Editor’s note: This article was submitted by the Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
WESTWOOD, N.J. –– With a steady decline in EMTs all around New Jersey, Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WVAC) is proud to have four more EMTs added to its roster: members John Andresen, Linda Andresen, Ofer Egber and Sabrina Schenone. These four members became certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) this past spring, and say they are excited to continue to help make a huge difference in the community.
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“It is pretty hard to find people to volunteer during the day, let alone commit to the 200-plus hours of EMT school. We recognize how hard they worked and are so appreciative of their help now,” explains 1st Lt. Bonnie Costello. When Costello asked the new EMTs what made them all decide to do this, here is what they said:
Linda Andresen, who took the class with her husband Jon: “I went into this volunteering my time, but have gotten out of it amazing friendships, a greater connection with our community, role models who set the bar high and a strength I had forgotten I possessed.” Jon Andresen shared her sentiment, saying, “Community is very important to me, and I find this the best way I could serve my community.”
Schenone kept the momentum going by saying, “In a world too often full of hate and hurt, being able to help someone even if only for a few minutes, gives me the ability to fill the world with a little more love. That’s why I do what I do.”
Egber, a local business owner, went on to tell his story. “In 2011, I started working at Current Consignment Boutique in downtown Westwood. With a background in volunteer and rescue since 2008, I thought that it was a good way to give back to the community where I worked. So, I joined WVAC in 2012, and due to a shortage of EMTs, I decided to take the EMT course in 2017. Since completion of my training, I have continued to be able to help and respond to local calls during the day, which has been helpful to the corps. It has been a very gratifying experience and I hope to continue to help and serve our beautiful town through WVAC.”
WVAC is proud to carry out its tradition of recruiting volunteers, and it is proud to have a few more students enrolled in EMT school this semester. If you live or work in Westwood and are at least 16 years old, WVAC asks you to consider joining. They can be contacted at Join[at]WestwoodVolunteerEMS[dot]org or (201) 664-0003 for more information.
Photos courtesy Bonnie Costello