IFCLIDF

It was bitter sweet for me as well when my EMT certification expired. I was out of NY and did not have the time or energy to get certification in PA where I am currently residing. I miss my days in EMS, and I am troubled with the state of the Emergency Medical Service in many areas. I lift up the need of professionalism (that does not require it to be PAID, just done correctly) but fear that those involved are not given the respect and encouragement needed to better the vocation.

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Elizabeth Lewit. A Founding member and former Captain of the Irvington Volunteer Ambulance. Betty was a Red Cross Certified instructor for first aid and CPR for many years, and was one of the initial trainers for IVAC in it formation stages in the early 1960's. Betty would become a riding member of the corps in it foundation and served as a training officer for many years. In addition to the training of corps members, Betty provided first aid and CPR courses to the public for decades. Betty would take duty daytime, nighttime, weekends, holidays, and would fill empty spots on the schedule like nobody could imagine. Betty served as Captain of the Corps in the mid 1980s and has served on the board of directors for many terms during her years as a member of the corps. The training center at Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corps was named after Betty a few years back as a recognition to her outstanding years of service to the organization she helped in establishing. Betty joins her husband in heaven, and we keep her children and grandchildren in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please remember Betty's family at Irvington VAC as well. Betty was a true living saint, and heaven is lucky to have an angel such as her join their corps. Respectfully Reported; Peter J Roy, EMT-B Irvington VAC Ex-Capt & Life Member

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../1076/OPINION03 Closing hospital in Dobbs Ferry will create hardship By PETER J. ROY (Original publication: December 4, 2006) I was greatly disturbed to hear the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century's recommendation to close our Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry. I am a life-long resident of the rivertowns, growing up in Irvington and now residing in Dobbs Ferry. Community Hospital is a vital part of the community; pure numbers, and dollar and cents, cannot be the measures alone in the hospital's importance to the region. I am a emergency medical technician who "rides" for both the Irvington and Dobbs Ferry Volunteer Ambulance Corps. I am a former captain and line officer in Irvington and currently serving as lieutenant of the Dobbs Ferry Corps. In addition, I am a member of the Irvington Fire Department, where I have also served as an assistant chief and line officer. I have more than 14 years of experience with emergency medical service in the area and cannot overstate the importance of Community Hospital. The ability to bring non-traumatic medical emergencies to Community Hospital vs. transports to Westchester Medical, or St. John's Riverside or Phelps Memorial is reason alone to keep this facility open. The other facilities, while larger and having additional services, are many times overwhelmed with patients, and depending on the time of day, could be difficult to transport due to traffic conditions. Closure of Community Hospital will tax the surrounding area emergency departments as they will need to absorb the patients that Community Hospital currently handles as well as delay care to patients that are currently served. What bothers me most is the fact that the commission seems to dismiss the improvements in the financial well being of Community Hospital since its inclusion in the Riverside Health Care System. The partnership with St. John's Riverside Hospital has been an economic success as well as relieved potential overcrowding of St. John's Riverside Hospital that may have occurred if Community Hospital was closed a few years ago. The commission's report itself stated, according to a Thursday article in The Journal News, "There are no efficiencies to be gained and possibly profit to be lost . . ." with the closing of the Community Hospital. The article also noted that "only eight percent of their (Community Hospital) patients are Medicaid patients. It does not cause any real burden to the taxpayers (financially.)" Health-care costs do need to be examined; there are excesses in the system, and improvements should be made. Yet it is my opinion that the closing of the Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry is far from an improvement in the well-being of the overall system. Closing it will, in fact, cause greater hardship. We are talking about life-saving, time-sensitive care that this facility offers to the community. It is not in excess, it is necessity. The writer is NYS EMT-B #192686 and ex-captain of the Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corps as well as ex-chief of the Irvington Fire Department and lieutenant of the Dobbs Ferry Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

FYIThe way this article is written it sounds like the victim was a member of the Irvington FD, but I believe he was a member in Hastings

Date:6-11-04 Time: 1145hrs Location: 246 Harriman Rd. Frequency: Description: IFD dispatched to reported wires down, resting on a propane delivery truck in front of 246 Harriman Rd Units: Cars 2201, 2202 & 2203 w/ E-177 on-scene Writer: IFCLIDF Harriman RD closed- No thru traffic between Rt 9 and Cyrus Field Rd.

Bellow is a copy of the Commissioner's announcment yesterday (2/11/04) of the appointment of a new Deputy Commissioner for DES: It is my great pleasure to announce the appointment of John E. Jackson as the new Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services. I am confident that John is the right person to fill this position and to assist in making this Department even greater than it already is. Many of you know already know John and are familiar with his vast experience in the Fire and EMS services here in Westchester. John is well known and respected in Westchester, the region and the State. I am thrilled that John will be joining our Department and I know you too, will welcome him into our ranks. The public announcement of John's appointment will be made public later today. I wanted you all to know officially beforehand. John is slated to start here at DES on March 15. Anthony W. Sutton, Commissioner Westchester County Department of Emergency Services