Senate Resolution No. 1932 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps on March 2, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and applaud outstanding individuals within our communities whose actions and accomplishments contribute to the health, safety and well-being of the communities of the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps; this momentous occasion was celebrated with a Banquet on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Cazenovia, New York; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the visionaries who laid the foundation of the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CAVAC) a half a century ago, special recognition was given to its founding members, including active charter members Tom Davies, 1974-1995, 2022-present; Peter Diefendorf, 1974-2001, 2012-present; Bryan Ramsay, 1974-1995, 1997-present; and John Stephenson, 1974-1982, 1996-present; and WHEREAS, Established in 1974 and currently based at 106 Nelson Street, Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps relies on volunteer drivers, crew coordinators, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and general members, as well as paid professional paramedics; a high school student corps also supports its operations; and WHEREAS, In addition to providing emergency medical services (EMS) to Cazenovia and surrounding communities, CAVAC offers short-term loans of medical equipment, such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs, and has a New York State-certified child/baby car seat installer; and WHEREAS, The organization is led by the CAVAC Executive Committee, which currently consists of Kerstin McKay, president; Ron Scott, vice president and student corps advisor; Niki Ammann, secretary; Dennis Goldmann, treasurer; Rick Macheda, chief of operations; Chris Marconi, ombudsman; John McCabe, medical director; and Sara Mitchell, immediate past president; and WHEREAS, In 2023, this vital ambulance service responded to 958 calls; ensuring the local community is covered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year takes commitment and dedication from many people, including its paramedics, EMTs, and drivers who respond to neighbors in need; its crew coordinators and operational members who keep CAVAC running, organized, and on track; its intrepid student corps who bravely tackle the challenge of learning about EMS; and all the family members who encourage its members; and WHEREAS, For five decades, the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps has provided dedicated and professional Emergency Medical Services to the Town of Cazenovia, Town of Fenner, Town of Nelson, the Village of Cazenovia, and the surrounding areas of Madison County; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility their own by serving their local Ambulance Corps; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps on March 2, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps.