Dave Zentz Recognized as 2017 Frederick County Volunteer Firefighter of the Year

Vigilant Hose Company’s (VHC) fire services volunteer, Dave Zentz (pictured above, center), was recognized as the 2017 Frederick County Volunteer Firefighter of the Year on March 13, 2018, along with other Frederick County Public Safety Partners, during the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards in Brunswick. Dave is an individual who has exceeded expectations in his few short years with the VHC. He has expanded his operational knowledge base by completing over 225 hours in courses the last year alone. In addition, Dave serves on the VHC Board of Directors and steers several IT projects around the station. Dave was recognized as the VHC’s Member of the Year for 2017 at the annual banquet in January. Congratulations, Dave, and thank you for your continued support and contributions to the Vigilant Hose Company and the greater Emmitsburg Community. On Wednesday evening, May 23, 2018, from 6:30-9:00 p.m., at the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) Activities Building, located at 17701 Creamery Road (formerly the Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company facility), a special event, open to all interested, will feature health and safety activities, plus injury prevention information and live demonstrations conducted by the men and women of the community’s emergency services. None of us wants to see misfortune befall us or others, thus it is critical that all know in advance just what to do should a worst-case event occur. To celebrate “National Emergency Medical Services Week,” an Open House event for the public and area businesses alike will stress family and individual well-being, risk reduction, and emergency and disaster preparedness, intended to help all be ready for the unexpected. Celebrated annually in May, “National EMS Week’ was established in 1974 to help the public better understand the important roles that First Responders play in helping others in their time of need. National EMS Week also allows the community to honor its EMS providers, too. This year’s event will also allow for the recognition of the successful merger of the personnel, equipment, and facilities of the former Emmitsburg Volunteer Ambulance Company into the Vigilant Hose Company. Much work has been underway for over a year now to bring this to a positive outcome for the benefit of the community. Emmitsburg’s volunteer and career personnel serve side-by-side together in various emergency services duties like Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), firefighters, hazardous materials technicians, technical rescue specialists, emergency dispatch professionals—all united in service to the community. They are supported by paramedics, area hospitals, medivac helicopters, and law enforcement personnel to deliver the utmost in life-safety services. All providers must meet stringent state and county training standards and are constantly honing their skills through training, education, and practical exercises. The basic function of their work involves responding to 911 emergencies, which can range from simple ailments, such as severe headaches, to serious traumatic injuries, like broken bones, as well as heart attacks, strokes, and so forth. They also work closely with all area firefighters at emergency scenes to assess, treat, and prepare patients for transport to area hospitals and regional trauma centers. National EMS Week is a great opportunity for the public to learn when to call 911 and when not to. Additionally, National EMS Week allows the community to thank EMS providers for the physical, mental, and emotional sacrifices they are asked to make daily while serving others. In our community, every business, institution, agency, and individual is critical to our success. The VHC Auxiliary will be serving refreshments on May 23.