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 celebrate 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 most of my life, I felt it was time to get more involved in town. Joining the GRVAC was a great decision and has been very rewarding. It’s very fulfilling to be a part of this unified and diverse group of people who are dedicated to serving the community.

Jay Bernstein
I am an attorney at law by day and an EMT at night. The shock of not knowing what to do in emergency has paralyzed me many times, like visiting my aged parents in emergencies; or showing up at an inner-city hospital with my niece laying on a gurney in the hallway totally ignorant of what to do; or how to react from my daughters asthma & anaphylactic reactions from peanuts. I was clueless, ignorant frozen in fear, so I decided I must learn basic first aid! In my free time I like to hike and explore, bike, play the trumpet and boogie board, read about ancient history and astronomy and stare at the stars at night and wonder."

Sal Danna
I joined the GRVAC because my father was a Life Member. My father, being a member, was larger than large in my eyes. My dad was always my hero. If he did it, I knew it was right. I always thought about joining but after 9/11, I made the move to join. I am so happy that I did! If you join, you will make a difference.

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!

Chris Leishear
Chris grew up hearing the stories (and saves) of his father's days as a lifeguard, and has witnessed several medical emergencies in his life where he did not like the feeling of helplessness he encountered as a passive witness. As a result of not wanting to "stand idly by" in a crisis, and driven by his desire to serve, he pursued EMT certification in the spring of 2016 at Bergen County EMS Training Center and is celebrating his 5th year of service with GRVAC this summer. Chris is a 20 year veteran of IBM as a project and services manager and is now running his own vegetable garden design and installation company, Farmburbia. He is on the Thursday night crew and when not on call or in a garden, he can be found spending time with his family hiking, biking, paddling, camping, swimming, snowboarding and exploring with their 2 year old Havanese, Wilson

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
“Hope everyone is doing well and staying 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.”

Kalsie Rudman
“Hello everybody! My name is Kalsie Rudman and I have been a member of GRVAC since 2019. I am originally from South Africa and while I am a long way from home, I have found comfort in being a part of the GRVAC. While I had no formal medical training, I was grateful to have received the basic lifesaving skills necessary to be an effective member of the GRVAC team. I graduated from William Paterson University with my Bachelor’s degree in Health Studies and a minor in Psychology.”

Mark Ryan
“I'm happy to serve the community my family has called home since July of 1994 - Glen Rock's centennial year! As a Jaycee when our children were young to a Troop 15 Assistant Scoutmaster and Grad Ball construction co-chair as they grew, I've been blessed to serve in the company of individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism that sets Glen Rock apart from many other communities. As one of GRVAC's newest members, I've experienced firsthand the physical, mental, and emotional challenges my colleagues face everyday while serving the community, as well as the intrinsic rewards of helping a neighbor. I am grateful for their support and urge all of us to support GRVAC however possible.”

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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