Booth Named Western Albemarle Rescue Squad’s Member of the Year

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Bill Wood and Kostas Alibertis, who received the Lifesaver Award.
Bill Wood and Kostas Alibertis, who received the Lifesaver Award.

The Western Albemarle Rescue Squad held its annual awards dinner Jan. 25 at King Family Vineyard in Crozet and squad member David Booth took two honors, the Member of the Year Award and the President’s Award.

Squad president Bill Wood presented the awards after a dinner catered by Green House Coffee. Afterward the 70-plus volunteers who provide around-the-clock emergency medical services in western Albemarle watched a slide show review of the year in the Squad’s life and then had a dance party.

“All volunteer, all the time,” said Wood proudly as be began the presentations.

Rookie of the Year went to Anthony Judkins.

The Frances Henry Award, given to the volunteer who went on the most calls—once upon a time that was usually Frances Henry—went to Stacy Hosenfeld.

Member of the Year is chosen by the squad membership and Wood joined in with his President’s Award tribute.

Booth, a WARS volunteer for two years, oversaw the renovation of the squad house kitchen, which had not been refurbished since the squad inherited the building from the Crozet Volunteer Fire department in 1978. “He gives so much time,” said Wood of Booth. “He’s so willing to give.”

The Chief’s Award, chosen by chief Kostas Alibertis, went to Jim Moniz. Kostas had special praise for his work ethic.

Bill Wood and David Booth
Bill Wood and David Booth

The Steve Thompson Lifesaver Award, which Wood called “Medal of Honor kind of stuff,” went to Alibertis. Thompson credits Alibertis with saving his life in 2007. The case was even written up in a medical journal. Wood said it involved “an old-school therapy.”

Wood described the squad as “being in good shape. We have a young, vibrant group that’s strong and interested and they want to make a contribution to the community. We’re fortunate here. We really are. The resources that the people of western Albemarle provide are better than what most communities have.”

Wood said that WARS answered more than 1,200 calls in 2013. All with volunteers.

 

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