First of all, many, many thanks to all who have supported us during our annual fund drive. Your donations allow us to continue our community classes and educational materials hand-outs at safety events. I would especially like to give a Big Shout Out to the Aquia Evening Lions for their support every year that has made the fitted helmet event at National Night Out such a huge success. Children are fitted with the proper sized helmet and receive instructions on the rules of the road for bikes and other safety tips. This year we fitted 295 helmets. Our members and volunteers from Mountain View Volunteer Rescue Squad, Brooke Volunteer Fire & Rescue department, White Oak Volunteer Rescue Squad were equipping the kids with helmets from 5-8pm. Unfortunately, near the end we ran out of some sizes and had to turn some away. It is better to have the correct helmet than one that is too big and will fall of in an accident. That gives no protection to their precious heads.

The squad held its annual election of Officers. Beginning November 1st here are the new officers:
President – Angela Wilhelm-Lopez Rescue Chief – Matt Heindrichs
Vice President – Autumn Sinclair Treasurer – Chris Schoon
Rescoring Secretary – Byron Trafton Membership secretary – Sergio Alvarez
Board of Directors: Chuck Clemmer, Patricia Copeland, Kayla Haney and Jeff Walker

The Aquia Harbour Volunteer Rescue Squad members wish all the best to you and your family for a safe Holiday season!
There are many safety hazards that can put a damper on the season, if you are not careful and especially if there are small children in the house. Here are a few reminders.
Visiting relatives may have medications and they need to keep them out of reach of the little ones. Don’t let them play with grandma’s purse.
Keep button batteries out of reach of small children. Secure the battery compartment on remote controls, key fobs, cameras, watches, flameless candles, and every battery-powered product.
Decorate with non-poisonous plants for the safety of children and your pets. Avoid holly and mistletoe berries.
Keep the Poison Center toll free number close at hand – 1-800-222-1222.

In Squad news – Thomas Sammel was top runner for the 2024-2025 year
Thomas is a driver and EMTB who volunteered over 980 hours staffing an ambulance, not including hours for training and administrative duties. Congratulations, Tom!
Jodi Fagan was named recipient of the President’s Award for her contributions to several projects and events with the Squad. Jodi was the first to raise her hand or call asking, “What Can I do to Help?” She is currently in the Fall County EMT class and hopes to test out in the next month. Congratulations, Jodi!

As immediate past President, I would like to thank all of last year’s officers for their time, dedication and professionalism is making AHVRS such a great Squad. They have made sure our members get the training, the proper gear, mentoring and companionship that make a Wonderful Team!

Are you ready for that challenge? If you want to learn more or talk to one of our officers or the Membership Coordinator Sergio Alvarez about our squad, please give us a call 540-658-5339. Many questions can be answered on our website www.ahvrs.org
This is a volunteer stint that can last a lifetime!
Volunteering begins with completing the county EMS Fire application. You can also find it on our website. We are all Stafford County Volunteers. We are just stationed at Aquia Harbour building.