EMSCNJ Volunteers Salute Veterans, Elect Officers for 2018

PARSIPPANY, NJ—EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) members celebrated and thanked 139 military veterans in their ranks in an Oct. 14 ceremony held during the organization’s annual conference here. Members also elected the group’s officers for 2018 during the three-day “Red, White and Blue & EMS, Too” themed event.

Representing several branches of the military, approximately two dozen veterans in attendance stood as their names were called. Some of those recognized are active, riding members of their volunteer emergency squads, others now are able to assist only in administrative capacities after decades of active volunteer EMS service in their communities

Each veteran received an EMSCNJ certificate of appreciation, a small U.S. flag and a commemorative program with all their names listed. In addition, U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Mario Monaco and Master Sergeant Mark Peer presented each veteran with the gift of a small pillow—specially made and donated by a senior citizen—a commemorative coin and a piece of a decommissioned U.S flag.

“They’ve lived lives of sacrifice, dedication and service, first for their country and now for their communities,” said EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. “These selfless individuals surely deserve our recognition and gratitude.”

U.S. Air Force veteran James F. McConnell, Jr. and his wife, Betty, of Randolph, both active members in the EMSCNJ’s 8^th District, spearheaded the veterans program. The appreciation ceremony and an emotional memorial service honoring deceased EMSCNJ members featured moving bagpipe and trumpet tributes.

During the three-day conference, EMSCNJ members also elected their organization’s officers for 2018. They are:

• President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. (Neptune)

• Northern Area Vice President Cyndy Reardon (Bloomingdale)

• Central Area Vice President John Butterweck (Morganville)

• Southern Area Vice President Phil Wien (Maple Shade)

• Treasurer Ken Weinberg (Pittstown)

• Assistant Treasurer LeRoy Gunzelman (Somerville)

• Secretary Barbara Platt (New Egypt)

• Membership Secretary Paula Weiler (Englewood)

All of the officers were re-elected to their current positions except Paula Weiler, who will replace Sue Meyer of Summit as membership secretary. Officers will be installed in January. 

The 88-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, doing business as the EMSCNJ, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with nearly 300 EMS agencies throughout the state.