(above, l-r) Chatham Emergency Squad honoree Christine Grobert, Evan Skinner, Chatham Emergency Squad President, and Sharon Kelly, director of Overlook’s emergency departments in Summit and Union.
Christine Grobert Recognized for Service at the 2019 Overlook Medical Center EMT Excellence Awards
At the 23rd annual Excellence in Emergency Medical Services award celebration dinner recently held at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, Christine Grobert of the Chatham Emergency Squad (CES) was recognized for outstanding dedication to the squad and her commitment to the community of Chatham.
This prestigious award is given annually by Overlook Medical Center, an affiliation of the Atlantic Health System, to a certified member of the squad whose professionalism, dedication and efforts go above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to her length of service and dedication to the Chatham community, Grobert’s exceptional blend of patient care skills and knowledge, leadership and teamwork and a calm demeanor in times of crisis made her a stand-out choice among the members of the Chatham Emergency Squad.
“Patients are immediately reassured in Christine’s presence and team members flourish under her guidance” said Evan Skinner, President of the Chatham Emergency Squad. “We are thrilled to honor her – not just for her many years of service and dedication, but for continuing to serve as a role model and resource for current and future EMTs to become their best.”
Since joining the squad in 1998, Grobert has served in many leadership roles. Currently, she is a weekend crew chief, the uniforms manager and squad archivist. Prior roles include VP of Communications, Squad Secretary and President of the Squad (2014 and 2015), where she initiated the High School Senior Scholarship award, given annually to a deserving high school senior who is devoted to volunteerism. She continues to spearhead this initiative every year.
In addition to her Squad service, Grobert recently returned to college for a masters degree and is a beloved 4th grade teacher at the Lafayette School. She also served on the Chatham Borough Council for many years and currently serves as the Treasurer of the Chatham Historical Society. Christine’s husband John, with whom she has raised two children, is also an EMT and past winner of this award. She continues serving nights and weekends even after moving out of Chatham more than a year ago and despite becoming a grandmother last year for the first time.
The Chatham Emergency Squad is an all-volunteer organization funded almost exclusively by donations. CES never charges for its services. In 2018 they responded to over 1,200 emergency calls and provided free training in CPR to more than 400 residents, teachers, coaches and emergency personnel. To learn more, to donate or to volunteer, please visit chathamemergencysquad.org.
Submitted by Craig Alperowitz
(above) Evan Skinner, President of Chatham Emergency Squad at the podium, providing remarks about Christine Grobert, who received the EMT Excellence Award from Overlook Medical Center.
