<![CDATA[Ocean Park Rescue Squad - News]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:33:24 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[2025 Blood Drive Success!]]>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 23:22:02 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/2025-blood-drive-successOcean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and Tidewater EMS Council Celebrate Successful Quarterly Blood Drive.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Virginia Beach, VA — December 6, 2025 — The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, in proud partnership with the Tidewater EMS Council (TEMS), is pleased to announce the success of our Quarterly Blood Drive, an event that underscores our shared commitment to saving lives and advancing emergency medical care in our community.

In addition to the incredible turnout from donors and volunteers, participants were treated to a festive surprise — a flyover by Santa Claus himself near the iconic Lesner Bridge! This special moment brought holiday cheer and highlighted the spirit of giving that defines our community.

The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad is deeply committed to supporting the City of Virginia Beach Department of EMS and is honored to collaborate with the Tidewater EMS Council on the Regional Whole Blood Program. Whole blood transfusions are a critical advancement in prehospital care, offering life-saving benefits for trauma patients and setting a new standard for emergency response in our region.

“Every pint donated today represents hope and resilience,” said Paramedic David Keeler, the Blood Drive Coordinator. “I am proud to work with TEMS, Rescue 1,  and The Blood Connection to support these  innovative, life-saving programs.”

Rescue squad president Branan Roughgarden said, "Our blood drives are more important than ever. I hope that current and future donors understand how their blood donation could save a life in the back of our ambulance right here in Virginia Beach. I am grateful that our rescue squad could partner with the Tidewater EMS Council and The Blood Connection to support the whole blood program in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads" 

The success of this blood drive reflects the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and community members who continue to make a difference. Together, we are building a stronger, safer future for Virginia Beach and beyond.

For more information about the Whole Blood Program or to learn how you can participate in future blood drives, please visit www.opvrs.com/donateblood .
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]]><![CDATA[2025 Fall Fund Drive]]>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:37:04 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/2025-fall-fund-drive​Our Semi-Annual Fund Drive: Supporting Your Volunteer Rescue Squad
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Each November and May, Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad proudly participates in the VB Rescue Combined Fund Drive, joining volunteer rescue squads across Virginia Beach to reach out to the Shore Drive and North Great Neck communities. These semi-annual mailings are our largest fundraisers of the year, and your generosity during these drives directly fuels our ability to serve.

Every household receives a donation letter along with a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope—thanks to our USPS Business Reply Mail program—making it easier than ever to support your neighborhood rescue squad. Just fill out your check, slip it into the envelope, and drop it in the mail. Your contribution truly makes a difference.

Honor or Remember a Loved One
Did you know your gift can be made in honor or in memory of someone special? Many donors choose to celebrate loved ones, recognize milestones, or remember those who are no longer with us. At your request, OPVRS will gladly send an acknowledgment letter to the honoree or to the family of someone memorialized.

Acknowledgments for Every Donor
OPVRS strives to send an acknowledgment to every single donor. Because our fund drives bring in a very high volume of letters, it may take several weeks to receive your thank-you letter in the mail. We appreciate your patience during these busy periods.

If you'd like a faster acknowledgment or immediate access to your tax documentation, you can always donate securely online at OPVRS.com/donate. Online donors receive automatic receipts, making it easy to keep records for tax season.
Donate Today
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]]><![CDATA[Come RUSH THE SQUADS!]]>Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:27:56 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/come-rush-the-squadsSaturday, July 26th, 2025. 12pm-3pm.
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Interested in VB Rescue and learning more about the opportunity to volunteer? Join us for a FREE family-friendly event with games, raffles, and more, and get an inside look at each rescue squad! 
We're excited to see you at New Realm Brewery (child and dog friendly) for networking, food & drink, lawn games, and raffle prizes on July 26, 12-3pm! 
FREE registration is required to attend. Click the link below to register for FREE.
FREE REGISTRATION
]]><![CDATA[Baker's Crust at Landstown is raising dough for OPVRS.]]>Thu, 24 Apr 2025 21:02:45 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/bakers-crust-at-landstown-is-raising-dough-for-opvrs
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Raise Some Dough with Us at Baker’s Crust!
Mark your calendars! The Baker’s Crust at Landstown is raising dough for the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad on Tuesday, April 29th — and it’s an all-day affair! 11AM to 8PM!

Here’s how it works: just mention OPVRS to your server, and a portion of your sale will go directly to support our all-volunteer rescue squad.

Grab lunch, treat yourself to dinner, or both — every bite helps us serve the community.
📍 Baker’s Crust, Landstown Tuesday, April 29

📣 Don’t forget to say, “I support OPVRS!”

]]><![CDATA[2025 Plant Sale Fundraiser]]>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:39:22 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/2025-plant-sale-fundraiser
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The Master Gardeners of the Great Neck Point Garden Club will be hosting a fundraiser for Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad. Join us on Saturday, May 17th, 9am-12pm, at the Shore Drive Farm Market. Locally grown plants perfect for houses and gardens will be on sale. All proceeds will benefit the Rescue Squad
 
Featured Plants: Fatsia Japonica, Windmill Palms, Hostas, Bear's Breeches, Aucuba, Lynnhaven Carpet, Vinca, Asters, Aloe, Jade, Mint and more!
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]]><![CDATA[32nd Annual Virginia Beach EMS Awards Ceremony]]>Wed, 16 Apr 2025 23:07:22 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/32nd-annual-virginia-beach-ems-awards-ceremonyLast week, many OPVRS members and alumni were honored at the 32nd annual Virginia Beach EMS Awards Ceremony. Please join us in congratulating the award recipients listed below. 🎖️
5 Years of Service:
  • Lorin Miller
  • Amanda Tackett
  •  Alex White
10 Years of Service:
  • Jordan Asqueri
  •  Arlene Johnson
20 Years of Service:
  • Nickolas Askew
30 Years of Service:
  • James Geisinger
  • Brian Ledwell
  • Tiffany Robbins
35 Years of Service:
  • John Best
40 Years of Service:
  • David Jarashow
Act of Service Award: 🏅
  • Elian Alcantara
  • Mary Askins
  • Piper Bay
  • Jake Long
  • Christian Richter
  • Kevin Hirschfeld
Congratulations, and thank you all for your dedication to the squad and the community we serve!

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]]><![CDATA[Mural Halfway Mark]]>Sun, 23 Mar 2025 18:21:56 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/mural-halfway-mark
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Good afternoon, 

My name is Izzie Van Deman, and I'm writing on behalf of the students leading the Ocean Park Mural Project. I have some exciting news to share!
 
Thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign, we are officially halfway towards reaching our goal, with 5,560 dollars raised. We are incredibly grateful to all who have aided us in our quest to celebrate community and create a vibrant ode to the beautiful heritage of Ocean Park. These funds will go directly towards paint, artist stipends, and tool rentals. 
 
We hope that you will consider donating to help us reach our goal. Any amount helps! If you would be willing to contribute, our campaign can be found HERE.
 
I would like to again extend my sincerest thanks to all who have helped us bring our dream to life. It means much more than you know. 
 
Best, 
The Ocean Park Mural Project Team
Donate to the Mural HERE!
]]><![CDATA[OPVRS Cashola Night at Craft Burger Bar, Feb 2025]]>Fri, 31 Jan 2025 01:20:45 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/opvrs-cashola-night-at-craft-burger-bar-feb-2025
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🍔🚑 Dinner Plans? We’ve Got You Covered! 🚑🍔
Skip the meal prep and head over to Craft Burger Bar on February 5th, 2025, from 4 PM to 8 PM for a Cashola Fundraiser benefiting Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad!
It’s a win-win—support a fantastic local business while also helping your local volunteer rescue squad. Just mention Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad when you order, and a portion of your purchase will go toward keeping our community safe.
So, let’s be real—you were wondering what’s for dinner, right? Problem solved. We’ll see you at Craft Burger Bar! 🍔🔥
#SupportLocal #EatForACause #OPVRS #CraftBurgerBar
]]><![CDATA[2024 Year End Review from the Chief]]>Sun, 12 Jan 2025 23:00:34 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/2024-year-end-review-from-the-chief
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2024 Year-End Message from the Chief of OPVRS

Greetings, and Happy New Year! Here at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, we've entered the new year feeling grateful and excited. The previous year was a busy one and brought many notable accomplishments. Our members responded to 4,896 emergencies in 2024 and contributed more than 19,000 hours of volunteer service to the community. Additionally, we welcomed 14 new volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians to our team and several more non-certified support members. A few more highlights from 2024 are below:
  • More than 180 hours of member training
  • Three new Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers
  • 20 community outreach events
 
2024 also saw the purchase of several new equipment items, including improved assessment equipment, more efficient gear bags, and updated technology, all aimed at ensuring we provide the highest quality of emergency medical care to our patients. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our community. Donors like you are the reason our members stand ready to answer the call 24/7. Your contributions give our trained volunteers the tools they need to save lives. For this, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude. 
 
I wish you all the best in the new year, and look forward to bringing you future updates on the positive impacts of your contributions. Thank you again, and Happy New Year!

​Sincerely,
M. Dylan Koch
Chief, Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad
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]]><![CDATA[Cashola Fundraiser at ShoreBreak, Oct 28th 2024]]>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 01:41:28 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/october2024fundraiser
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Join OPVRS at ShoreBreak Monday, Oct 28th, 2024 for a cashola fundraiser! Tell your server that you support OPVRS and a portion of each sale will be donated to Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Let ShoreBreak do the cooking before Halloween. Support YOUR Local Business and YOUR Local Rescue Squad!

Fundraiser October 28th, 2024, 4pm-8pm.  2941 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach.
​(Shore Drive Location Only)
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