Last 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!

As the summer sun begins to set, and we bid farewell to the long days of relaxation and adventure, there is still an opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of others. The act of donating blood is a simple yet impactful way to conclude your summer on a high note, knowing that you have played a vital role in saving a life. With hospitals constantly in need of a stable blood supply, your contribution can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals in your community and beyond.

1. Answering the Call of Urgency: Blood donation is a matter of life and death. Hospitals and medical facilities rely on the generosity of donors to maintain an adequate supply of blood for various medical procedures, emergencies, and surgeries. During the summer months, blood banks often experience a decline in donations due to vacations, travel, and other activities. By donating blood as summer comes to an end, you can help bridge this gap and ensure that patients in need continue to receive the care they deserve.
2. A Simple Act, A Profound Impact: The process of donating blood is remarkably straightforward and takes only a short amount of your time. The difference you make, however, is immeasurable. A single blood donation can save up to three lives, making your contribution a powerful gesture of compassion and humanity. Just a few moments of your time can provide a lifetime of hope for those facing critical health challenges.
3. Enhancing Community Resilience: Your donation doesn't just impact individuals; it strengthens the resilience of your community as a whole. When disaster strikes or accidents occur, a readily available supply of blood is essential to ensure that medical professionals can respond effectively. By donating blood before the summer ends, you become an essential part of a collective effort to safeguard the health and well-being of your fellow community members.
4. Leaving a Legacy of Care: As you wrap up your summer and prepare to embrace the changing seasons, consider the legacy you can leave behind. By donating blood, you create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the warm months. The lives you touch through your selfless act become a testament to your compassion, empathy, and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
5. A Personal Connection: It's important to remember that anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, can find themselves in need of blood at some point in their lives. Your decision to donate blood is a statement of solidarity, showcasing your willingness to stand by your fellow human beings in times of vulnerability. It's a powerful reminder that we are all interconnected and that your action has the potential to connect you to someone you may never meet but whose life you've changed forever.

As summer draws to a close, there is no better way to conclude this season of growth, connection, and adventure than by giving the gift of life. Donating blood is a small sacrifice that yields a profound impact, resonating far beyond the confines of a single moment. Your decision to donate blood is a reminder that compassion knows no season, and your gesture will serve as a beacon of hope for those in need. So, as you bid adieu to the warmth of summer, consider wrapping it up with a life-saving gesture that will leave a lasting legacy of care, compassion, and community. Your willingness to donate blood may just be the brightest light in someone else's life as they navigate their own journey to health and recovery.

Virginia Beach, VA - Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad (OPVRS) is thrilled to announce that EMT Shelley Drisko has been named Member of the Quarter. OPVRS Deputy Chief Dylan Koch made the announcement at the monthly business meeting on Monday, July 10th.

The Member of the Quarter award acknowledges Shelley for her superior performance and outstanding dedication to the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and the community we serve. In addition to exceeding her regular duty requirements, Shelley proudly represented OPVRS at several special events including the Something in the Water festival and the Langley Air Show. Shelley also volunteered to take on more responsibility at the Squad by stepping into the Fleet Assistant role and quickly excelling. In the immediate aftermath of the Great Neck tornado, Shelley was among the many off-duty Ocean Park volunteers who swiftly arrived at the scene to provide aid and assisted with the establishment of a rehabilitation facility for emergency responders working through the night. In the days following the tornado, Shelley volunteered to provide standby medical assistance to the utility workers performing dangerous work while clearing debris from the affected neighborhood. Shelley's positive attitude, team spirit, and steadfast dedication to service represent the highest values of OPVRS.

​Congratulations, Shelley, and thank you for all you do!

The Member of the Quarter is awarded to an OPVRS operational member who demonstrates consistent and outstanding performance of his/her duties above what is normally expected throughout the course of each quarter.

Join us for our Summer community cookout!
Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 6pm-8pm. Hamburgers / Hot Dogs & Sweet Treats

• FREE
• Open To The Public
• Touch A Truck.

Come spend some time with YOUR community rescue squad.

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad
3769 East Stratford Road
​Virginia Beach, VA 23451