<![CDATA[Ocean Park Rescue Squad - News]]>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:04:49 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[Ambulance 124 In Service!]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:05:40 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/ambulance-124-in-service
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On Friday, July 10, 2026, Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad officially placed our newest ambulance, Ambulance 124, into service.

Because our priority was getting this important new resource on the road and serving the community as quickly as possible, we marked the occasion with a brief celebration before placing the ambulance into operation.

Ambulance 124 will strengthen our ability to provide the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care to residents and visitors throughout Virginia Beach. This new ambulance represents an important investment in our volunteers, our patients, and the future of our lifesaving mission.

We are deeply grateful to our community and donors for their continued support. Your generosity helps ensure that our volunteers have the vehicles, equipment, and resources they need to answer the call—every hour of every day.

Her first crew consisted of Wendi A, Kaitlynne V, and Evelyn G.

Volunteer Paramedic and OPVRS Life Member Wendi A:
Wendi's distinguished EMS career started at Ocean Park in 2006. At OPVRS, she has served as Logistics Sergeant and Lieutenant, Training Lieutenant, and various other roles while earning several squad and departmental awards. Wendi has continually advanced her career, becoming an Enhanced and later Intermediate provider before becoming a Paramedic. Outside OPVRS, her dedication to the profession has been on full display. She has served in educational roles with VBEMS, TCC, and private transport as well as peer support and CISM roles across multiple agencies. Wendi now serves as a full-time employee with Northampton County EMS while continuing to serve the citizens of Virginia Beach as a volunteer.

Volunteer Advanced EMT Kaitlynne V:
Kaitlynne began her EMS journey in 2021 serving the VBRescue system from Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad. She transferred to OPVRS in 2025 and completed the VBEMS Advanced EMT Academy the same year. During her time with OPVRS, Kaitlynne has served as the Assistant Scheduler, Peer Support and CIT member, and as a crucial member of the training team. Her passion for mentorship earned her the 2025 "Dave Keeler" Trainer of the Year Award. When A124 isn't out on a call, you can be sure to find Kaitlynne defending her cornhole championship title.

BLS Intern Evelyn G:
Evelyn is a BLS Intern at OPVRS working toward release as an Attendant-in-Charge. She currently studies Biomedical Health Sciences at Purdue University, where she also serves as a student EMT. Her interest in medicine began with the Health and Medical Science Program at Cape Henry Collegiate and her commitment to community service was cultivated through her time as an Eagle Scout. These passions combined led her into EMS. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn and serve the community as she works toward her goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.

This impressive all-female crew pays homage to the roots of OPVRS and the vital role women have played in our organization since the very beginning. Shortly after the establishment of the Ocean Park Volunteer Fire Department, members of the "Ocean Park Women's Club" provided the earliest ambulance and first-aid tent staffing. Ever since, the ladies of OPVRS have served honorably, saved countless lives, and led our organization into the future. Wendi, Kaitlynne, and Evie honor this legacy while writing the next chapter of OPVRS history.
Ambulance 124 Specs:
• Ford F-550 4x2 Chassis
• 7.3L Gas Motor
• Liquid Spring Suspension System
• Buckstop Front Bumper w/ Brush Guard
• Custom Aluminum Center Console Sprayed w/ Black Line-X
• Wheeled Coach Type I 170" Module
• 74" Interior Headroom
• Custom Squad Bench w/ Curbside Controls and (2) Drawers
• Per4Max 4-Point Harnesses
• Vanner LifeSine 1100-watt Inverter w/ 55-amp Battery Charger
• Cool Bar A/C Condenser
• Whelen M Series LED Warning & Scene Lights Package
• (2) Buell 10" Air Horns
• Whelen Howler Low Frequency Siren
• Safety Vision (3) Camera System
• CompX WS-PRKP-NARC Narcotics Cabinet w/ 300 Series eLock
• Complete Blackout Package for Diamond Plate & Chrome Components
]]><![CDATA[Grow Something Good – Garden Club Fundraiser May 2026]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 06:18:00 GMThttps://www.opvrs.com/news/grow-something-good-garden-club-fundraiser-may-2026Update: We're hosting Day TWO on May 23rd!
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Looking to brighten your yard while supporting a great cause? Stop by our upcoming Garden Club fundraiser featuring a variety of locally grown plants cultivated by the Master Gardeners of the Great Neck Point Garden Club.

Saturday, May 23, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Shore Drive Farm Market

Featured plants include:
  • Fatsia Japonica
  • Windmill Palms
  • Hostas
  • Bear’s Breeches
  • Aucuba
  • Lynnhaven Carpet
  • Vinca
  • Asters
  • Aloe
  • Jade
  • Mint
    …and more!
These locally grown plants are well suited to thrive in our coastal Virginia Beach community and make a beautiful addition to any yard or garden.
Proceeds from the fundraiser help support the rescue squad’s operations and community programs. Come shop local, support your volunteers, and enjoy a beautiful spring morning with us as we head into summer.
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Looking to brighten your yard while supporting a great cause? Stop by our upcoming Garden Club fundraiser featuring a variety of locally grown plants cultivated by the Master Gardeners of the Great Neck Point Garden Club.

Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Shore Drive Farm Market

Featured plants include:
  • Fatsia Japonica
  • Windmill Palms
  • Hostas
  • Bear’s Breeches
  • Aucuba
  • Lynnhaven Carpet
  • Vinca
  • Asters
  • Aloe
  • Jade
  • Mint
    …and more!
These locally grown plants are well suited to thrive in our coastal Virginia Beach community and make a beautiful addition to any yard or garden.
Proceeds from the fundraiser help support the rescue squad’s operations and community programs. Come shop local, support your volunteers, and enjoy a beautiful spring morning with us as we head into summer.
Did you know? 
Lynnhaven Carpet, a locally treasured groundcover first discovered near the historic Adam Keeling property along the Lynnhaven River, is known for thriving in Virginia Beach’s coastal climate.
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]]><![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
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