Brodnitzki and Reeve Win Ambulance Awards

By Bob Bumcrot

Honored: Driver Scott Reeve and EMT Gerry Brodnitzki.

The Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance Service have named Gerry Brodnitzki as the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the Year and Scott Reeve as the Driver of the Year.

Ambulance Chief Jon Barbagallo cited Brodnitzki¹s efforts while off
to revive a heart attack victim, and Reeve¹s assistance in a difficult removal of a patient from a second story bathroom. “They both exemplify our team spirit of helping whenever the need arises,” said Barbagallo.

An urgent appeal for volunteers to undertake rigorous EMT B training resulted in eight Norfolk residents completing the course and receiving certificates at the annual EMS Christmas party: John Riedeman, Gerry Brodnitzki, Margaret Alexson, Julie Green, Anne-Marie Travaglini, Keith Harvill, Tara Yard and Tom Bisetta. A nearby town produced only one candidate for the course.

Three other members were recognized for long years of service: EMTs Paul Padua and Edie Hofstatter and Driver John Hutchins. Awards were also presented to officers Sandy Evans, Daryl Eaton, Chris Little, Marc Tonan and Matt Ludwig, and to Cathy Cormier-Cleveland, a long-time instructor.

Photo by Bruce Frisch.