VBRSF | Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation

Congratulations To The 2019 Virginia Gilpin Distinguished Service Award Winner

Written by VBRSF on September 14, 2020. Posted in Publicity.

On behalf of the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, Board President Clarence J. “Skip” Smith, III presents Ellen McBride the 2019 Virginia Gilpin Distinguished Service Award.

September 14, 2020 – Virginia Beach – Ellen McBride is awarded the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation’s 2019 Virginia Gilpin Distinguished Service Award.

This prestigious annual award is presented to an honoree whose outstanding actions and activities have helped to strengthen and enhance the volunteer rescue squad system in the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The award celebrates and honors Ellen’s more than 13-years of dedicated and tireless service to the City of Virginia Beach’s EMS Department as a Volunteer Assistant Chief, The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad as a Life Member and Former Chief and the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation as an active Board of Directors member.

It is because of the exemplary work of volunteers such as Ellen, that a volunteer-based rescue squad can be maintained in Virginia Beach, providing free pre-hospital emergency care to the City’s residents. Virginia Beach is a better place to work, live and play due to the efforts of Ellen, and many like her, who serve the community daily. It is with sincere gratitude that the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation recognizes Ellen’s work and sacrifice.

2020 Langhorne & Pulley Memorial Scholarship Recipients Announced

Written by VBRSF on May 31, 2020. Posted in Publicity.

~Awarded in partnership by VBVRS and VBRSF~

May 31, 2020- Virginia Beach

The thirteen student recipients of the 2020 Langhorne & Pulley Memorial Scholarship have been announced. This memorial scholarship was created in 2008 and is co-funded by the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation.

2020 Langhorne & Pulley Memorial $1,000 Scholarship Awardees:

2019 Langhorne & Pulley Memorial Scholarship Recipients Announced

Written by VBRSF on May 1, 2019. Posted in Publicity.

Awarded in partnership by VBVRS and VBRSF

April 30, 2019- Virginia Beach

The ten student recipients of the 2019 Langhorne & Pulley Memorial Scholarship have been announced. This memorial scholarship was created in 2008 and is co-funded by the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation.

2018 Virginia Gilpin Distinguished Service Award Winner Announced

Written by VBRSF on May 1, 2019. Posted in Publicity.

On behalf of the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, Board President Clarence J. “Skip” Smith, III presents Catherine “Kitty” Schaum the 2018 Virginia Gilpin Distinguished Service Award.

Catherine “Kitty” Schaum honored for 13 years of tireless dedication

Winter 2018 – Movin’ On Up!

Written by VBRSF on February 14, 2018. Posted in Rescue Lines.

Congratulations! Between September 28, 2017 and February 8, 2018, the individuals below advanced to the following EMT certification levels:

Winter 2018 – Meet Gina Benefiel, New Executive Director

Written by VBRSF on February 14, 2018. Posted in Rescue Lines.

Tell us about your nonprofit background.
I started in nonprofit development work right out of college at WHRO, first as a volunteer, then in a paid role. Early on, I was in awe of how nonprofits worked from behind-the-scenes, and the satisfaction of the work itself is immense. After gaining experience in public broadcasting in both Virginia and New York, I joined the team at ACCESS College Foundation where I enjoyed 10 years leading the Development department and working to raise money so low-income children could receive a post-secondary education. I hold a certificate in nonprofit management and was honored to be chosen as Executive Director for the Va. Beach Rescue Squad Foundation.

Why are you excited about working with the Volunteer Rescue Squads?
The entire EMS system in Virginia Beach is such a tremendous asset. We are incredibly fortunate to have it, and I see what it means to Hampton Roads. I want the whole community to see it as the asset it is, and to help keep it thriving by donating, advocating for it or volunteering their time.

Winter 2018 – Rock the Squads! Returns May 20

Written by VBRSF on February 14, 2018. Posted in Rescue Lines.

You could feel the pride and appreciation all over Virginia Beach’s highest peak and most popular park last spring. Rock the Squads achieved the goal of the principal sponsors – the City of Virginia Beach and its Department of EMS, Sentara Healthcare and the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation – to thank the thousand men and women who provide free emergency medical care and transport. And the volunteers felt it.

RTS2 will be Sunday, May 20, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. at Mount Trashmore.

Winter 2018 – Shift Change at Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Station 9

Written by VBRSF on February 14, 2018. Posted in Rescue Lines.

By Joel Rubin

The best time to meet the most volunteer EMTs at any station is around 6:00 p.m., when the day shift checks out and the overnight one checks in.

At Station 9 I met Katie East and Dan Russell, who both have run rescue for nearly six years and are partners most nights. “I get to hang out with my best friend,” says Dan, a Tallwood High grad and, like his buddy, an employee at LifeNet. Katie, a Kellam High alum, has EMS in her veins. Her father was with the VB squad, her mom Ocean Park’s. “I love to give back to the community just like they did,” says Katie. The pair had little time to talk, out the door quickly to respond to call one on this Friday evening.