Why We Joined

Why We Volunteer

Diane Herrlett, President
When Paul and I got married, we purchased my parents' house in Glen Rock. As a way to meet people, Paul joined the GRVAC. We socialized a lot with other couples and became a close knit group. As time went on, the wives joined too and formed a strong bond and support system through good and bad times. At this point in my life, the GRVAC is a part of my family. In 2022, I celebrated 40 years of service for the GRVAC.

Mike Teegan - Chief
I always wanted a career in emergency services, so after college, I volunteered at the GRVAC. That decision has paved the path to gain the confidence and skills necessary. I have enjoyed the numerous opportunities afforded me at the GRVAC for training, and growth. I am also happy to be part of the GRVAC family. I have met, and worked alongside so many people. I must say though, that some of the best people I know are my colleagues at the GRVAC. I highly recommend your consideration to join the GRVAC. You will be happy you did.

John Bernard
“Having lived in Glen Rock for most of my life, I felt it was time to become more involved in town. I thought about joining for many years and then the time came. Becoming a part of the GRVAC, was a big decision. It proved to be a great decision and has been very rewarding. The initial training experience was so valuable. It put me back in a class-room environment, which rejuvenated my learning capacity. The night classes taught me so many skills and allowed me to meet many future EMTs, who were currently or going on to be, nurses, paramedics, doctors, business professionals, and those working in trades, who shared why we were there. It was so worth it. Since then, the GRVAC and the State of NJ have policies that require us to refresh our skills. Being part of the GRVAC will certainly keep me young and fresh. I work during the day and serve as an EMT one night a week.

It’s very fulfilling to be a part of the unified and diverse group of people who volunteer and are so dedicated to serving the community. From the time I made my first 911 call, to every call since, I am so happy that I am part of the GRVAC.”

Jay Bernstein
0ur mission at the GRVAC is to "aid suffering humanity" and it’s so fulfilling to be part of such a dedicated group of individuals that share such a worthwhile common goal. “How we can help the community.”

In the daytime, I am a human rights trial lawyer. Before becoming an EMT, there were times that the shock of not knowing what to do in an emergency had paralyzed me. For instance, dealing with severe illness of family members, my parents, my daughter, and my cousin. Training as an EMT has given me the confidence to help family, friends and neighbors in emergency medical situations!

For me, the reason I ride with this amazing group of people is – “it's life-changing.”

Amy Boardman
As a nurse I wanted to find a way to give back to my community and the GRVAC was the best organization to do just that. I love being able to help my fellow neighbors and connect with them in their time if need. But you don’t need to be a medical professional to join! We are just regular people doing extraordinary things. Come see what extraordinary things you can do!

Eric Bober
As a 24-year resident of Glen Rock, I started volunteering as a driver to give back to our town when my son Andrew became an EMT. I knew I wanted to become an EMT in the future and
I finally did. I enjoyed EMT school where I honed my skills, gained valuable knowledge and met many wonderful people. It’s rewarding to be part of such an amazing, dedicated group of volunteers that make up GRVAC.

I have been in the medical field for the last 37 years and always enjoyed working with patients. I also serve as the President of the Glen Rock Soccer Club. Between soccer, my work and being an EMT, it gives me the great satisfaction of growing each day. Being an EMT allows me to help my neighbors and contribute to my community and for that I am grateful.

Sal Danna
I joined the GRVAC in 2004 and continue to serve today. My father, Duffy, was a 25-year member, and he passed away in 1998. I was proud of my father for his commitment of helping the residents of Glen Rock in their time of need. I always thought about joining but at that time never made the commitment. After the events of 9/11, I made the move and joined. I am so happy that I did! The GRVAC signed me up for the EMT training class which I really enjoyed. I learned a lot about pre-hospital care for medical and traumatic issues. The school also provided the opportunity to make friends from around Bergen County.

In my 20 years of service, I have met and helped so many people. I cannot adequately express the rewards of helping, treating and keeping patients safe until we reach the hospital. Speaking for all of my colleagues at the GRVAC, when we are with patients, we become their family. If you have been thinking about joining, look me up and I will be happy to discuss the commitment.

Anna Drucker
“Hi I am Anna Druker! I am member on the Glen Rock Ambulance Corps Team and am super grateful to be a part of an amazing team! I joined the team in November of 2019 as a junior in high school. I joined EMS to pursue my passion of going into the medical field and it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Becoming a part of this team has allowed me to meet other members of the community and learn more about Glen Rock. Outside of EMS and school, I dance and enjoy listening to music."

Ed Esposito
"With more than 50 years as a volunteer EMT, it's hard to imagine myself not responding to a call for help. It has become a way of life for me - and a very rewarding one." Ed has held every position the GRVAC offers, including, President, Captain and Chief. Much of our success stems from Ed's knowledge of EMS, State protocols, and his engineering background. Everyone in our squad, the GRPD, the GRFD and town leaders appreciate Ed's contributions.

Michael Goshin
As a resident of Glen Rock for over 20 years, I’ve felt the need to “give back” in a way that would allow me to help others. The GRVAC affords me the opportunity to assist our residents in their times of need. The feeling of accomplishment and pride in helping others after a call, is something I
truly enjoy, and validates my decision to become a member back in 2021. Working alongside all the members of the GRVAC allows me to get to know some very dedicated residents who I’m proud to call my colleagues.

Andy Hirschfeld
I have lived in Glen Rock since 1995 and wanted to join the GRVAC for a long time. I thought about it often, but never found the time. Then came the Covid pandemic which allowed me the time to take the EMT class. I learned so much in the EMT class. The GRVAC is a terrific group of selfless individuals giving their time to help our residents in times of need. I am so proud to work beside them and have made some great new friends. If you are thinking about joining the GRVAC like I did, now is the perfect time.

Carrie Hourican
I have always wanted to be in the medical profession to help people in their time of need. I decided to give Emergency Medical Technician a try and joined the Glen Rock Ambulance Corps in 2004. It was a great way to give back to the community and meet people. Volunteering also gave me the confidence to return to college to obtain my Bachelor’s of Science Nursing. Although, I moved away for a few years I always knew I would return and couldn’t wait give back to the community once again. My tenure on the Corps has been rewarding both personally and professionally.

Evan Jones
I have been an EMT for the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps since May of 2021. I am so proud to carry on the tradition, since I have been a part of the GRVAC family all my life. My parents, aunts, grandfather, and grandmother are all Life Members. They have brought me to the GRVAC's gatherings since I was an infant. I’ve learned from them that neighbors helping neighbors is one of the most rewarding feelings someone can experience. Joining the GRVAC was one of the best things I have ever done and I plan to be here for years to come.

Christine Kochaniec
Hello Glen Rock! I joined the GRVAC back in 1993, a year after my mother and two sisters joined together. I felt left out, because they where riding in memory of my brother. They were or wanted to be in the health care profession. As a cosmetology professional, I never saw myself as a health care provider. But, in loving memory of my brother, I joined the GRVAC. I continue to ride and serve the Glen Rock community. I have continued to grow in EMS over the years. I became an EMS educator, teaching first responders how to become EMTs using life saving skills. It's a wonderful feeling to save a life or help someone in their time of need!

Tom Ludlum
"I witnessed 9/11 firsthand. I'm an American, and if help is needed, I want to help. decided to join the GRVAC after witnessing 9/11. Throughout my time here, I have served as lieutenant and chief and my membership in the Corps has made a world of difference in my life. I have just retired from my profession as a judge for the state of New Jersey."

Brian Markey.
Membership in the GRVAC is very rewarding. The corps' members come from diverse backgrounds but with a common goal: giving back to the community through neighbors helping neighbors. I feel very lucky to be part of such a caring, dedicated group of people. Brian turned over the Chief's position, serving proudly on 12/31/2021.

Stephen McRae
I hope everyone is doing well and staqying safe. I joined the GRVAC in 2018 and usually ride on Friday nights and weekdays when I am home from school. My decision to join was partly based on wanting to do something important and exciting and partly because the opportunity to get the EMT training for free was too good to pass up. I am extremely grateful to be able to work with such a dedicated and caring group of people and would recommend joining to anyone interested in learning some new skills and helping their community.

Jennette Montgomery
When I moved from New York City to Glen Rock, I quit my job and felt lost. My husband, a native Glen Rocker and retired New York City police detective, decided to rejoin the Glen Rock Fire Department, which regenerated a strong bond of camaraderie and sparked my desire to volunteer. After six months of training, I left the EMT academy with the sense of pride and confidence that I missed. Being a GRVAC member gives me validation and purpose. Jennette also serves as the leader of Glen Rock's Crossing Guards.

John Pagios
I have been a member of the Glen Rock Ambulance Corps since September of 2019. I joined the Glen Rock Ambulance Corps because even though our lives can get quite chaotic, I believe it is important to have some form of altruistic nature mixed in with the craziness. Glen Rock has provided me with such an opportunity. Since the day I joined, I have had the pleasure to ride with different members of all ages which provided me with not only experience, but also the opportunity to learn from one another. Personally, the best part is that all the members have their own unique occupations and hobbies. As for what I do, I recently graduated from Seton Hall University with a Biology degree in pursuit of a further M.D. or D.O. degree in either the civilian or military sector.

Mark Ryan
It is a blessing to serve the community our family has called home since 1994 and an honor to work with friends and neighbors who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism that sets Glen Rock apart from many other communities. I urge all citizens to support GRVAC.

Moira Ryan
I decided on joining the GRVAC as an EMT to solidify my desire of becoming a nurse. After joining, I was able to pursue my course by helping the community and also, applying, and being admitted into Seton Hall College of Nursing. Being an EMT has brought me many new experiences and opportunities in the health care profession. I was able to create relationships within the town, within hospitals, and within the community of emergency medicine before even setting foot into the university. The GRVAC family has helped me along my journey and I am so thankful to be a part of it.

Gary Stevens
I wanted to get involved in a way to make an important contribution. Since there is a shortage of daytime volunteers, I joined the GRVAC as a driver/lifter to enable our EMTs to better focus on the patient, while I focus on the ambulance and equipment. I am proud to be a part of this very dedicated group of volunteers and our town is better because of them.

Gregg Vicinanza
Hi my name is Gregg Vicinanza! I joined the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps right as the Covid pandemic hit. It's been a crazy year, but has been incredibly rewarding. Becoming a member of the GRVAC was a small way for me to volunteer and give back to this community that my family and I love so much. I had no previous medical background, but the training I received through the EMT class and the ongoing learning as a member of the GRVAC has given me the confidence to help care for Glen Rockers when they need it!

Joan Zanotti
I have been riding since I was a youth member. My husband Art is a volunteer for the GRFD and we know how valuable our services are to Glen Rock.

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