Special Events

and

Friends of PVRS

Plaza Halloween Truck or Treat???

With the pending remodel of Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad’s home on South Plaza Trail we were unable to hold our annual “Operations Safe Haven” at the station. For 10 years we have held Operations Safe Haven at the station giving the young and old alike a safe alternative to going door to door to get the annual bounty of Halloween treats. Instead the Plaza members turn the station in to a Haunted House and the Ambulance Bays have special events and lots of treats going on for the evening. Well the station members new they must get out and see the members of our community on Halloween so we decided to go to them. Plaza Members took Rescue Unit 1621 and went to all of our local neighborhoods and handed out candy to the youngsters. The picture to the left is of Rescue Captain Bill Walker and Cathy Snow and Carla Hazen handing out Candy to one of the numerous recipients of the Plaza candy stash. The Plaza members enjoyed being out in the community with all the ghost, ghouls and goblins and are looking forward to next year when we can once again hold Operation Safe Haven at the station.

Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad Particpate’s in the National Volunteer Week Expo at Lynnhaven Mall !

Saturday April 23^rd 2005 numerous members of Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad participated in the National Volunteer Week Expo at Lynnhaven Mall. Numerous Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Stations participated in this wonderful community event.

Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad was set up in "Center Court" with Davis Corner and their brand new 222, which really brought the crowds to us. Especially the little kids. They loved it, and it gave us a chance to talk to the parents to tell them what we're about and see if they're interested in being an EMT. We stayed busy from 10AM to 6PM, spoke to hundreds of people and had a LOT of fun doing it.

Rescue Annie was even able to get a Make-over while she was at the mall and was happy to pose with some of the Participants around the back of Davis Corners Rescue Unit 222. If you want more information about joining Plaza Rescue Squad as a Volunteer please click on the Uncle Sam Poster with Rescue Annie and the crew.

Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad Strikes again!

This time we took up residence at a local bike rodeo last Saturday May 29^th 2004, sponsored by the famous Toys-backwards-R-Us folks near Lynnhaven Mall. Five very determined and positive PVRS members took a freshly cleaned unit to their parking lot, and proceeded to pretty much steal the show. Kids from all corners of the city apparently flocked to see our unit and equipment, plus ask tons of cool questions, some repeatedly. ("Can I turn on the siren?")

Parents and other more "seasoned" members of the public spent time asking the crew about joining EMS. Word from our head honcho there, Michael Hazen, is that several people took extensive information with them, intending to go to the admin office for orientation.

Besides Mike, our crew included Scott Calhoun, Lisa Fusco, and Dave and Pauline Miller. Braving incredibly mild temperatures and tire tracks across their toes, our crew found a myriad of ways to entertain and inform the little cycle riders. But alas, the day was marred deeply by the sudden affliction striking Scooby Dooby Do, on hand for a special public appearance. Undaunted, our crew sprang into action, administering cartoon smelling salts and lots of Scooby snacks, reviving the cartoon canine from an almost certain nap.

On the serious side, these folks spent several hours introducing EMS to kids (always a good thing) and encouraging the public to learn more about our system, hopefully even considering joining our team (also a very good thing). So the next time you see any of this fine crew, please extend a big thanks to them, and ask them how much fun they had during this event!

Greetings and Happy Holidays to All!

Isn't the Holiday Season one of the most incredible times of the year? That feeling really came home to PVRS on Tuesday, December 17, when the residents of Silver Hill Retirement Community invited the station to send representatives to their Holiday Benefit gathering. At Christmas, the folks there take some time and effort to thank the people who are an important part of their community. Invitations were sent those who make some particular contribution to Silver Hill, including their newspaper lady, mailman, maintenance man, bus driver, community manager, director, the fire department, and of course, Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Each of these people or groups represented those who try to give something extra to the people there. All of the guests were praised for taking the time to listen to the concerns of residents, provide a bit of extra service, or just to spend a moment with the folks there to say hello and chat. But Plaza VRS was singled out, even above all the rest, for dedicating our time to protect the safety and welfare of everyone who lived there. Even though most knew, a few residents were still surprised to find out that we are all volunteers. But everyone spoke up with words of praise for our crews and dedication. PVRS was given the biggest round of applause when the presentation was given to our representative.

Our representative hoped the day ambulance crew would be able to attend, and in fact, they were on their way from the hospital when they were toned out for a call. He expressed regrets for the crew to the residents, and hoped they would understand. They were not only understanding, but amid many "That's
okay!" and "We're glad you're here," comments the cheer, "Good for you!" jumped up from the back of the room. High praise indeed. And so our representative stood before a crowd of about forty friends and neighbors as they presented PVRS with a very nice card, a box of Whitman's Christmas sampler, and a donation check for $50. It wasn't easy not to get a bit choked up about it.

And so, the Holidays bring forth some of their seasonal magic for all of those who serve under the banner of Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad. Hopefully, you too will enjoy the spirit and pass along this cheer and good fellowship to all whom you meet, especially your next patients. And if you happen to get a call to Silver Hill, please take the time to thank them for their support.

May we all see an amazing and safe new year.

In remembrance of 9/11/01 members of Plaza Rescue Squad attended many events held throughout the city of Virginia Beach on 9/11/02. The Day started off with a beautiful flag ceremony at the VFW Post 329 then later on in the day numerous members attended an open house and enjoyed some wonderful food and conversation with the member’s of VFW Post 329. Although we would have liked to spend all afternoon socializing with the Post members we had also been requested to stop by the Green Run Elementary School for a special presentation from the students, so we bid farewell and proceeded to the school.

What a wonderful event the students put on for the Military, Police, Fire and Rescue. With the whole school gathered in the Gymnasium decorated with posters and everyone in red, white and blue. The students sang the hearts out in celebration and let us know we were really appreciated for what we do and told us what September 11^th 2001 meant to them. We were fortunate enough to be able to bring to Ambulances to the school and we would need them not for patient’s this time but to take all the wonderful gifts, food, letters and cards back to the station that the students themselves got for us. Rescue personnel love running rescue but what makes it extra special is when we see people during there good times and they let us know how much they appreciate what we do. These children and teachers enthusiasm made sure we knew with out a doubt the job we do is appreciated.

At 7:00 pm the Bow Creek Presbyterian Church held a memorial service in remembrance of the events on 9/11. With worship, prayer and scripture we remembered the hero’s and families of 9/11. The offering was collected and donated to Plaza Rescue Squad. Upon completion of the memorial we all gathered in the social hall for refreshments and presentation of the donation.

Plaza VRS is very proud to count VFW Post 329 as one of its most ardent supporters. This year our friends wanted to show their support in a more personal way. On October 27th, 2001, National Make-A-Difference Day, the VFW sent a contingent of delegates to our station with wonderful gifts. Ten members of the station representing all facets of the corporation were on hand for the presentation. Knowing that we spend a great deal of time on duty every month, the four huge baskets the Post presented to us were laden to overflowing with bottled water, sports drinks, trail mix, cracker snacks, granola bars, and lots of other great energy foods. They hoped we would share the goodies among the duty crews so that every member of the station would benefit from their donation. Speaking for the membership, Mike Pettinger, Vice President of the corporation expressed a thousand thanks to the members of the VFW for their ongoing support and their personal belief in what we do. When it comes to friends, it's very hard to find stronger ones than the fine folks at Post 329.

The red, white and blue bows provided on each of the four baskets were mounted on the station's ambulances, where they are proudly displayed today as a reminder of the VFW's visit, their endorsement, and their sacrifice.

1623 during a Special Event at Plaza Middle School. We attend numerous Special events through out the year to show off our units and to get to know the people of our local area. If interested in having a unit come to stand by for a Special Event you are having please contact Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services.

Our Good Friends from Squad 51 and Rampart General Hospital know what kind of Job we do!!!