Honoring VB Rescue Volunteers During National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers. Virginia Beach has a long tradition of volunteers providing emergency medical services to those in need. VB Rescue is a unique system of 10 volunteer rescue squads that operate throughout the city. In collaboration with the Department of Emergency Medical Services, more than 500 volunteer and career members provide quality pre-hospital patient care, education and rescue services.  

Volunteers — The Strength of Our System 

Here are the stories of some of our EMS volunteers who make a difference through their service.  

Laura and Julia McFie, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (pictured top left)

Sisters Laura and Julia joined VBEMS more than 13 years ago, after they heard about the opportunity from a retired chief. Julia also had an interest in the medical field. She is now a nurse studying to become a nurse practitioner. Outside of volunteering, Laura has a full-time career as a manager and artist.  

The sisters said they believe being a volunteer is important because “we can help people within our community in their time of need.” 

Sherry Shults, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (pictured top right)

Sherry has volunteered with VBVRS for more than 23 years. She joined EMS after being convinced by her sister. Sherry considers volunteering as a way to pay it forward. One motto she lives by is don’t ever forget where you come from. “This is a daily reminder for me,” she said. 

Susan and Leo, Virginia Beach EMS Therapy Dog Program (pictured bottom right)

Susan and her furry friend, Leo, are part of the EMS Therapy Dog Program that brings certified therapy dogs to the field. Susan joined because as the director of a free clinic, it’s a natural fit for her to help people, she said. Four-year-old Leo lives with a macaw and loves pickleball! 

Susan said she volunteers because it’s fulfilling. “There is no better place to be than with the EMS providers,” she said. “We are preempting a problem by flipping the switch, when people are remembering the bad, but to focus on the positive.” 

Frank Minkewicz, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (pictured bottom left)

Frank joined EMS after witnessing a “wicked” accident and he didn’t know what to do –– prompting him to get his EMT certification. Since then, he has volunteered for more than 18 years. Being a volunteer EMT, he gets a sense of pride in being able to provide care and give back to the city and community where he lives and works, he said. 

More VB EMS Volunteer Highlights 

During National Volunteer Week, be sure to follow VB EMS social channels to see more highlights of our dedicated volunteers and their service to the community. 

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EMS is an award-winning third-service agency that answers more than 53,000 calls for service annually. Through VB Rescue, EMS uses a combined career-volunteer workforce and was named a 2024 American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold EMS Agency. Learn more about EMS by visiting ems.virginiabeach.gov. You can also contact Virginia Beach EMS at vbems@vbgov.com.