Volunteerism took center stage at the Middletown Township Board of Supervisors meeting on April 17, 2023, as Dr. Wydra from PennDell Middletown Emergency Services passionately advocated for community involvement. With April designated as Volunteer Appreciation Month, Dr. Wydra highlighted the critical need for volunteers in emergency services, emphasizing the rewarding nature of giving back to the community.

Dr. Wydra, a dedicated volunteer for nearly four decades, presented a compelling case for joining PennDell Middletown, which has been serving the area since 1959. He detailed the organization’s dual structure of career personnel and volunteers, covering a 25-square-mile area with over 6,000 annual responses. The two strategically located stations ensure effective emergency response times, a vital service for Middletown Township and surrounding boroughs.

The presentation outlined various volunteer opportunities, from riding on ambulances to providing event coverage at local sports games. Dr. Wydra also mentioned educational initiatives like CPR training, which volunteers can help facilitate. He underscored the benefits of joining, including formal EMS training, a length of service award program, and group term life insurance for volunteers.

As the meeting concluded, the board and community members were left with a renewed sense of purpose, encouraged to consider how they could contribute to the vital work of PennDell Middletown. The call for volunteers not only aims to bolster emergency services but also fosters a stronger, more connected community.