Why We Joined

Why we joined the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps....

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.
Diane Herrlett, President

With more than 40 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 Esposito, Chief

Faced with an empty house after my husband passed away and my children were off to college, I joined the ambulance corps and filled a big void in my life. I have never regretted this decision and love helping my neighbors in Glen Rock.
Mary Jane Surrago

I joined the GRVAC because my father was a Lifetime 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!
Sal Danna

Joining the ambulance corps helped me find a new career track. The added benefit was finding many new friends in town.
Dave Alport

As a young parent and coach of my three sons in junior league sports, I wanted to know what to do in the case of injuries. I was inspired by a friend and fellow coach, John DeLaat, who became a member and convinced me to do the same. Some 22 years later, I have been rewarded by the ability and privilege of helping my fellow neighbors in the community. I have also gained so much by the many new friendships from being a part of the GRVAC family.
Ron Jemal

I witnessed 9/11 firsthand. I'm am American, and if help is needed, I want to help. Although I am an attorney and judge by profession, I decided to become an EMT to help others. It has made a world of difference in my life.
Tom Ludlum

When I was coaching youth sports 25 years ago, I felt it important to gain a higher level of emergency first aid skills just in case it would be needed. Training to become an EMT answered that need. Beyond that, there is nothing better than the family atmosphere at the corps.
John DeLaat

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 Markey

I joined as a nursing student and was looking to enhance my skills and improve my confidence with patient care. I am now a full-time nurse. When I joined, I was new to the area and wanted to volunteer to give back to the community. Being an EMT has provided me with practical emergency medical knowledge, responsibility and skills that enhanced my academic training. As a GRVAC member, I know that I make a big difference in the lives of others. It is a very rewarding and exhilarating experience.
Sonia Rodrigues

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.
Gary Stevens

Becoming an EMT is the biggest and proudest decision of my life. There is no other feeling than that of helping others.
Josh Stein

When my brother passed away from a tragic accident 20 years ago, my two sisters and I joined to honor his memory. I continue serving today for the same reason.
Christine Kochaniec

I always wanted a career in emergency services, so after college, I volunteered at the GRVAC to gain the confidence and skills necessary. I have enjoyed the numerous opportunities for training, and I am also happy to be part of the family. Here is Mike when he graduated EMT school receiving his diploma from Dennis McNerney, former Bergen Country Officer.
Mike Teegan

Joining the GRVAC has been a great decision for me because it has given me a unique chance to volunteer alongside a unified and diverse group of interesting people who are passionate about serving our community. It has been a fantastic opportunity to get more involved in my hometown, gain invaluable knowledge of important topics, and gain clinical experience vital to my life goals - in a very personally fulfilling way.
Kevin Carbone

I joined the GRVAC and became an EMT because I love to help people. I wanted to make sure I could deal with trauma and injury before furthering my education. My plans are to go to college for nursing. Being an EMT for the GRVAC is a great experience, and continues to solidified my decision for a career in nursing. Being a part of the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps family is just the icing on top of the cake.
Moira Ryan

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 Montgomery

The reason I joined is easy to explain. My wife Nancy was a member and I attended a GRVAC function. When I saw the family attitude they had for each other, I had to join.
Matt Catanese

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.
Joan Zanotti

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!
Jay Bernstein