Kristen, Jack and Sean Boyle have all had a stint as COVAC’s chief. The three were together at Mountainville Manor on Jan. 31 for the ambulance corps’ installation and awards dinner.
After the dinner and presentations, and before a Conga line snaked through the restaurant, the members of the ambulance corps watched a video with their guests.
In one scene, a sign read “EMS = Earning Money Sleeping.” But COVAC members don’t earn money; they’re volunteers. And they probably don’t get much sleep, because they responded to over 900 calls last year, including two where a life was saved.
Cornwall’s Chief Financial Officer, Michael Bigg III, described the life-saving episodes and mentioned that, in both cases, the Cornwall Emergency Department was open.
The message was clear. COVAC has opposed the hospital’s plan to make the Emergency Room a part-time facility. At its Jan. 31 dinner at Mountainville Manor, the corps members recognized Assemblyman James Skoufis, who has been their ally in the fight.
After receiving a plaque, Mr. Skoufis encouraged the audience to remain optimistic. He said that help might be coming from the Department of Health or from the hospital trustees.
The corps members also recognized Supervisor Randy Clark for supporting their proposal to bill for their services. Since the Town Board approved the change last spring, Mr. Bigg said that the ambulance tax has gone down, and the corps has contributed more than $170,000 to the Town.
COVAC had a plaque for Mr. Clark, who reciprocated with a gag gift. Knowing the unit’s tendency to run low on certain supplies, he came with a shopping bag filled with toilet paper and paper towels. Later in the evening, he won the raffle.
During the program, the following officers were installed:
Administrative: Victoria Kartis (chief executive officer), Kerri Ann Tulloh (vice president), Michael Bigg III (chief financial officer), Kristen Sebesta Boyle (secretary)
At large director: Tom Gardner, Robert Galvin, Charles Muller, John Sharfenberg.
Operational: Sean Boyle (chief), Joe Reardon (assistant chief), John Conroy (captain), Greg Scharfenberg (lieutenant).
