Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • April 30, 2014 Young people swell volunteer ambulance corps’ ranks While other area volunteer ambu- lance corps have been reluctant to add young people to their ranks, the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps has been actively recruiting them and now counts 12 members under the age of 20. “This has increased our membership, enthusiasm and call volumes,” said Corps Capt. Tami Moses. One junior member, Matthew Dreier of Ridgewood, was sworn in last week as a second lieutenant. At the age of 18, he is the youngest member to ever hold office in the WVAC. “We’re proud and honored to have him in our town,” said Mayor Thomas Gior- dano. “He has been a tremendous asset to the Corps, not only by taking on such a responsibility at such a young age, but has proved himself many times over, taking on a job and following through and bring- ing forth new ideas. He has helped and mentored others who have joined, taking them under his wing, and keeps them involved,” said Moses. “He took 205 calls Waldwick Borough Clerk Paula Jaegge swears in Matthew Dreier as second lieutenant of the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps as his parents, Dr. Marc and Jocelyn Dreier of Ridge- wood, look on. for last year, and always acts in a profes- sional manner. He is a knowledgeable, caring young man who has gained the respect from his fellow officers, members and other agencies we work with: Valley Hospital paramedics, area ambulance corps and our police department,” Moses added. Meier joined the WVAC as a junior member at the age of 16, when he received his NJ State EMT certification. Five other young members from Ridgewood went through the EMT class and also joined the Corps. Last year, the Corps changed its by- laws to allow 18 year old members to drive the ambulance. This was cleared through the boroughs insurance company and was welcomed by the mayor and council. “This allowed us to take more calls, especially during the daytime hours, when most other members are still at work,” Moses explained. Meier also became the first member to become a certified driver at the age of 18. (continued on page 16)