GRVAC Honors Ron Jemal - Thank You Ron!
Ron Jemal Reaches 25 Year Milestone at GRVAC
Back in 1992, Ron Jemal never imagined what started as a desire to learn some first-aid skills while he was coaching his three sons’ sports teams would turn into a long-term commitment and passion to serve his neighbors. It was then that Ron became an EMT (emergency medical technician) and joined the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He started volunteering on the Thursday night shift from 7 pm to 6 am and kept doing so for the next 25 years.
“When I joined the GRVAC, I wanted to learn what to do in case one of the boys got injured during a game,” said Jemal. “Thankfully that never happened, but being an EMT has equipped me with life-saving skills that I feel confident to deal with a real emergency with my family, friends and neighbors.”
“Ron has been an instrumental part of our growth and success over the years,” said Chief Ed Esposito, who credits him with chairing the last two GRVAC Vehicle Committees, which researched ambulance models, costs, along with appropriate safety features and the best layout to deliver efficient and effective emergency medical care and transport to Glen Rock residents. “It is a very detailed and time-consuming process, and we were lucky to have Ron’s leadership, negotiation and analytical skills on these important projects,” added Chief Esposito.
Ron was also responsible for negotiating with uniform vendors and keeping GRVAC members outfitted with appropriate logos and safety features. In addition, he served as First Vice President for many years. “We were fortunate to have Ron in that position,” said GRVAC President Diane Herrlett. “He is the type of person who looks at both sides of an issue, is fair and has great business sense and experience. He will always be a good friend and one that I admire greatly for his devotion and loyalty to the Ambulance Corps.”
When asked what kept him going all those years, Ron responded without hesitation, “It is the close bonds that grew with my crew and other members of the GRVAC, who are almost family to me. My wife, Laura, and my sons have been extremely supportive all these years when I had to adjust our family’s schedule to serve on a shift or left in the middle of the night to respond to medical emergencies.” Over the years, those emergencies were countless ‒ heart attacks, strokes, diabetic emergencies, difficulty breathing, motor vehicle accidents and other medical and traumatic situations. “While the medical situation at hand is always very important,” said Ron, “more important is taking the time to really notice the patient and their loved ones. Very likely, they are feeling scared and helpless, and being able to help and reassure them has been a very rewarding and life-changing experience.”
Ron Jemal Reaches 25 Year Milestone at GRVAC
Back in 1992, Ron Jemal never imagined what started as a desire to learn some first-aid skills while he was coaching his three sons’ sports teams would turn into a long-term commitment and passion to serve his neighbors. It was then that Ron became an EMT (emergency medical technician) and joined the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He started volunteering on the Thursday night shift from 7 pm to 6 am and kept doing so for the next 25 years.
“When I joined the GRVAC, I wanted to learn what to do in case one of the boys got injured during a game,” said Jemal. “Thankfully that never happened, but being an EMT has equipped me with life-saving skills that I feel confident to deal with a real emergency with my family, friends and neighbors.”
“Ron has been an instrumental part of our growth and success over the years,” said Chief Ed Esposito, who credits him with chairing the last two GRVAC Vehicle Committees, which researched ambulance models, costs, along with appropriate safety features and the best layout to deliver efficient and effective emergency medical care and transport to Glen Rock residents. “It is a very detailed and time-consuming process, and we were lucky to have Ron’s leadership, negotiation and analytical skills on these important projects,” added Chief Esposito.
Ron was also responsible for negotiating with uniform vendors and keeping GRVAC members outfitted with appropriate logos and safety features. In addition, he served as First Vice President for many years. “We were fortunate to have Ron in that position,” said GRVAC President Diane Herrlett. “He is the type of person who looks at both sides of an issue, is fair and has great business sense and experience. He will always be a good friend and one that I admire greatly for his devotion and loyalty to the Ambulance Corps.”
When asked what kept him going all those years, Ron responded without hesitation, “It is the close bonds that grew with my crew and other members of the GRVAC, who are almost family to me. My wife, Laura, and my sons have been extremely supportive all these years when I had to adjust our family’s schedule to serve on a shift or left in the middle of the night to respond to medical emergencies.” Over the years, those emergencies were countless ‒ heart attacks, strokes, diabetic emergencies, difficulty breathing, motor vehicle accidents and other medical and traumatic situations. “While the medical situation at hand is always very important,” said Ron, “more important is taking the time to really notice the patient and their loved ones. Very likely, they are feeling scared and helpless, and being able to help and reassure them has been a very rewarding and life-changing experience.”
|
|
|
Chief Esposito recognizes Ron Jemal for 25 years of service and acknowledged other members who surpassed that milestone. Pictured left to right: Ron Jemal, Joan Zanotti (34.5 years), John DeLaat (27 years) and Diane Herrlett (37 years). Chief Esposito has been serving the GRVAC for 39 years.
|
The Jemal Family (pictured left to right): daughter-in-law Lisa, son Dan, Ron, wife Laura, son Michael and daughter-in-law Trisha. Not pictured: Son David and fiancée Carli.
|
