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.