BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- For the first time in years Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad is reporting an uptick in volunteers.

That’s a welcome change from a national trend that’s left volunteer departments short-handed and rural areas vulnerable.

Like most rescue squads and fire departments the OVRS saw a drastic decline in volunteers in the wake of COVID-19.

Chief Ken Gardner said the reasons for the decline ranged from stricter state regulations and training requirements, a downturn in the economy which made it more difficult for volunteers to find time and change in culture that steered away from volunteerism.

"Our current roster comprises 39 volunteers, and at the time of this report, we have received one additional volunteer application. Despite the current trend of declining volunteer membership among most Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies in New York State, the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad has not been exempted from this trend. However, we have witnessed a resurgence in our membership in 2024," Gardner shared in an annual report issued by the squad.

"Volunteers continue to fulfill their duty shifts on both day and night. Their unwavering dedication has resulted in a remarkable contribution of over 42,320 hours to their communities in 2024. At the prevailing market rate for paid providers, this represents a substantial financial savings of over $1,311,920.00 to the communities we serve, encompassing salary and benefits such as health insurance and pensions."

Gardner said in 2024 OVRS added 14 new members.

" Our Volunteer Members hail from many different Cities and Towns in St. Lawrence County. We are also privileged to have Volunteers from Canada, as far away as Montreal and Ottawa. For the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, this commitment is truly remarkable. It is noteworthy that the volunteers of the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad do not receive any compensation for their invaluable service to their community," the said.

Gardner said the OVRS volunteers boast significant experience.

"The volunteer ranks include one individual with over 50 years of service, one with 44 years, one with over 30 years, one with over 25 years, two with over 20 years, one with over 15 years, four with over 10 years, four with over 5 years, and twenty-four with less than five years of service."

While the influx of volunteers is a welcome change in an ongoing trend, demands on the squad have also ramped up.

"Despite our recent increase in Volunteer Membership, we have not yet seen a corresponding surge in certified providers. The New York State Department of Health has classified the EMT Class as a college-level course, necessitating additional classroom and clinical hours for certification acquisition. OVRS will cover the expenses of members who wish to attend classes up to the Paramedic level, which simplifies the Volunteer’s financial responsibility," Gardner said in his report.

"However, this still presents a significant challenge, as volunteers often juggle work, family responsibilities, mandatory volunteer hours at the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, and the demanding coursework required to become an EMT. Becoming a Paramedic after obtaining an EMT certification requires nearly three times the additional classroom and clinical hours."

He said the  ongoing shortage of certified EMS providers, both paid and volunteer, continues to pose staffing difficulties.

"We currently employ 11 full-time and 15 part-time per diem providers and drivers to meet our public obligations. The maintenance and replacement of equipment remain substantial burdens. It is crucial to emphasize the vital role of Volunteer Drivers, who must be Certified Emergency Vehicle Operators, in the operations of OVRS. Without these dedicated volunteers, we would be unable to respond to the urgent calls for our services on a timely basis, particularly on the second, third, or fourth calls," he said.

So while the trend is moving in the right direction, the rescue squad is hopeful the renewed interest in volunteering continues.