By Elli E. Plummer Staff Writer, The Tidewater Review

  New Kent - If you are reading this, don't stop now.  It could be a matter of life and death.

  Do we ever stop to wonder what happens when our volunteer rescue workers head down the highway with their lights flashing?

  Do we stop to take the time to consider whose life they may be. trying to save?

  Don't you think it's time we did just that and possibly find a way that maybe we can help them?

  Well, you can.

  Volunteer your time.  Give a few hours of yourself to help save someone's life because you never know when it may be your life they are coming to save.

  Job description reads: Work in a family atmosphere while helping save lives and giving to your community.

  The Providence Forge Volunteer Rescue Squad, which covers both New Kent and Charles City Counties, currently has 70 volunteers but is in desperate need of many more.

  "You enjoy helping people," said Captain Butch Carter, lifetime volunteer for 30 years, "You enjoy thinking that you have done something Productive."

  The Squad, which responds to about 1,300 calls per year (averaging to about 4 per day) would have to have at least 12 volunteers on hand each day.  That totals a minimum of 84 volunteers per week if only two members of the squad go out on a call (three is preferable).  And most of these volunteers work full-time jobs outside of their volunteer service.

  The commitment to this is different than anything else," said Brenda Carter, President at the squad and lifetime volunteer for 25 years.

  It doesn't matter what age you are or where you live, there is always a place that can be filled.

  According to Captain Carter, volunteers range in age from young people to seniors who come from all over to give their time and energy for the squad.

  "It's like a big family," said Brenda, "Everybody looks out for everybody else."

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer for the Providence Forge Volunteer Rescue Squad, please call 966-2801 to find out the requirements as they vary with each position.

Reprinted from The Tidewater Review, October 4, 2000

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