| PUTNAM VALLEY, NY — On Saturday evening, members, family, and community partners of the Putnam Valley Volunteer Ambulance Corps (PVVAC) gathered for an anniversary dinner and dance to mark a major milestone: 65 years of continuous, volunteer-led emergency medical service to the Town of Putnam Valley and surrounding communities.
A Legacy Built by Community Determination
Founded in 1961 after neighboring departments were forced to adjust their service boundaries, 42 local residents stepped forward to create a dedicated emergency medical response team for Putnam Valley. Operating initially out of a single second-hand ambulance equipped with basic tools, the Corps was built on a foundational promise to answer the call whenever neighbors were in need.
Sixty-five years later, that commitment remains unbroken. Today, PVVAC continues to operate as a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization, delivering 24/7 pre-hospital emergency care, rescue, and transport services.
Honoring Excellence & Life-Saving Achievements
In addition to reflecting on six and a half decades of service, the evening focused on recognizing active volunteers who went above and beyond over the past year.
Highlights of the awards presentation included:
2025 Life Save Awards
Eight members were recognized for exceptional clinical interventions that directly resulted in saving a life during emergency calls over the past year:
Cole Caulfield (2 Life Saves)
Magdiel Perdomo
Ruben Castillo
Ian Clark
Kathy Reczek
Lisa Bendo
Sandra Bohl
Robert Rosenbaum
Top 10 Roster Hours (2025)
The Corps acknowledged the dedicated personnel who logged the highest number of on-call hours to ensure primary ambulance coverage throughout the year:
Jeff Clause
Cole Caulfield
Bob Rosenbaum
Sandy Bohl
William Sheridan
William Kirkwood
Lea Maney
Cheryl Silvernail
Heidi Metzger
Jean McGee
Top 10 Call Takers (2025)
Special recognition was given to the volunteers who responded to the highest total number of emergency dispatches:
Jeff Clause
Cole Caulfield
Bob Rosenbaum
Sandy Bohl
William Sheridan
Maryellen Brown
Stuart Wells
Jean McGee
Michael Surino
William Kirkwood
Celebrating Career Milestones
The Corps also celebrated members reaching major long-term service achievements, awarding Years of Service Pins and Riding Life Call Strips:
Riding Life Call Strips:
William Kirkwood — 5,000 Lifetime Calls
Stuart Wells — 2,200 Lifetime Calls
William Sheridan — 2,000 Lifetime Calls
Maryellen Brown — 1,000 Lifetime Calls
Cheryl Silvernail — 500 Lifetime Calls
Robert Rosenbaum — 400 Lifetime Calls
Years of Service Milestones:
55 Years: Charles Anderson, Mike McHugh, Anita Seiler
50 Years: William Kirkwood
40 Years: Kathy Brown Keesler, Mitzi Eagens, Giles Spoonhour, Louie Luongo
35 Years: Marge Kaplan, Sally Sypher, Willie Sypher
30 Years: Wayne Angstandt, Margaret Kroll, Debbie Petranchik, Stuart Wells, Laura Eagens, Mike Koening, John Petranchik
25 Years: Cindy Coombs
20 Years: Sheryl Luongo, Lindalee Turtenwald (Life Associate)
15 Years (Life Riding): Desiree Turtenwald
10 Years: Michaela MacQuigonon
5 Years: Adam Brener, Trevor McGee, Mike Soboleski
Looking Ahead;
As the Putnam Valley Volunteer Ambulance Corps enters its next decade of service, the leadership and membership extend their sincere gratitude to the town residents, local emergency service partners, and supporters who make this mission possible.
Whether through riding as an EMT or driver, or assisting with administrative operations, new volunteers are always welcome. To learn more about joining or supporting the Corps, visit www.pvvac.org. |
