BHVRS Officers Take Virtual Oath of Office
Submitted by the BHVRS
In an installation like no other, the incoming officers at the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad (BHVRS) were sworn in during a Zoom gathering on Monday, February 8. Mayor Angie Devanney, who was the guest of honor at the monthly business meeting, read the oath of office to the 2021 Line Officers and Executive Branch members as they held up a sea of virtual hands, promising to uphold the duties of their elected position. The annual BHVRS dinner dance and installation event that is traditionally held each winter was postponed due to the pandemic.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the volunteer rescue squad members for their heroic service during the 2020 global pandemic. In the early days of the spread of coronavirus, you were on the front lines serving our community when there was great uncertainty and fear about this deadly disease,” said Mayor Angie Devanney. “The gratitude the community and I have for you all is beyond what words can convey. So it is with great honor that I swear in your 2021 officers.”
The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for the BHVRS this past year. The rescue squad had to develop new protocols to treat and transport patients with COVID-19, stock tremendous supplies of PPE, and institute decontamination procedures to disinfect the ambulances and equipment.
“This past year, 2020, was one of the most challenging periods of time the squad has ever faced, but every riding member of this organization stepped up to the challenge without missing a beat. “We are all volunteers. We choose to do this. We don’t have to do this,” says Marc Schnitzer, MHA, EMT, who was sworn in as the new Chief of the BHVRS. “Berkeley Heights is incredibly lucky to have such committed volunteers caring for our residents during some of their most vulnerable times.”
There have been highs and lows throughout the pandemic. Members balanced tremendous schedules—working from home, helping children with remote schooling, and attending online classes themselves. They were concerned about becoming infected with the virus or bringing it home to a family member. Makeshift spaces were set up in garages where members could change and wash up before reentering their houses, and double or triple shifts were graciously picked up when a member had to fall off the schedule due to a potential exposure. But fueled with an unwavering commitment to help their fellow neighbors, the BHVRS remained one of the most successful volunteer EMS agencies in the area.
Last year, Chief Schnitzer reported, the rescue squad covered Berkeley Heights emergency services 99.95 percent of the time—a feat very few volunteer squads can attest to. Members responded to 709 calls, which included 99 falls, more than 50 breathing emergencies, and 49 motor vehicle accidents.
“I am exceedingly proud of each and every one of our members and personally feel very privileged to have the opportunity to ride alongside them. The BHVRS is truly a special place to be a part of,” added Joe Savino, EMT, President of the BHVRS. “Please join me in extending your gratitude and thanks to all of our members.”
Did You Know?
The BHVRS is staffed entirely by volunteers. Our dedicated members are all ages and come from all walks of life and professional backgrounds. We never charge for any of our services and are funded nearly entirely by donations.
We are always looking for volunteers! To learn more about how you can help, please visit our website or emailmembership@bhvrs.org.
