Walkersville Volunteer Rescue
acknowledges excellence

(11/20) On the evening of November 19th, members of the Walkersville Rescue Company and the surrounding community came together for an awards banquet to recognize individuals with outstanding commitment. The top acknowledgements included the Unsung Hero Award, Chief Award, and Life Member Award

Ivan Todd was presented the ‘Francis Sappington Unsung Hero Award. "Ivan," Chief Topper Cramer of the Rescue Company said, " completed numerous projects for the department this past year. He is always willing to help out the department.

The award was named after Sappington," Cramer told the assembled audience, "who was everyone’s right hand man….the 6th man off the bench, the 12th man for the team. He was certainly the "unsung hero of the department". There was never a time that he said ‘no’ and it was routine to come to the station late at night and find him working on the equipment. It is only fitting that we continue to recognize valuable members of our department in his honor."

"Todd," Cramer said, "followed in Sappington’s footsteps. He joined the department in 1986, and often steps up to complete tasks needed around the station without being asked. He truly is an unsung hero."

Joe Ogershok was the recipient of the Chiefs Award, which is given to a member that distinguishes

him or herself as an active responder and who is dedicated and committed not only to the operational side but to the social side for the success of our department. In recognizing Ogershok, Cramer noted that "he was a very active responder since joining the department in 2014, the departments CPR instructor, and helps at virtually all of the fund raisers despite living in Pennsylvania."

The Life Member Award, described as the most prestigious award the department gives, was awarded to Jeremy Heflin. The award is presented to an individual selected by the Board of Directors for their years of active service and contributions and commitment to the Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company. Heflin joined the company and has held several positions within the department since that time including board of directors, new apparatus committee member, and Deputy Chief.

Vice President Lisa Marchesani was presented the Life Membership award for her dedication and commitment to the WVRC since 1989 when she joined the organization.

Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments and challenges, Cramer told the members and guests: "Every year our challenges get greater and our budget gets smaller. We are always being asked to do more with less. Whether you make a few calls a year or support our operations by helping at a fundraiser, this is your department and it takes every one of us to keep it successful."

‘"We have requested additional EMS staffing as we have for the last four years due to our increasing call volume. We have seen the increasing growth and subsequent call volume with that responsibility in our first due area that includes 4 new developments and a special needs school. We also continue to provide primary bariatric service to our area, as well as the entire county and surrounding jurisdictions. We certainly feel our numbers adequately justify this request."

"On behalf of the line officers, we commend all of our members who have stepped forward this year to help us meet these challenges in whatever way they can and we look forward to your continued support in 2023 as we begin our 46th year of providing a vital community service."

At the conclusion of the banquet, the Board of Directors and officers for 2022 where sworn in. See page 21 for photos of the award banquet.