthened the community in emergency responses. It’s taken two groups of talented individuals and put together one of the best emergency services organizations in the state.”

As with all volunteer organizations, the need for funds to drive the mission is vital. In addition to a new Six of Hearts fundraiser that is ongoing until a winner is drawn in 2018, the VHC hosts bingo every Wednesday afternoon in the Activities Building, with games starting at 1:00 p.m., as well as every Friday evening, with games starting at 6:50 p.m. Food is available to participants and the general public for eat-in or take-out during these games.

The VHC’s annual Spring Fling event will be held at a new location this May: at the Company’s Activity Building, located on Creamery Road in Emmitsburg.

Spring Fling will be held May 19, 2018, with winners drawn from noon-5:00 p.m. See their advertisement on page 14 for more details and ticket information.

Pictured from left are: (standing) Vicki Long, EVAC secretary and Mary Lou Little, EVAC president; (seated) Tom Vaughn, VHC assistant secretary; Steve Valentine, VHC secretary; Frank Davis, VHC president; Mike Delauter, VHC Company attorney; and Steve Hollinger, VHC treasurer.

The 134th Anniversary Banquet of the Vigilant Hose Company

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Deb Abraham Spalding

Photos by Deb Abraham Spalding

The 134th anniversary banquet of the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) was held in the Vigilant Hose Company Activities Building on January 6, 2018. A new board of directors included members from both the former Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) and the VHC. As of January 1, 2018, the two entities merged, to create a new stronger, unified VHC.

Timothy M. Clarke, a member of the board of directors and former VHC president served as master of ceremonies for the banquet.

Guest speakers included Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner, Frederick County Councilman Kirby Delauter, and Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs.

Gardner expressed, “About the merger, you’ve really got it right, and you’re really focused on serving people. You should all be proud of what you’ve accomplished.” She talked about a volunteer corporation consolidation incentive program that has been created to provide a temporary increase in funding from Frederick County Government to support the merger. She indicated that this merger should be a model for communities. She thanked VHC for being the first to go through a new volunteer accreditation process.

Kirby Delauter said, “Northern Frederick County and Vigilant led the way; they’ve always led the way. That’s nothing new,” adding, “It’s a lot of work. Northern Frederick County is the best kept secret in Frederick County.”

Mayor Briggs thanked all the “volunteer professionals” in the room. “These words don’t usually go together, but they do in this town… It’s a terrific town and it’s a real honor to be your mayor.”

The installation of officers was led by the Acting Director of Frederick County Volunteer Fire Services Kevin Fox, and the 2018 officers were introduced. 2018 Administrative Officers: President A. Frank Davis; Vice President David Stonesifer; Secretary Steven W. Valentine; Assistant Secretary Thomas Ward; Treasurer Steven M. Hollinger; Assistant Treasurer William D. Boyd, Jr.; Chaplain Fr. Charles Krieg; Board of Directors, Pam Bolin, Timothy M. Clarke, Elyssa Cool, Pam Ellison, Mary Lou Little, Randy Myers, Douglas D. Orner, Carl A. White, and David Zentz.

Operational Officers: Chief Chad M. Umbel; Deputy Chief James E. Click; Assistant Chief Joshua Brotherton; Captain Alex McKenna; Lieutenant Derek Rosensteel; Lieutenant Douglas Yingling; Lieutenant Marc Piermatteo; EMS Captain Amber Zimmerman; EMS Lieutenant Chad Zimmerman.

Fire Police: Captain Tom Vaughn; 1st Lieutenant Stephen Orndorff; 2nd Lieutenant Samuel Cool.

Auxiliary Officers: President Tina Ryder; Vice President Sharel Boyle; Treasurer Jo Ann Boyd; Secretary Joyce Glass; Financial Secretary Mandy Ryder; Co-Historians, Jennifer Boyd and Katie Davis.

Father Charles Krieg led a memorial service for Timothy “Chop” Andrew (October 21,1958 to August 29, 2017). Ed Little was awarded a shield to recognize his contribution, support, and diligence toward the merger of the EVAC with the VHC.

VHC President Frank Davis reminded the audience that the Company would never be nearly as successful without its Auxiliary. Auxiliary President Tina Ryder presented the VHC with a check for $40,000, representing the Auxiliary’s fundraising support from efforts in 2017.

Chief Chad Umbel recognized career staff by presenting them with apparel and certificates.

Tim Clarke presented Length of Service Awards: Tyler Arrowood, Bradley Hargadon, and Tim McKenna (5 years); Ron Face, Jason Powell, and Shane Wivell (15 years); Chris “Boog” Stahley (25 years and Life Membership awarded); Dale “Bubba” Glass (35 years); Frank Davis and Cliff Shriner (40 years); Carl Angleberger and Doug Orner (45 years); Jim Kittinger (50 years); Bob Hardman, Clarence Orndorff, and Bob Rosensteel, Sr. (55 years); and Leo Mike Boyle (65 years).

Top LOSAP: Derek Rosensteel (298 points), Chris McKenna (320), Patrick O’Hanlan (390), Josh Brotherton (523), Dave Zentz, Jr. (607), Jim Click (646), Top LOSAP earner—Cliff Shriner (1,320 points).

Top responders 2017: Hugh Boyle (114 calls), Randy Myers (119), Chris McKenna and Derek Rosensteel (123), Tom Ward (133), Matt Legare and Brandon Burriss (137), Dave Zentz (180), Frank Davis (230), and Top Responder—Cliff Shriner (307). The call total for 2017 was 513.

Top Fire Police Responders: Tom Vaughn (24 calls), Sam Cool (88), Top Fire Police Responder—Steve Orndorff (103).

The VHC Training Award was presented to Dave Zentz. A special award was presented to Tom Vaughn.

Chief Umbel gave a special presentation to Chris “Boog” Stahley in recognition of his service. Tim Clarke presented the Silver Spring Award for Fire Prevention to Alyssa Cool on behalf of the Maryland State Fireman’s Convention.

The President’s Award was presented to Doug Orner, the Chief’s Award was presented to Cliff Shriner, and the Member of the Year award was presented to Dave Zentz.

The following two members were inducted into the VHC Hall of Fame: Daniel J. Kaas (deceased) and Robert A. “Rosie” Rosensteel, Jr.

In closing, Tim Clarke surmised, “It goes without saying that the merger was the most important event of 2017. We did what was best for the community. One special person deserves a ton of credit for beginning the conversation about doing what was right for her organization and most importantly for the Emmitsburg Community: Mary Lou Little.”

VHC achieved a lot in 2017 by hosting successful fundraisers, ordering a new ambulance, and continuing to train new techniques. Tim reminded the audience, “You, the membership, should be extremely proud of your accomplishments year after year, and the high regard in which our little hometown volunteer fire company is held in the eyes of the fire service professionals from all over the world.”

2018 VHC Officers (left to right top row) Pam Bolin, Pam Ellison, Douglas Orner, Timothy Clarke, Mary Lou Little, Carl White, Elyssa Cool, Randy Myers and David Zentz. (Seated) Frank Davis, David Stonesifer, Steven Valentine, Thomas Ward, Steven Hollinger, William Boyd, and Fr. Charles Krieg.

Top Responders are shown (left to right) Hugh Boyle, Randy Myers, Derek Rosensteel, Tom Ward, Matt Legare, Brandon Burriss, Dave Zentz, and Cliff Shriner.

Auxiliary Officers are (left to right) Mandy Ryder, Joyce Glass, JoAnn Boyd, Sharel Boyle, and Tina Ryder. (Standing) Jen Boyd and Katie Davis.

Upon being inducted into the VHC’s Hall of Fame, Robert Rosensteel, Jr. (left) is shown with his father, Robert Rosensteel, Sr.

Vigilant Hose Company Signs for New Ambulance

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Member Tom Ward

The Vigilant Hose Company (VHC), in partnership with the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC), is excited to be progressing with the merger of the two emergency service organizations. Recently, with the support of EVAC, the VHC signed a contract to purchase a 2018 F-550 Road Rescue Ultramedic Ambulance.

This unit to be designated as Ambulance 69 (A69) will feature several state of the art items: 2018 Ford F-550 4×4 chassis; Liquid Spring suspension; Big Tex grille guard; 170” Road Rescue Ultramedic module; 74” headroom; 100% wood-free construction, all-aluminum interior; Road Rescue CoolBar HVAC; Road Rescue Whisper Quiet insulation package; Provider friendly relocated interior door handles; Module door forward design; Full customized exterior and interior layouts for customer specific needs; Weldon VMux electrical system; Interior and exterior camera monitoring; LED warning and ground lighting in the lower crash rail; Whelen LED M-series warning lights; LED Chevron lighting; LED blue floor lighting; Zico O2 lift; Vanner 1050 inverter; Stryker Power Load system.

The men and women of the VHC are excited to see the progress of A69’s build and for a spring 2018 delivery.

Community Update on Emmitsburg Ambulance Company and Vigilant Hose Company Merger

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The successful planning and coordination of merging the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) into the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) is ongoing.  As indicated earlier in press reports and public meetings, the effort remains an open process with all stakeholders and interested parties welcome to offer input or request information.

Many meetings specific to planning and coordination have been occurring among and between leadership of both the EVAC and the VHC, as well as with county and town governmental personnel.

The two on-duty career Emergency Medical Technician/Firefighters began working from the Vigilant Hose Company facility (25 West Main Street / Station 6) at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2017.  Both ambulances were transferred to Station 6 at the same time. Full administrative transition will be effective midnight December 31, 2017, as it is simpler and easier to make final legal changeovers at the start of the new tax year.

All aspects of emergency and non-emergency services and community support will be seamless. Fundraising functions like the always popular bingo events and social functions (wedding receptions, meetings, business luncheons, and so on), will continue and likely will be increased. Right now, the focus is on providing the best possible emergency service delivery for all in the greater Emmitsburg area to include the general public, businesses, institutions and agencies that have so generously helped over the years.

VHC members as well as EVAC members wish the community to know how much they value the wonderful and comprehensive way all are embracing this significant undertaking.

The Guardian Hose Company of Thurmont and the Vigilant Hose Company are working on a joint Thurmont and Emmitsburg Fall Cash Bash fundraiser that will take place on September 23, 2017, from noon-5:00 p.m. Information will be on the company’s websites and Facebooks.

Emmitsburg’s Ambulance and Fire Companies Consider Potential Merger

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Members of both the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company (EVAC) and the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) have begun to discuss how their respective emergency services roles might be improved by merging personnel, resources and facilities.

This initiative is early in its consideration and will require research, on-going discussions and coordination among all stakeholders including the public, area businesses and institutions as well as local and county public policy officials and regional emergency services agencies.

EVAC President Mary Lou Little and VHC President Frank Davis jointly stress that this is an open and positive step that both organizations have long discussed. The community and surrounding area are the driving force to continue to work to improve and enhance service.

Senior administrative and operational leaders of both groups have recently been discussing possible ways to potentially combine personnel and resources to better meet growing service demands while also developing strategies ultimately determined to be in the best interests of those served.

Members of both organizations met together on Sunday evening, May 21, 2017, at the EVAC Station 26 to begin a process for positive outcomes. And, such interactions will continue. Community input is encouraged and will be used in designing a comprehensive approach and structure to move forward. Frequent updates will be issued so all interested can be kept apprised of developments.

Questions can be made through contact with Spokesperson Tim Clarke at 301-748-4161 or at HN181@AOL.com