TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—The Washington Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps reports that the community picked up nine EMTs this year.
That’s a big step up: The township gained three EMTs in 2018, none in 2017, and one in 2016.
WTVAC is a member of the Pascack Valley Mutual Aid Group, which includes the Township of Washington, Westwood, Hillsdale, Emerson, Tri-Boro (Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale), River Vale, and Old Tappan.
According to Lt. Justin Tsai, going back to January the WTVAC celebrated the graduation of EMT Lindsey M. Sirois, who threw herself into the corps with gusto.
“She was almost immediately seen on 911 calls as a member of duty crews and was featured in the news for her part in presenting to local Girl Scouts on first aid and the work of the corps,” Tsai said.
Sirois, a senior at Westwood Regional High School, brought experience as lifeguard, swim coach, and instructor.
Also hailing from the January class: EMT David L. Tarshik, who came to the squad after completing his initial training.
“Tarshik brings experience as a first responder. He has been serving in paid positions with commercial ambulance companies since he completed his training, and has two years’ experience as a rescue technician in Paramus,” Tsai said.
In June, the corps celebrated as EMTs Trevor J. Landau, Jacqueline Hartmann, Jenny Hoyos, and Michael DiCuia graduated initial training.
Landau, a lifelong township resident, is a technology consultant, Hartmann is a student at Immaculate Heart Academy, and Hoyos and DiCuia are students at Westwood Regional High School.
Graduating from the summer session were Alexa Connelly, Joseph Chang, and Mark Ayob. Connelly is a senior at Westwood Regional High School; Chang and Ayob study at Bergen County Academies and Bergen County Technical Schools, respectively.
This year Tsai and many corpsmembers recruited at Washington Town Center, the summer concert series, high school lunch hour, Town Day, and football games.
“The corps extends its deepest appreciations to Heather Goffe of Westwood Regional High School; Alex DiChiara, manager of Washington Town Center; the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, and the many others who’ve hosted recruiting events,” said Tsai.
WTVAC corps reminds readers it loans medical equipment to residents of the Pascack Valley. Anyone in need of free equipment can call Naomi at (201) 474-5626.
For more information about the Washington Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, including how to volunteer, visit wtvac.org or call (201) 664-3784.
— Staff report