Last week, the Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps Inc (WVAC) held their annual awards dinner at Magnanini Winery & Restaurant. The event was a chance for WVAC to recognize and honor their outstanding members who went above and beyond in their service to the community.

This year, WVAC was proud to present awards to a number of deserving individuals. Rebecca Mantello received the prestigious President’s Award, while Rosanne Stockhofer was recognized for her social membership. Kassandra Meyer was presented with the Chiefs Award, Ken Ronk was named Officer of the Year, and Rebekah Stoll was honored as Driver of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Mike Tesoriero was named EMT of the Year.

In addition to individual awards, WVAC recognized their top responders for the year, including Ken Bell, Mike Tesoriero, Mark Swain, Owen Scott, and Rebekah Stoll. The top responding officers included Douglas Foster, Jeff Ashdown, Ken Ronk, Andrew Stoll, and Kassandra Meyer.

The event served as an opportunity to honor WVAC’s long-serving members. Tina Lutes, Jeff Ashdown, and Jeff Rissinger were recognized for 10 years of service and were granted life membership. Ken Bell, Peter Mule’, Maria Mule’, Susan McCarl, Linda Chumas, and Spero Chumas were recognized for 25 years of service. Douglas Foster Jr and Mark Swain were honored for 30 years of service.

The evening also included a farewell to outgoing officers, including Director Douglas Foster Jr, President Tina Lutes, Vice President Francine McDonough, Chief Douglas R Foster, and Lieutenant Kassandra Meyer.

Senator Peter Oberacker was in attendance to present New York State Senate certificates to the award winners and help swear in the new officers. As a member of his own local department, Oberacker emphasized the importance of volunteer first responders in rural areas and expressed his gratitude to the WVAC for their service to the community.