Wtvac 2019-20 news articles

FORTHE CORPS
FORTHE CORPS
Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake
P A S C A C K V A L L E Y ’ S B E S T H O M E T O W N N E W S P A P E R
VOLUME 24 ISSUE 41 DECEMBER 28, 2020
Friends from Hillsdale and River Vale pooled
their talents on Dec. 17 and gave rise to a “Coca-
Cola” snow bear in Hillsdale’s Veterans Park.
SEE PAGE 23
BUILD A BEAR
The New York Evening World ran an item on Dec.
30, 1893 about fresh burglaries along the New
Jersey and New York Railroad line, including at
the stations in Westwood and Etna (Emerson).
SEE PAGE 4
STELLAR
STUDENT
Westwood High’s Isabel Rhee
earns prestigious Dwight D.
Eisenhower Leadership Award.
SEE PAGE 11
B ck in time...
PHOTO BY WTVAC
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
A nearly 13-acre parcel previ-
ously targeted for 73 townhomes at
463 Van Emburgh Ave.—with a
development proposal expected in
2021—qualifies for a massive tax
deduction due to its following a
woodlands management plan for two
years that cut its annual tax rate to
about $50 annually in 2019 and
2020.
However, should the property be
developed, local officials say the
landowner will need to repay the
property taxes saved under the farm-
land assessment law.
At Township Attorney Ken
Pollerʼs recommendation, the council
on Dec. 21 tabled a resolution to
refund 463 Van Emburgh Ave.
(Tomaron Inc./Viviano) $12,572.51
for its payment of 2020ʼs first two
quarterly tax bills. The council tabled
the resolution Dec. 7 over concerns
See TAX on page 25
MASSIVE TAX
REFUND?
Council seeks facts on
ʻVivianoʼtimber sales
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
WESTWOOD / TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON
Not seven swans a-swim-
ming but rather seven Cardinals
a-cheering! Going door to door,
Junior Cardinals cheerleaders,
whose program has merged those
of the Westwood and Washington
Township rec programs, surprised
the Washington Township Volun-
teer Ambulance Corps last week
with gifts of Christmas wreaths:
one per home and a larger one for
the headquarters door.
According to WTVAC Life
Member Richard Miras, the crews
have continued to ride and pro-
vide ambulance service through-
out the COVID pandemic.”
“It was a very emotionally
charged time for our members to
be recognized and thanked by
the cheerleaders, who traveled as
a group to each of our homes to
personally deliver the wreaths.
Each of us had to make a deci-
sion whether we would continue
SPREADING JOY: Junior Cardinals cheerleaders Gina Castronova, Emma Claire Readie, Jenna Zotollo, Elorie Roberts, Maya
Goldman, Elly DePiero, and Molly McGinty went to ambulance crew members’ homes to deliver wreaths and thanks.
Cardinal cheerleaders deliver wreaths to COVID ambulance crews

16
DECEMBER
28,
2020
•
PASCACK
VALLEY
PRESS
FROM PAGE 1
to volunteer at our own risk of
becoming infected and it has been
a stressful but rewarding time
since March,” he said.
He added, “The community
response with thanks and lawn
signs and waves as the ambulance
makes its way through the streets
has been great. Many of our fund
drive donation envelopes included
personal notes of thanks. We are
humbled by the response.”
Desserie Morgan, one of the
coordinators of the cheer pro-
gram—and a squad mom—said
“I am extremely proud of the
girlsʼ resiliency during a very
challenging time this year. I love
the energy they showed; they
were real spirit leaders through
this. They were super positive and
Iʼm very proud of them.”
Corps: Cheerleaders bring joy
WTVAC MEMBERS left to right: Rich Miras, Chris Hahn, Trevor Landau, Joe Conway, Justin
Tsai, Captain Bob Rayve, Bob Ehlers, Eugene Greco, Rob Kopp, Larry Davino, Brian Doherty,
and Bob Fox. (Not pictured: Adi Mohan, Linda Husslein, Chris Kracke, David Tarshik, and Gary
Peters.)
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WOODCLIFF LAKE
A final vote on a $45,000 res-
olution to update the boroughʼs
Master Plan will likely occur at
the boroughʼs reorganization
meeting, after Mayor Carlos
Rendo postponed a vote due to the
absence of a council member at
the Dec. 21 meeting.
Administrator Tom Padilla
said the likely date for a Master
Plan vote was Jan. 6, 2021 and
noted residents will have another
chance to provide comment at the
Sine Die council session, followed
by the reorganization when new-
comers Josephine Higgins and
Richard Schnoll, both Democrats,
will be sworn in.
A Dec. 21 public comment
session lasted about 10 minutes
with two residents requesting the
vote to be postponed and one urg-
ing its passage. Councilwoman
Angela Hayes was absent Dec. 21.
Resident and Zoning Board
Vice Chair Robin Malley said
there were “many misconcep-
tions” about what an updated
Master Plan would mean and said
it will not allow developers to get
what they want. “That will be the
exact opposite of what will hap-
pen.”
She said the guidelines in an
updated Master Plan will benefit
the borough, and that all stake-
holders including residents, mayor
and council, Planning and Zoning
boards, will be able to make sug-
gestions for areas around town.
She said the borough is more
than just the Chestnut Ridge Road
and Broadway corridors. She said
having an comprehensive Master
Plan may help prevent future law-
suits from developers due to an
outdated plan.
“Unfortunately, it canʼt be
business as usual… Letʼs try to
control our destiny. We need to
move forward with updating the
Master Plan now,” Malley said.
Resident Gwenn Levine
asked for a couple months delay in
voting on an update to allow more
people to become aware of the
issue.
She said she wanted to advo-
cate for retaining single-family
homes on the East Side and noted
the Broadway sidewalk is a popu-
lar walking and jogging place. She
noted traffic, the future of 188
Broadwayʼs rejected plan to con-
struct a 60-unit, two-building
apartment complex (now being
appealed), were other concerns.
She asked that her concerns
be noted prior to any council vote.
“This would mean a great deal to
me and many other East Side resi-
dents,” Levine said.
On Dec. 7, the proposed
Master Plan update faced criticism
over being rushed, plus allegations
that the update was being done to
appease some potential developer,
which offended Rendo, a Republi-
can, and especially Council-
woman Jacqueline Gadaleta, a
Democrat.
Rendo broke a 3–3 tie Dec. 7
to introduce the Master Plan
update resolution after Democrat-
ic councilman Craig Marson and
Gadaleta exchanged words about
Marsonʼs negative remarks about
the need for an update.
Voting for the update were
Rendo, Democrat Nancy Gross,
Republican Steven Falanga and
Gadaleta. Opposing the introduc-
tion were Marson, and Democrats
Angela Hayes and Brian Single-
ton. Gross and Singleton, both
lame ducks, voted yes and no,
respectively.
The $45,000 update will be
paid for by the borough over five
years. Rendo had emphasized that
the public will have multiple
opportunities for input and com-
ment over 6–12 months as a com-
prehensive Master Plan review
and update is completed.
If approved, the update will
be done by borough planner
Richard Preiss, part of Phillips,
Preiss, Grygiel, Lehenny and
Hughes LLC.
The resolution notes a recent
Master Plan reexamination did not
address issues related to afford-
able housing, Broadway and
Chestnut Ridge/Tice Boulevard
corridors, redevelopment, large
office complexes, nor constitu-
tional issues related to religious
land use or zoning ordinance
changes.
It says, “In order to address
the land use issues in the borough
and encourage certain types of
developments in order to main-
tain the character of a neighbor-
hood, it is necessary to undertake
a review of the existing Master
Plan and zoning ordinances.”
$45K Master Plan update vote moved to Jan. 6
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
FROM PAGE 14
analysis included in the Plan or
in any accompanying documen-
tation that would inform the res-
idents on the effects of... overde-
velopment.”
In his note to Pascack Press,
Ruocco said, “Please note that
the veto only applies to those
portions of the Plan that allude to
and/or permit the density/height
bonuses.” He notified the clerk
of his specific objections in the
language of the ordinance.
In the wake of the measureʼs
second, and final, vote, Ruocco
told Pascack Press, “Obviously,
Iʼm not pleased,” and said he was
considering not signing it. When
asked if he had made a decision
on a veto, he said, “Decisions of
this sort should be made careful-
ly and with time.”
Also on Dec. 8, Councilman
Frank Pizzella, who has for a
long time championed redevel-
opment in the area, lashed out at
Ruocco following the mayorʼs
scathing takedown of the ulti-
mate plan.
Bonus densities are not a
foregone conclusion in negotia-
tions, Pizzella has said, and the
plan ties granting of such bonus-
es to the developer providing a
community benefit such as a
community center, park, open
space, or municipal improve-
ment.
Ruocco said such capital
expenses are better financed by a
bond issue, where officials may
monitor construction.
Special redevelopment
counsel Joseph Bauman said it
would take at least a year before
it was likely any developer
would come forward and be
approved.
Moreover, he said, for the
plan to transform the area into an
aesthetically pleasing and mostly
residential mixed-use or congre-
gate living zone with uses such
as assisted living, it could take
up to a decade or more.
For more, see staff writer
Michael Olohanʼs close report-
ing on the issue, including “ʻNot
Pleasedʼ vs. ʻGenuinely Happyʼ
on Hillsdale Redevelopment
Plan,” Dec. 21, 2020.
Veto: Special meeting Dec. 30

DECEMBER
16,
2019
•
PASCACK
VALLEY
PRESS
31
S
Sc
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The Washington Township
Volunteer Ambulance Corps
reports that the community picked
up nine EMTs this year.
Thatʼs a big step up: The
township gained three EMTs in
2018, none in 2017, and one in
2016.
WTVAC is a member of the
Pascack Valley Mutual Aid Group,
which includes the Township of
Washington, Westwood, Hillsdale,
Emerson, Tri-Boro (Park Ridge,
Woodcliff Lake, Montvale), River
Vale, and Old Tappan.
According to Lt. Justin Tsai,
going back to January the
WTVAC celebrated the graduation
of EMT Lindsey M. Sirois, who
threw herself into the corps with
gusto.
“She was almost immediately
seen on 911 calls as a member of
duty crews and was featured in the
news for her part in presenting to
local Girl Scouts on first aid and
the work of the corps,” Tsai said.
Sirois, a senior at Westwood
Regional High School, brought
experience as lifeguard, swim
coach, and instructor.
Also hailing from the January
class: EMT David L. Tarshik, who
came to the squad after complet-
ing his initial training.
“Tarshik brings experience as
a first responder. He has been
serving in paid positions with
commercial ambulance companies
since he completed his training,
and has two yearsʼ experience as a
rescue technician in Paramus,”
Tsai said.
In June, the corps celebrated
as EMTs Trevor J. Landau, Jac-
queline Hartmann, Jenny Hoyos,
and Michael DiCuia graduated
initial training.
Landau, a lifelong township
resident, is a technology consult-
ant, Hartmann is a student at
Immaculate Heart Academy, and
Hoyos and DiCuia are students at
Westwood Regional High School.
Graduating from the summer
session were Alexa Connelly,
Joseph Chang, and Mark Ayob.
Connelly is a senior at Westwood
Regional High School; Chang and
Ayob study at Bergen County
Academies and Bergen County
Technical Schools, respectively.
This year Tsai and many
corpsmembers recruited at Wash-
ington Town Center, the summer
concert series, high school lunch
hour, Town Day, and football
games.
“The corps extends its deep-
est appreciations to Heather Goffe
of Westwood Regional High
School; Alex DiChiara, manager
of Washington Town Center; the
Washington Township Volunteer
Fire Department, and the many
others whoʼve hosted recruiting
events,” said Tsai.
WTVAC corps reminds read-
ers it loans medical equipment to
residents of the Pascack Valley.
Anyone in need of free equipment
can call Naomi at (201) 474-5626.
For more information about
the Washington Township Volun-
teer Ambulance Corps, including
how to volunteer, visit wtvac.org
or call (201) 664-3784.
— Staff report
Community adds nine EMTs in 2019
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP Volunteer Ambulance Corps
EMTs David L. Tarshik (left) and Lt. Justin G. Tsai, friends since
high school, during Tarshik’s first shift with the corps.
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FIRST-AID FANS
FIRST-AID FANS
BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
WOODCLIFF LAKE—John Burns brought the
house to its feet in a standing ovation after he
expressed deep gratitude for the boroughʼs trust in
him and pledged to work for a safe, strong, and
proud Woodcliff Lake as the boroughʼs police chief.
At his swearing in ceremony on March 5 at
Tice Senior Center, Burns ceremonially took the
role heʼs been filling since Jan. 1, when he replaced
Chief Anthony Janicelli, who retired after 41 years
of service.
Woodcliff Lake joins Montvale and River Vale
Chief Burns vows cutting-edge policing
Continued on page 30
BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Members of the
Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps
visited a meeting of Jessie F. George School Brownie
Troop 97083 on Feb. 1, and was it fun!
Corpsmembers led tours of the ambulance and
welcomed the girls, age 7–9, in flashing its lights and
wailing its siren.
According to EMT Lt. Justin G. Tsai, a few
scouts tried out lying on the ambulance stretcher. All
learned where supplies were kept and how theyʼre to
Photos
courtesy
Justin
Tsai
Beverly Burns pins her husband’s badge March 5. John
Burns, a 31-year veteran, is Woodcliff Lake’s new top cop.
Continued on page 8
WTVAC EMTs Nina Buchakjian and Lindsey Sirois help Brownie Troop 97083 earn its first aid badges.
Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake
P A S C A C K V A L L E Y ’ S B E S T H O M E T O W N N E W S P A P E R
VOLUME 22 ISSUE 52 MARCH 11, 2019
Ann Blanche Smith School rocked its 11th
Annual Souper Bowl Food Drive, benefitting the
Hillsdale Helping Hand Food Pantry.
SEE PAGE 6
KIDS PITCH IN
Jack’s Cafe in Westwood once was Jaeger’s
Diner. Who recalls when Henry A. Jaeger
ran the place in the 1930s and 1940s?
SEE PAGE 4
B ck in time...
EMERSON
T
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IM
ME
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AL
LM
MO
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ST
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U
UP
P O
ON
N B
BO
OR
RO
O
D
DR
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IV
VE
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-T
TH
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RU
US
S
BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
Westwood residents who
lodged a complaint against the bor-
ough in Superior Court last Novem-
ber have to wait a little while longer
for what is shaping up to be a repeal
of an ordinance thatʼs even had
Emerson residents steamed.
The Emerson Land Use Board
tabled its hearing on an ordinance
the Borough Council seeks in order
to finish repealing the drive-thru
ordinance, 1513, which originated in
the 2015 Master Plan review and
allowed Starbucks in on Kinderka-
mack Road with a drive-thru.
Prior to the ordinance adoption
in 2016, no type of drive-thru estab-
lishment or facility was permitted in
the borough. Drive-in restaurants
were expressly forbidden.
Westwood residents who live
just across the town line mobilized
after a Wendyʼs with extended
hours, a drive-thru, and variance
requests was requested at Emerson
Plaza, 411 Old Hook Road at Main
Street.
Emersonʼs new governing body
corrected the ordinance as one of its
first acts—the measure had not been
noticed as required—and then set
about repealing it.
Had the borough planner been
able to attend the Land Use Board
meeting March 7, itʼs likely that
board would have found the repeal is
consistent with the Master Plan and
returned it to the council with its
blessing.
The hearing is reset for March
21. The soonest it can rejoin the
mayor and council for their second
vote, making it official, is April 2.
See EMERSON on page 144
WOODLIFF LAKE
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
Borough officials approved a
contract March 4 for Galaxy Gar-
densʼ environmental remediation
that was more than $100,000 less
than a lone bid received in Novem-
ber.
Council members unanimously
awarded a $227,375 contract to a
South Jersey contractor with the
lowest bid for environmental reme-
diation on the former Galaxy Gar-
dens site—a bid over $100,000
below the lone bid received in
November when bids were first
advertised and submitted.
ENR Contracting LLC, of
Winslow, was approved 6–0 by
council members, who asked ques-
tions about the low bid but were
reassured by borough professionals,
including engineer Evan Jacobs,
Neglia Engineering Associates, and
First Environment, Boonton, that the
bid was in line with similar soil
remediation projects.
First Environment was hired
last fall by the council due to their
experience with soil blending proj-
ects and lower overall costs.
The firm replaced Langan
Engineering as licensed site remedi-
ation professional, or LSRP, for the
boroughʼs Galaxy Gardensʼ soil
remediation effort.
An LSRP coordinates with
state environmental officials on site
remediation plans, soil sampling
results, and provides remediation
project oversight.
Seven bids received
Of 17 potential contractors who
requested bid specifications, seven
bids were received by Feb. 20. The
bids ranged $227,375 to $525,000.
The three lowest contractor
bids were considered for the remedi-
ation contract, coming in at
$227,375, $280,400 and $295,510.
See ‘GALAXY’ on page 234
‘GALAXY’
CLEAN-UP
CONTRACT
APPROVED
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Pascack Valley Medical Group
is proud to welcome
Bergen Medical Associates www.PascackMedicalGroup.com

8
MARCH
11,
2019
•
PASCACK
VALLEY
PRESS
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be used, and several took special note
of military time after noticing the
unitʼs 24-hour clock.
The second-graders sat in the
driverʼs and passengerʼs seats, while
Capt. Bob Rayve demonstrated the
lights and sirens.
“The girls were extremely fond
of testing out the different sirens,”
Tsai told Pascack Press.
After Tsaiʼs presentation on first
aid, the squad reviewed with the
young ladies when to call 9-1-1 and
what to say to be most helpful during
emergencies.
“Corpsmembers also empha-
sized the importance of safety first in
an emergency, including the impor-
tance of using gloves, not touching
bodily fluids, washing hands, staying
on the line with 9-1-1 until told other-
wise, staying with the patient if possi-
ble, and keeping the patient warm and
comfortable,” Tsai said.
Then there was more hands-on
work, all of which helped the girls
knock out their first aid badges.
The squad taught the girls how
to properly apply a bandage and
apply pressure to a bleeding wound.
They practiced on their friends and
members of the squad.
Tsai said the troop went above
and beyond, learning how to “pop” a
disposable ice pack and how EMTs
administer oxygen.
Tsai said the corps emphasized
“When in doubt, call for help.”
In addition to Rayve and Tsai,
corps members at the event were
EMTs Christopher Hahn and Nina
Buchakjian, probationary EMT Lind-
sey Sirois, and EMR Joseph Conway.
Tsai thanked the troop and its
leaders, Alicia Xaka, Roni Silber-
stein, Nicole Murad, and Mandy
Terzi “for affording us this fruitful
opportunity to both educate and posi-
tively influence the young ladies of
Brownie Troop 97083.”
Ready for trouble
According to Xaka, who was a
Girl Scout herself, the first aid badge
shows girls know how to get help in
an emergency and even treat minor
injuries.
The badge builds on knowledge
of how to treat first-degree burns, how
to apply a finger splint, what to do for
animal bites and insect stings, how to
apply bandages and gauze, and what
to do for nosebleeds.
The work included skits, games
and puzzles, and family follow up.
Xaka said the troop of 20,
including her daughter, Sophie, has
been together since Daisy days.
“Our group is really happy that
the ambulance corps could take the
time to spend with the girls and take
an ambulance out of service to do it,”
she told Pascack Press on March 5.
She said she hopes the corps has
many opportunities to meet with
other childrenʼs groups because the
message is so important and “because
it sounded like they liked to be able to
be out and talking with the kids.”
She joked that the troop “drove
the neighbors crazy” by sounding the
ambulance siren.
Next up for the troop, Xaka said:
a visit to Goodwill as part of their phi-
lanthropy badge; a hike; and wrap-
ping up a unit on money manage-
ment, which includes an examination
of what common things cost.
It also includes cookie sales.
Look for their booth this month.
WTVAC has loan-out medical
supplies available to residents of the
Pascack Valley. Anyone in need of
free equipment should call Naomi at
(201) 474-5626. For more informa-
tion on theWTVAC, including volun-
teering, visit wtvac.org or call (201)
664-3784.
Girl Scouts of Northern New
Jersey serves girls 5–18 in 160 com-
munities in Bergen, Morris, Passaic,
Sussex and northernWarren counties.
— Photos courtesy Justin Tsai
First-aid fans!
FROM PAGE 1
Members of the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps enjoyed time with Brownie Troop 97083
at Jessie F. George Elementary School. From left to right are Capt. Robert S. Rayve, Lt. Justin G. Tsai, EMTs
Lindsey Sirois, Christopher Hahn and Nina Buchakjian, and EMR Joseph Conway.
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8
JULY
29,
2019
•
PASCACK
VALLEY
PRESS
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The Volunteer Ambulance
Corps is seemingly everywhere,
spreading the word about first aid
skills and recruiting at celebra-
tions and other gatherings.
Meanwhile, the WTVAC just
celebrated the first anniversary of
rocking its 2018 Horton Ford
F-550 ambulance.
The rig, ceremonially wet
down when it arrived last summer,
features an automatic powerlift for
the stretcher, electronic right-at-
your-fingertips touchpad controls,
additional storage, a more com-
fortable ride, and a Christmas
treeʼs bounty of other technologies
and features.
According to WTVAC Lt.
Justin G. Tsai, “Corpsmen really
enjoy taking advantage of the new
features available to improve the
services we provide to our com-
munity.”
He said the township wel-
comed the rig to the fleet at a June
24, 2018 wetdown cheered on by
the Township of Washington Fire
Department, the Hillsdale Volun-
teer Ambulance Service, and the
Westwood Volunteer Ambulance
Corps.
If you missed it, the celebra-
tion included barbecue and cake,
with catering by Nicholas Markets
Foodtown.
Since then, the corps refur-
bished another ambulance and
was placing into service a first
responder SUV.
The corpʼs first ambulance, a
donation of the townʼs Republican
Club, was a used 1939 LaSalle
purchased from a town in upstate
New York.
EMTs get around
On June 14 the volunteers
were at the Jesse F. George Ele-
mentary School year-end celebra-
tion. On Saturday, June 22 neigh-
boring Emerson invited many
local area ambulance corps to
pitch in at their Fourth of July fire-
works display, and WTVAC was
there.
Members provided a standby
crew and ambulance at both
events.
According to Tsai, first aid
was rendered to several young-
sters at the George School event
over minor scrapes, cuts, and
bruises.
Standing by for the George
School celebration were Capt.
Robert S. Rayve, Tsai, EMTs
Richard Miras and Trevor Lan-
dau, and EMR Joseph Conway.
Standing by for the fire-
works display were: Rayve,
Miras, Landau, and Naomi
Theisz and driver Nick Theisz.
Tsai said that Landau, newly
graduated from initial EMT train-
ing at the top of his class,
obtained his certification days
before volunteering for both
events.
According to Tsai, the
WTVAC is eager to participate in
opportunities to reach out to the
public, especially the young.
“As always, the corps also
needs additional members. Any-
one interested in volunteering
their time can find our applica-
tion at wtvac.org or call (201)
664-3784,” he said.
The corps also has loan-out
medical supplies freely available
to Pascack Valley residents. Call
Naomi at (201) 474-5626.
Township ambulance corps goes where the action is
BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
ON THE ROAD: WTVAC EMT Trevor Landau, driver Nick Theisz, and EMT Naomi Theisz in
Emerson on the Fourth of July. Capt. Robert S. Rayve photo.
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34
AUGUST
5,
2019
•
PASCACK
VALLEY
PRESS
The Volunteer Ambulance
Corps just celebrated the first
anniversary of rocking its 2018
Horton Ford F-550 ambulance.
The rig, ceremonially wet
down when it arrived last sum-
mer, features an automatic pow-
erlift for the stretcher, electronic
right-at-your-fingertips touchpad
controls, additional storage, a
more comfortable ride, and a
Christmas treeʼs bounty of other
technologies and features.
According to WTVAC Lt.
Justin G. Tsai, “Corpsmen really
enjoy taking advantage of the
new features available to improve
the services we provide to our
community.”
He said the township wel-
comed the rig to the fleet at a
June 24, 2018 wetdown cheered
on by the Township of Washing-
ton Fire Department, the Hills-
dale Volunteer Ambulance Ser-
vice, and the Westwood Volunteer
Ambulance Corps.
If you missed it, the celebra-
tion included barbecue and cake,
with catering by Nicholas Mar-
kets Foodtown.
Since then, the corps refur-
bished another ambulance and
was placing into service a first
responder SUV.
The corpʼs first ambulance, a
donation of the townʼs Republi-
can Club, was a used 1939
LaSalle purchased from a town in
upstate New York.
Looking ahead, the WTVAC
is planning to join the fire depart-
ment in a multimillion-dollar
update to the firehouse, which
will be sited on a new footprint
east of the existing facility, at 656
Washington Ave.
The corps belongs to the Pas-
cack Valley Mutual Aid Group,
which includes the Township of
Washington, Westwood, Hills-
dale, Emerson, Tri-Boro (Park
Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Mont-
vale), River Vale, and Old Tap-
pan.
Its youth membership pro-
gram encourages high school stu-
dents to gain experience early and
learn about the emergency med-
ical services. Young members are
also eligible to apply for scholar-
ships through the NJ First Aid
Council.
Equipment loan program
succeeding at home and
abroad
In other corps news, Tsai
tells us that in October 2018
members of the equipment loans
team delivered excess refurbished
equipment to Peace Works, a
charity that then shipped the
equipment to the needy in
Nicaragua.
He said EMT Naomi Theisz
coordinated another regular ship-
ment of excess equipment over-
seas this May. She was backed by
her husband Nicholas Theisz and
EMT Robert Grimaldi.
The team collects and refur-
bishes used medical equipment
from the local community and
loans them back out to any Pas-
cack Valley residents in need.
Tsai said the inventory
includes such key pieces as
crutches, canes, quad canes,
walkers (with and without a
bench) wheelchairs, commodes
(and associated parts), shower
chairs, medical beds, transport
chairs, and knee scooters.
The Township corps is one of
the few in Bergen County that
continues to fully maintain and
operate an equipment loans pro-
gram, Tsai said.
He added that equipment is
on loan at the moment in Closter,
Cresskill, Dumont, Emerson, Fair
Lawn, Haledon, Harrington Park,
Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Montvale,
New Milford, Norwood, Old Tap-
pan, Paramus, Park Ridge, Ram-
sey, River Vale, Saddle Brook,
Upper Saddle River, Waldwick,
Westwood, Woodcliff Lake, and
Wyckoff.
“The team is happy to assist
out-of-area residents as well,
especially in situations when a
piece of equipment is not readily
available elsewhere,” Tsai said.
He explained that as newer
equipment comes in, older items
that can no longer fit in the
corpsʼs storage sheds are put to
good use by being donated over-
seas; newer items are reserved for
the local community.
Anyone needing loaner med-
ical equipment—or who has
items to donate—can call Naomi
Theisz at (201) 474-5626.
According to the WTVAC
online, V.F.W. Post 6192 recently
donated $10,000 to the WTVAC
for purchase of a new Stryker
stretcher.
The corps also seeks help
raising money for the purchase of
automated chest compression
systems—hands-free devices that
can begin administering chest
compressions within seconds of
arrival. All donations are tax
deductible.
Township youngsters saw
one of these devices in action
June 24 at CPR training given by
the Pascack Junior Police Acad-
emy, a partnership of the police
departments of Washington
Township, Westwood, and
Emerson.
Nearly 100 members of the
Pascack JPA, 10–14, were certi-
fied in CPR. LifeSavers and the
American Heart Association
donated the instructional kits,
which students were encouraged
to take home and demonstrate.
Anyone 16 and older is eli-
gible to attend EMT training.
For more WTVAC news and
information, visit wtvac.org or
call (201) 664-3784.
AFTER AMBULANCE WETDOWN,
A YEAR OF DOING AWESOME WORK
BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
THE TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON Volunteer Ambulance Corps gets around, helping teach
scouts first aid, standing by at events, and saving lives. Photo courtesy Richard Miras.
THE WTVAC seeks help raising money for the purchase of
automated chest compression systems.
TOWNSHIP POLICE DETECTIVE Heather Castronova guides Pascack Junior Police Academy
cadets in CPR training June 24. Photo by John Snyder.

3/12/2019 First-Aid Fans: Township EMTs Help Brownies Land a Badge – News from Pascack Press & Northern Valley Press
https://thepressgroup.net/first-aid-fans-township-emts-help-brownies-land-a-badge/ 1/4
First-Aid Fans: Township EMTs Help
Brownies Land a Badge
 March 8, 2019  John Snyder  Pascack Press, Schools, Washington Township  0
WTVAC EMTs Nina Buchakjian and Lindsey Sirois help Brownie Troop 97083 earn its rst aid badges. |
Justin Tsai photo
BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Members of the Township of Washington Volunteer
Ambulance Corps visited a meeting of Jessie F. George School Brownie Troop 97083 on Feb. 1,
and was it fun!
Corpsmembers led tours of the ambulance and welcomed the girls, age 7–9, in ashing its
lights and wailing its siren.
According to EMT Lt. Justin G. Tsai, a few scouts tried out lying on the ambulance stretcher. All
learned where supplies were kept and how they’re to be used, and several took special note of
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military time after noticing the unit’s 24-hour clock.
The second-graders sat in the driver’s and passenger’s seats, while Capt. Bob Rayve
demonstrated the lights and sirens.
“The girls were extremely fond of testing out the di erent sirens,” Tsai told Pascack Press.
After Tsai’s presentation on rst aid, the squad reviewed with the young ladies when to call 9-
1-1 and what to say to be most helpful during emergencies.
“Corpsmembers also emphasized the importance of safety rst in an emergency, including the
importance of using gloves, not touching bodily uids, washing hands, staying on the line with
9-1-1 until told otherwise, staying with the patient if possible, and keeping the patient warm
and comfortable,” Tsai said.
Then there was more hands-on work, all of which helped the girls knock out their rst aid
badges.
The squad taught the girls how to properly apply a bandage and apply pressure to a bleeding
wound. They practiced on their friends and members of the squad.
Tsai said the troop went above and beyond, learning how to “pop” a disposable ice pack and
how EMTs administer oxygen.
Tsai said the corps emphasized “When in doubt, call for help.”
In addition to Rayve and Tsai, corps members at the event were EMTs Christopher Hahn and
Nina Buchakjian, probationary EMT Lindsey Sirois, and EMR Joseph Conway.
Tsai thanked the troop and its leaders, Alicia Xaka, Roni Silberstein, Nicole Murad, and Mandy
Terzi “for a ording us this fruitful opportunity to both educate and positively in uence the
young ladies of Brownie Troop 97083.”
Ready for trouble
According to Xaka, who was a Girl Scout herself, the rst aid badge shows girls know how to
get help in an emergency and even treat minor injuries.
The badge builds on knowledge of how to treat rst-degree burns, how to apply a nger splint,
what to do for animal bites and insect stings, how to apply bandages and gauze, and what to
do for nosebleeds.
The work included skits, games and puzzles, and family follow up.
Xaka said the troop of 20, including her daughter, Sophie, has been together since Daisy days.
“Our group is really happy that the ambulance corps could take the time to spend with the
girls and take an ambulance out of service to do it,” she told Pascack Press on March 5.
She said she hopes the corps has many opportunities to meet with other children’s groups
because the message is so important and “because it sounded like they liked to be able to be
out and talking with the kids.”
She joked that the troop “drove the neighbors crazy” by sounding the ambulance siren.
Next up for the troop, Xaka said: a visit to Goodwill as part of their philanthropy badge; a hike;
and wrapping up a unit on money management, which includes an examination of what
common things cost.
It also includes cookie sales. Look for their booth this month.

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WTVAC has loan-out medical supplies available to residents of the Pascack Valley. Anyone in
need of free equipment should call Naomi at (201) 474-5626. For more information on the
WTVAC, including volunteering, visit wtvac.org or call (201) 664-3784.
Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey serves girls 5–18 in 160 communities in Bergen, Morris,
Passaic, Sussex and northern Warren counties.
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8/10/2019 Twp Washington Ambulance Corps holds Installation & Awards Dinner | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/27927098/twp-washington-ambulance-corps-holds-installation-awards-dinner 1/5
Local News Real Estate Events Get Tickets
◂ Westwood, NJ
Twp Washington Ambulance Corps holds Installation & Awards
Dinner
Year's officers sworn in by mayor, new members welcomed, and current members honored for their contributions &
achievements @ annual dinner
By Lt. Justin G. Tsai | Feb 18, 2019 9:00 am ET | Updated Jun 4, 2019 4:25 pm ET
This post was contributed by a community member.
Mayor Peter Calamari swears in the officers for 2019. (Photo Credit: Mrs. Denise Rayve)
The Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps recently installed its 2019 Officers and welcomed five
new members during its annual Installation and Awards Dinner held at Seasons on January 11, 2019.
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Sworn in by Mayor Peter Calamari to lead the Corps this year are Captain Robert S. Rayve, President Eugene M.
Greco, Lieutenant Justin G. Tsai, Lieutenant Robert L. Fox, Vice President Robert Ehlers, Secretary Denise B.
Burns, Treasurer Dick Freyland, Trustee Dan Eberle, Trustee Bea Napier, and Trustee Frank Ozment.
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New members who began serving the Corps in 2018 included EMTs Nina Buchakjian, Kimberly H. Caruso, Areeb
Khateeb, and Derek Lin, and EMR Joseph Conway.
Receiving awards for total number of calls from the Corps are: EMT Gary M. Peters (100 Calls), EMT Chris
Kracke (200 Calls), Lts. Robert Fox and Justin Tsai (both 300 calls), EMTs Robert Kopp and Brian Doherty (750
calls), and EMT Kevin Zitko (1500 Calls). The three highest number of calls for 2018 were Robert Fox (114
Calls), Robert Rayve (110 Calls), and Gary Peters (96 Calls).
Bea Napier and Brigid McGlone were honored by the Corps for 45 years of service; while incoming Captain
Robert Rayve presented outgoing Captain Richard Miras a plaque honoring his five years in office.
One CPR Save for 2018 was awarded by the Corps to the duty crew of Christopher Hahn and Eugene Greco, who
were further assisted on a general alarm requesting backup by Brian Doherty, Robert Ehlers, Robert Grimaldi,
Richard Miras, and Justin Tsai. A stork was also handed out to the crew of Robert Rayve, Eugene Greco, and
Areeb Khateeb for their participation in a childbirth emergency.
As always, the Corps is in need of additional volunteers. Any person interested in volunteering their time can find
our application online at www.wtvac.org or call us at 201-664-3784. Anyone aged 16 and older, no maximum age
limit, is eligible to attend EMT training. Those who are too young or wish to attend training at a later time may
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still apply and get involved in the meantime. Those approaching the age of 16 may contact us ahead of time to
begin the application process as well. Additionally, the Corps has loan-out medical supplies available to residents
of the Pascack Valley as well, anyone in need of free equipment may contact Naomi @ 201-474-5626.
__________________________________________________________
Photo 1 Caption: Mayor Peter Calamari swears in the officers for 2019. Pictured left to right: Captain Robert S.
Rayve, President Eugene M. Greco, Vice President Robert J. Ehlers, Lieutenant Justin G. Tsai, Lieutenant Robert
L. Fox, and Trustee Frank Ozment. (Photo Credit: Mrs. Denise Rayve)
Photo 2 Caption: Mayor Peter Calamari swears in the new members for the year. Pictured left to right: EMR
Joseph Conway, EMT Derek Lin, and EMT Nina Buchakjian. Of note, EMR Joseph Conway is a former Captain
in the Fire Service, who returned to serve his community in a different capacity. (Photo Credit: Mrs. Denise
Rayve).
Photo 3 Caption: Incoming Captain Robert Rayve presented outgoing Captain Richard Miras a plaque honoring
his five years in office. (Photo Credit: Mrs. Denise Rayve).
Mayor Peter Calamari swears in the new members for the year. L to R EMR Joseph Conway, EMTs Derek Lin, & Nina Buchakjian (Photo
Credit: Mrs. Denise Rayve)

Incoming Captain Robert Rayve presented outgoing Captain Richard Miras a plaque honoring his five years in office. (Photo Credit: Mrs.
Denise Rayve)
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8/10/2019 Twp Washington Ambulance Volunteers Complete EMT Initial Training | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/27954208/twp-washington-ambulance-volunteers-complete-emt-initial-training 1/4
◂ Westwood, NJ
Twp Washington Ambulance Volunteers Complete EMT Initial Training
EMT Lindsey M. Sirois, junior at Westwood High School, graduated Bergen County EMS Training Center at ceremony on Jan. 31,
2019.
By Lt. Justin G. Tsai | Mar 7, 2019 9:00 am ET | Updated Mar 7, 2019 11:51 am ET
Pictured Left to Right Lt. Robert L. Fox, Lt. Justin G. Tsai, Probationary EMT Lindsey Sirois, and Capt. Robert S. Rayve (Photo Credit: the Sirois family)
The Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps is proud to announce that one of its newest members has
graduated from EMT Initial Training at a ceremony hosted by the Bergen County Emergency Services Training Center on
Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Probationary EMT Lindsey Sirois, junior at Westwood Regional High School, enrolled in the training for the Fall 2018
semester, beginning in September. Area residents have already seen her in action at several Corps Public Relations events,
and she also volunteered to be part of the Friday afternoons crew as soon as her training was complete. Of note, Sirois also
earned a Letter of Recognition from the Corps for her contributions in recruiting her classmates. She hopes to become
either an emergency physician or orthopedic surgeon in her future.
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The Corps was very pleased to be informed as well of EMT Sirois's passing Certification Exam results last Saturday,
March 2nd.
Several officers and members of the Corps were on hand for the graduation ceremony. Those in attendance included
Captain Robert S. Rayve, Lieutenant Justin G. Tsai, Lieutenant Robert L. Fox, and EMT Chris Kracke.
Officers and members of the Corps were on hand back on June 11, 2018 when EMT Derek Lin graduated from his Initial
Training as well. EMT Lin enrolled in the Spring 2018 semester, starting February 2018, and since his graduation, has
been active in serving the community. Lin is a junior at the Bergen County Academies, and was an Eagle Scout prior to
joining the squad as well. He also aspires to become a physician, following in the footsteps of both his parents.
The Corps also sent four new trainees to the academy for the Spring 2019 EMT course. The Corps congratulates and
wishes the very best to all of it’s new EMTs and trainees.
As always, the Corps is in need of additional volunteers. Any person interested in volunteering their time can find our
application online at www.wtvac.org or call us at 201-664-3784. Anyone aged 16 and older, no maximum age limit, is
eligible to attend EMT training. Those who are too young or wish to attend training at a later time may still apply and get
involved in the meantime. Those approaching the age of 16 may contact us ahead of time to begin the application process
as well. Additionally, the Corps has loan-out medical supplies available to residents of the Pascack Valley as well, anyone
in need of free equipment may contact Naomi @ 201-474-5626.
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__________________________________________________________
Photo 1 Caption: Pictured Left to Right Lt. Robert L. Fox, Lt. Justin G. Tsai, Probationary EMT Lindsey Sirois, and Capt.
Robert S. Rayve pose for a photograph after the Initial EMT Training Graduation Ceremony. (Photo Courtesy: the Sirois
family).
Photo 2 Caption: Probationary EMT Derek Lin, center, poses for a photograph at his June 11, 2018 Initial Training
graduation with EMT Instructor Lester Liedy (left), also a life-time member of the Township Ambulance Corps, and his
father, Dr. George M. Lin, MD (right), Chief Medical Officer, HMH Pascack Valley Medical Center. (Photo Courtesy
then-Capt. Richard Miras, WTVAC).
EMT Derek Lin poses w/ Inst. Lester Liedy & his father, Dr. George M. Lin, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Pascack Valley MC (then-Capt. Richard Miras,
WTVAC)

8/10/2019 Twp Washington EMS Celebrates 1st Anniversary w/New Ambulance | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/28132733/twp-washington-ems-celebrates-1st-anniversary-w-new-ambulance 1/4
◂ Westwood, NJ
Twp Washington EMS Celebrates 1st Anniversary w/New Ambulance
2018 Ford F550 Horton Ambulance delivered 2018 in May
By Lt. Justin G. Tsai | Jun 15, 2019 5:13 pm ET | Updated Jun 15, 2019 5:13 pm ET
The Township of Washington 2018 Ford F550 Horton Ambulance (then-Capt. Richard Miras | WTVAC)
The Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps recently celebrated its one year anniversary with it’s newest state-of-the-
art 2018 Horton Ford F550 Ambulance.
The new ambulance features an automatic powerlift for the stretcher, electronic right-at-your-fingertips touchpad controls for its
functions, additional storage space, a more comfortable ride, and many more new technologies and features! Corpsmembers really
enjoy taking advantage of the new features available to improve the services we provide to our community.
The community came together to welcome it’s new ambulance last summer on Sunday June 24, 2018 at a Wetdown attended by the
Township Fire Department, the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service, and the Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps in addition
to the Corps itself. This celebration included a BBQ, Cake Cutting, and of course, the actual wetting-down of the ambulance. Many
thanks to FoodTown of Washington Township for catering the event as well!
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In the meantime, the Corps also refurbished it’s previous ambulance, and is in the process of placing into service a Corps SUV First
Responder Vehicle.
The Corps thanks everyone who came to participate in it’s Wetdown. The Corps would like to extend its deepest appreciations also
to the many generous residents of the Township who donated to help fund the new ambulance as well!
As always, the Corps is looking for new members to help staff it’s new apparatus. New members are always welcomed; the Corps
may be reached at 201-664-3784 and applications are available at www.wtvac.org
The membership of the WTVAC pose for a photo at it’s June 2018 wetdown of it’s newest ambulance

The Township of Washington Volunteer Fire Department helps welcome the new Township Ambulance by “wetting” it down (Lt. Justin G. Tsai, EMT | WTVAC)
then-Capt. Richard Miras cuts the cake at the 2018 Township of Washington Ambulance Wetdown. EMTs Bob Ehlers, Matt Fole (Lt. Justin G. Tsai, EMT | WTVAC)

8/10/2019 Twp Washington EMS Participates in 1st Annual WWRHS Health Fair | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/28117807/twp-washington-ems-participates-in-1st-annual-wwrhs-health-fair 1/3
◂ Westwood, NJ
Twp Washington EMS Participates in 1st Annual WWRHS Health Fair
Corpsmembers joined several other organizations to show students and community members what resources are available to stay
healthy.
Corpsmembers pose for a picture with the Township of Washington Vol Ambulance table at the WWRHS Family Wellness Fair (Ms. Haley Fasano,
WWRHS)
Members of the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps recently participated in Westwood Regional High
School’s 1st Annual Family Wellness Fair. This event was hosted at the high school’s sports complex on Friday, May 31st,
2019, between 6 and 8 pm.

8/10/2019 Twp Washington EMS Participates in 1st Annual WWRHS Health Fair | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/28117807/twp-washington-ems-participates-in-1st-annual-wwrhs-health-fair 2/3
For the first part of this event, the Corps joined many other health-minded organizations both to demonstrate to the
students and their families what resources are available in the community to help keep healthy, and to encourage the
members of our community to take good care of themselves. For the second part, the Corps remained on hand as students
and staff led attendees on physical activities designed to engage attendees in physical fitness.
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Captain Robert S. Rayve, Lieutenant Justin G. Tsai, Publicity Coordinator, and EMT Lindsey Sirois attended on behalf of
the Corps. While on hand, the Corps set up a table where attendees could get their blood pressure checked, speak to
Corpsmembers, and even sign up to join the squad if they like.
The Corps would be very eager to participate in any future opportunities to reach out to the public, especially the young.
As always, the Corps also needs additional members, any person interested in volunteering their time can find our
application online at www.wtvac.org or call us at 201-664-3784. Lastly, the Corps also has loan-out medical supplies
available to residents of the Pascack Valley, anyone in need of free equipment may contact Naomi @ 201-474-5626.
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8/10/2019 Twp Washington Vol Ambulance Continues to Support Girl Scouts | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/28110378/twp-washington-vol-ambulance-continues-to-support-girl-scouts 1/5
◂ Westwood, NJ
Twp Washington Vol Ambulance Continues to Support Girl Scouts
Second Presentation Made for Junior Troop 96679 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church; Corpsmembers also present for Annual
Bridging Ceremony.
By Lt. Justin G. Tsai | Jun 3, 2019 7:30 am ET | Updated Jun 3, 2019 7:32 am ET
Members of the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance pose for a photo with the girls of Juniors Troop 96679. (Junior Girl Scout Troop 96679)
Just weeks after visiting the troop at Jesse F. George School, Township, members of the Township of Washington
Volunteer Ambulance Corps were once again invited to speak with Girl Scout Troop 96679 at Our Lady of Good Counsel
Church on Monday, May 13, 2019. Without a second thought, the Corps gladly accepted the Troop’s invite and taught the
girls basic first aid so they can earn their first-aid patch.
The day started with the girls receiving a tour of the ambulance. Later it progressed to an interactive lesson on basic first
aid, when the girls happily took advantage of the opportunity to play with the ambulance’s equipment. Additionally, the
squad reviewed when and what to say when calling 9-1-1 with the Junior Troop. Along with the instruction on calling 911,
Corpsmembers also emphasized the importance of safety first and led a discussion on all the various ways to stay safe in
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an emergency. Following this, the squad taught the girls various first aid techniques. Most importantly, the Corps
emphasized the importance of “WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL FOR HELP!!!”
EMR Joseph A. Conway, also a volunteer catechist, spearheaded organizing the event. Captain Robert S. Rayve,
Lieutenant Justin G. Tsai, EMTs Lindsey Sirois, Denise Burns, and Naomi Theisz participated in the event as well.
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The Corps would like to thank the troop and their leaders Teresa Gagliostro Dziob and Michelle Mahoney for affording us
this fruitful opportunity to both educate and positively influence the young ladies of Junior Troop 96679. Many
congratulations to the scouts for receiving their first-aid patches!
Later the same week, EMR Joe Conway and Lt. Justin Tsai also stopped by to attend the Girl Scout’s Township-wide
Bridging Ceremony on Friday, May 17. There, the Corpsmembers joined other Township emergency responders and
members of the community in cheering on girl scouts as they graduated from one level to the next.
The Corps would be very eager to participate in any future opportunities to reach out to the public, especially the young.
As always, the Corps also needs additional members, any person interested in volunteering their time can find our
application online at www.wtvac.org or call us at 201-664-3784. Lastly, the Corps also has loan-out medical supplies
available to residents of the Pascack Valley, anyone in need of free equipment may contact Naomi @ 201-474-5626.

EMT Lindsey Sirois leads a lecture on basic first-aid for the Junior Girl Scouts. (Ms. Michelle Mahoney)
EMTs Denise Burns, former Girl Scouts Service Unit Manager, and Naomi Theisz, demonstrate the use of a pulse ox device. (Ms. Michelle Mahoney)

Lt. Justin Tsai demonstrates bleeding control techniques; EMT Lindsey Sirois assists. (Ms. Michelle Mahoney)
Members of Troop 96679 enjoy playing with the lights and sirens in the front of the ambulance. EMR Joe Conway assists. (Troop 96679)

8/10/2019 Twp Washington EMS Participates in Little League Season Opening | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/28065011/twp-washington-ems-participates-in-little-league-season-opening 1/3
◂ Westwood, NJ
Twp Washington EMS Participates in Little League Season Opening
Volunteer Ambulance Corps provided stand-by crew and took part in league’s season opening day ceremony.
By Lt. Justin G. Tsai | May 9, 2019 7:30 am ET | Updated May 9, 2019 7:30 am ET
Members of the WTVAC pose with their ambulance and recruitment sign at the 2019 Twp of Washington Little League Opening (P.O. Richard Parsells,
Twp Washington PD)
Members of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps recently took part in the Township of Washington Falcons Little League
Baseball/Softball’s 2019 Season Opening Day Ceremony on Sat. April 27, 2019, at the township's Clark Field. This is an
annual event during which representatives of all of the Township’s emergency services are recognized and the Corps
participates.

8/10/2019 Twp Washington EMS Participates in Little League Season Opening | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/28065011/twp-washington-ems-participates-in-little-league-season-opening 2/3
Corpsmembers brought the ambulance and provided a standby emergency crew for the event and also gladly took part in
the league’s season opening ceremony. The Corps also set up a recruiting station while present, and announcements were
made that the Corps is in need of more members.
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The Corps remains hopeful that its participation in this event may inspire a young man or woman to some day serve as a
first responder. The positive interactions with the children of the community will make them more comfortable to
approach emergency services in any time of need. The Corps is proud to have supported the many up-and-coming young
athletes in this league!
Members who participated included: Captain Robert S. Rayve, Lieutenant Justin G. Tsai, EMT Rich Miras, and EMR
Linda Husslein. The Corps thanks the league for inviting us once again to participate and wishes all the various teams the
very best of luck for the upcoming season!
As always, the Corps is in need of additional volunteers. Any person interested in volunteering their time can find our
application online at www.wtvac.org or call us at 201-664-3784. Anyone aged 16 and older, no maximum age limit, is
eligible to attend EMT training. Those who are too young or wish to attend training at a later time may still apply and get
involved in the meantime. Those approaching the age of 16 may contact us ahead of time to begin the application process
as well. Additionally, the Corps has loan-out medical supplies available to residents of the Pascack Valley as well, anyone
in need of free equipment may contact Naomi @ 201-474-5626.

8/10/2019 Twp of Washington Ambulance Entertains Local Brownie Troop | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/27950424/twp-of-washington-ambulance-entertains-local-brownie-troop 1/5
◂ Westwood, NJ
Twp of Washington Ambulance Entertains Local Brownie Troop
Members of the Corps give tours of the Ambulance to local Brownies Troop at Jesse F. George School and lead discussion on first-aid.
By Lt. Justin G. Tsai | Mar 4, 2019 9:00 am ET | Updated May 9, 2019 1:42 am ET
Members of the WTVAC pose for a photo with the George School Girl Scouts Brownie Troop 97083 (Brownie Troop 97083)
Members of the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance Corps recently paid a visit to the Girl Scouts Brownie Troop
97083 meeting at Jesse F. George School, Township of Washington, on February 1, 2019. While there, Corpsmembers offered a
tour of the back of the ambulance as well as opportunities to play with the ambulance’s lights and siren up front. The girls were
then offered a lecture on basic first aid from the Corpsmembers, so they may earn their first-aid patch.
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The day started with the girls receiving a tour of the entire ambulance. In the back, they sat on the benches and strapped
themselves in to the “special seat belts” of an ambulance. A few were even brave enough to lay on the stretcher! The girls
learned where different supplies were kept, how they were used, and even got a lesson in military time after noticing the clock.
In the front of the ambulance, the girls sat in both the driver and passenger seat, while Captain Bob Rayve demonstrated the
lights and sirens. The girls were extremely fond of testing out the different sirens.
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Later in the afternoon, the girls listened attentively to a lecture, lead by Lt. Justin G. Tsai, from the Corps on first-aid. The squad
first reviewed when and what to say when calling 9-1-1 with the Brownie Troop. Along with the instruction on calling 911,
Corpsmembers also emphasized the importance of safety first in an emergency, including the importance of using gloves, not
touching bodily fluids, and washing hands, staying on the line with 911 until told otherwise, staying with the patient if possible,
and keeping the patient warm and comfortable. Following this, the squad taught the girls how to properly apply a bandage and
how to apply pressure to a wound that is bleeding, and let them practice on their friends or members of the squad. The troop
learned how to “pop” a disposable ice pack, and were showed how oxygen is given to a patient. Most importantly, the Corps
emphasized the importance of “WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL FOR HELP.”
Corps members who participated in this event were: Captain Robert S. Rayve, Lieutenant Justin G. Tsai, EMT Christopher
Hahn, EMT Nina Buchakjian, Probationary EMT Lindsey Sirois, and EMR Joseph Conway.
Girl Scouts at the Brownie level are between Grades 2-3 and ages 7-9. The Corps would like to thank the Brownie Troop and
their leaders Alicia Xaka and Roni Silberstein for affording us this fruitful opportunity to both educate and positively influence
the young ladies of Brownie Troop 97083. Many congratulations to the Brownie troop for receiving their first-aid patches!
The Corps would be very eager to participate in any future opportunities to reach out to the public, especially the young. As
always, the Corps also needs additional members, any person interested in volunteering their time can find our application
online at www.wtvac.org or call us at 201-664-3784. Lastly, the Corps also has loan-out medical supplies available to residents
of the Pascack Valley, anyone in need of free equipment may contact Naomi @ 201-474-5626.
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__________________________________________________________
Photo 1 Caption: Members of the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance pose for a photo with the George School Girl
Scouts Brownie Troop 97083. Pictured left to right: Capt. Robert S. Rayve, Lt. Justin G. Tsai, EMTs Lindsey Sirois, Christopher
Hahn, Nina Buchakjian, and EMR Joseph Conway.
Photo 2 Caption: Lieutenant Justin G. Tsai leads a lecture for the Brownies on basic First Aid. EMTs Christopher Hahn and
Nina Buchakjian look on, while Probationary EMT Lindsey Sirois prepares an oxygen tank for a demonstration.
Photo 3 Caption: EMTs Nina Buchakjian and Lindsey Sirois lead a tour of the rear of the ambulance.
Photo 4 Caption: Capt. Bob Rayve shows off the truck’s lights and sirens to the Girl Scouts in the front.
Twp of Washington Volunteer EMTs leads a lecture on basic first aid for the Brownie Scouts.

EMTs Nina Buchakjian and Lindsey Sirois lead a tour of the rear of the ambulance.
Capt. Bob Rayve shows off the truck’s lights and sirens to the Girl Scouts in the front.

8/10/2019 Twp. of Washington Ambulance Donates More Equipment to Nicaragua | Westwood-Hillsdale, NJ Patch
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westwood-hillsdale/amp/28141801/twp-of-washington-ambulance-donates-more-equipment-to-nicaragua 1/4
◂ Westwood, NJ
Twp. of Washington Ambulance Donates More Equipment to
Nicaragua
Corps, one of few left in area to do so, provides refurbished medical equipment to Bergen County Residents; ships off
excess overseas
Members of the WTVAC & Mr. Larry Malizia pose for a picture with a van-load of medical equipment to be shipped overseas. (Lt. Justin G.
Tsai, EMT | WTVAC)
On an early morning, October 2018, several members of the Township of Washington Volunteer Ambulance
Corps’s equipment loans team loaded excess refurbished equipment into the back of the van, and then delivered
the equipment to Peace Works, a charity which ultimately shipped the equipment to the needy in Nicaragua. Most
recently, another regular shipment of excess equipment was once again shipped off to the needy overseas in May
2019.
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At the direction of EMT Naomi Theisz, Coordinator, the WTVAC Equipment Loans team, including her husband,
Dr. Nicholas Theisz, and EMT Robert Grimaldi, collects and refurbishes used medical equipment from the local
community, and then loans them back out to any Pascack Valley residents in need.
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The Corps’s current inventory includes (but is not limited to): crutches, canes, quad canes, walkers, walkers with a
bench, wheelchairs, commodes (+ associated parts), shower chairs, medical (hospital) beds, transport chairs, and
knee scooters.
Because the Township Corps is one of a few that continues to fully maintain and operate an Equipment Loans
program, the team both accepts donations from, and seeks to loan-out its equipment to residents of both the
Township and other Bergen County towns.
As it stands, the municipalities where Corps Equipment is currently on loan to includes,
but are not limited to: Hillsdale, Westwood, River Vale, Emerson, Paramus, Park Ridge, Montvale, Woodcliff
Lake, Old Tappan, Ho-Ho-Kus, Closter, New Milford, Harrington Park, Norwood, Upper Saddle River, Saddle
Brook, Ramsey, Cresskill, Wyckoff, Waldwick, Dumont, Haledon, and Fair Lawn.
The team is happy to assist out-of-area residents as well, especially in situations when a piece of equipment is not
readily available elsewhere.
As newer equipment comes in, older items that can no longer fit in the Corps’s multiple storage sheds are then put
to good use by being donated overseas, while newer items are reserved for the local community.
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Anyone in need of loan-out medical equipment, or has items to donate, is asked to contact Naomi at the dedicated
equipment line: 201-474-5626.
As always, the Corps needs additional members, any person interested in volunteering their time can find our
application online at www.wtvac.org or call us at 201-664-3784. Anyone aged 16 and older, no maximum age
limit, is eligible to attend EMT training. Those who are too young or wish to attend training at a later time may
still apply and get involved in the meantime. Those approaching the age of 16 may contact us ahead of time to
begin the application process as well.
A second shipment of excess supplies was shipped by the WTVAC to the overseas needy in May 2019. (EMR Joseph A. Conway | WTVAC)

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