Contributed by LMOA Communications
In recent years, businesses and organizations throughout the nation have struggled to find enough staff and volunteers. Against all odds, the Lake Monticello Volunteer Rescue Squad (LMVRS) has managed to round up 34 new volunteers, thanks to the support of University of Virginia students.
“Many UVA students need to volunteer as part of their curriculum,” Rescue Squad Chief Eddie Shifflett said. “We have always tried to attract these students, but it has been hard to compete with the Albemarle County rescue squads closer to the university. Recently, we were lucky to snag a handful of UVA student volunteers and even luckier when they offered to organize a recruiting booth at a UVA Affiliates Fair. This small group of young people successfully collected 75 new contacts interested in volunteering for our department. About 30 students have committed to supporting LMVRS 12 hours or more weekly without pay.”
Shifflett understands students will phase out in a few months to a few years. However, he is confident LMVRS can keep the numbers up by recruiting word-of-mouth at the university and via future UVA Affiliates Fairs. What does the suddenly increased volunteer base mean to the department? “We now have two fully-staffed ambulances six days a week, allowing us to double our call volume,” Shifflett said. “This gives the Lake fantastic coverage and helps the students meet their curriculum requirements. It is an incredible win-win for everyone!”
The LMVRS is part of the Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad team consisting of three operational units: Fire, rescue, and water rescue as well as one support unit – the Auxiliary. This not-for-profit organization depends on volunteers to provide emergency services to the Lake Monticello area and Fluvanna County 24/7, 365 days a year. According to Shifflett, the Lake Monticello Volunteer Rescue Squad closed out 2022 with over 1,600 calls for service and over 26,000 hours of 100 percent volunteer services.
LMVRS could not exist without volunteers like the UVA students. Lake Monticello resident and LMVRS volunteer Jeff Spinello added that “these students have been so generous to donate their time and volunteer for our community. It is a pleasure to serve with all of them.”
If you are interested in becoming an EMT or an LMVRS driver, call the station at 434-589-4108 or visit https://lmvfr.org/join-us/.
