OUR VIEW: Co. 11 success is a real plus for community

Staff Editorial
Published: September 23, 2008

» SUMMARY: The success of Co. 11 in surpassing a state-mandated response rate benchmark bodes well for the once-troubled rescue squad.

A report last week that Culpeper County Volunteer Rescue Squad Co. 11 has met — and even exceeded — state-imposed response rate benchmarks was good news not only for the rescue squad, but also for our community as a whole.

It’s been a rough couple of years for Co. 11, beginning in March 2006 when members of the county’s full-time, paid emergency medical services staff filed a complaint that the squad was not responding to emergency calls around the clock.

After an investigation, the state suspended the company’s license in January 2007, then canceled the suspension, before handing down another suspension in May of last year.

Now, it appears the hard times are behind Co. 11 and it is moving forward successfully with excellent response time and staffing at pre-closure levels. That’s especially good news for those who need the squad’s services.

We commend Co. 11 President Tricia Trenary and Tom Williams, Culpeper County director of emergency services, for helping to bring about the improvement.
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GOOD JOB: Kudos to David Clatterbuck for his 46 years of service to Culpeper Regional Hospital.

Clatterbuck, 64, who suffers from a high functioning mental disability according to his sister, washes dishes at the hospital. But more importantly, he brings cheer into the lives of those with whom he comes in contact through his caring ways and friendly personality.

Clatterbuck says his job is fun and he likes his co-workers — and they like him.

CRH spokeswoman Abra Hogarth calls him “the heartbeat of this hospital.”

Clatterbuck is an example of someone who enriches the lives of those around him through his hard work, genuine concern for others and unselfishness. Although he cut back from full time to part time in 2006, he says he has no intention of retiring. We wish him well in the years ahead.