Donna Redmond was nominated for Squad Person of the Month for her contuined outstanding support and dedication to our community and rescue squad. Donna joined LPVRS in 1986. She was previously a member of Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad. Peggy Thompson talked her into joining LPVRS because we are busier and the experience would help her in the EMT class she was presently taking. I was 37 years old when I joined Ridge in 1985. I have always enjoyed helping people and felt the rescue squad was a great opportunity to do so. It is also very rewarding interacting with so many different types of people. When you know you have made a difference in someone’s life, it is very satisfying. The help is not always to the patient; loved ones are sometimes comforted and relieved by our actions. Few people know that she also has firefighting certifications and was a Paramedic for a number of years in our County. Donna also taught EMT classes through the University of MD. Donna was the 2023 recipient of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lifetime Achievement Award that’s presented annually by the St. Mary's County Commission for Women. She is also a member of the Southern MD Volunteer Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame.
In her spare time she spends it with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She recently got married and they love to travel.
If someone asked about joining I would strongly encourage it. At our squad we have a job for everyone, they wouldn’t have to run ambulance calls. You could join as an Associate member and help out with our fund raising group, “there’s always something to do.” When I joined Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad and then Lexington Park, I was working full time as Secretary to the Principal for St Mary’s County Public Schools. While going through firefighting classes, Bay District Volunteer Fire Department gave her gear to wear and allowed her to participate in their house burnings. When Ridge Fire Department purchased their first fire boat, she was the first EMT on it. Both departments have always been very supportive and patient with her. She is a life member of both LPVRS and SMALS. My oldest son, Ed Voorhaar, was an EMT/Fire Fighter and belonged to LPVRS for a few years.

Sandie Hicks was nominated as Officer of the Month for her outstanding support she offers to the leadership and membership of the Rescue Squad on a daily basis. Sandie is the Vice President of our LPVRS Associates who handles all of our fund raising efforts for our department. Whenever called upon she is always there to help, no matter what the job may be and with a positive attitude, earning her this recognition. Sandie continually supports the President and Chief of the squad without question. Congratulations to Sandie. She joined the Rescue Squad in 2011 after watching her husband and daughter volunteering for the squad. She joined as an Associate member and since joining in her 15 years as a member has been the Vice President of the Associates for over 12 years. She has had experience with being a volunteer member with another company while living in Florida. One of her favorite things about the squad are the friendships she has made over the years. Her outside hobbies of the rescue squad are Disney - anything Disney. She is a huge Disney fan - “not many people know that about me”.

Patty Ortiz was nominated as Officer of the Month because of her outstanding work, support and commitment to the membership of the Rescue Squad. She was elected as Captain 39 who “oversees the ongoings” of Station 39 and reports to the Chief. Patty has been a member of the rescue squad since 2019. “An old coworker convinced me to join.” Patty said “she loves helping people, and the rescue squad felt like a meaningful way to do that.” She also loves making a difference in people’s lives when they need help the most and working along side a strong, dedicated team makes it even better. Since joining the rescue squad her biggest accomplishments are receiving her EMT certification (able to take care of patients) and EVOC certification (being able to operate emergency vehicles). Becoming a Lieutenant and then a Captain. “I love helping people, and the rescue squad felt like a meaningful way to do that.”
One of her most memorable memories with the rescue squad was at the Colonial beach sirens parade 2025. “We prepared our units meticulously, cleaning and organizing everything since judges inspect every cabinet and piece of equipment. Out of
multiple participants we earned 2nd place for first responder and 1st place for our basic life support unit. It was a very proud moment and a great experience to be part of it.” It was great to hear Patty’s “moment” be a parade. It points out to our public, we aren’t just about 911 calls. We take pride in our members, department, vehicles and participate in parades/EMS Fire celebrations around our area and throughout the State. Patty’s keeps it simple outside of the rescue squad when asked about hobbies and work. She loves spending time with her family and watching Netflix and is a certified medical assistant at a local medical office in the area. I asked Patty, if someone asked you about joining the rescue squad - her reply…”I would tell them it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. It takes commitment , but the impact you make on people’s lives, specially in their hardest moments makes it all worth it.” I asked Patty what advice would you give your younger self: Trust yourself more, step outside your comfort zone and don't be afraid to take on leadership roles, you are more capable than you think. Patty’s never volunteered for any company before, LPVRS is her first.

I hope you’ve enjoyed our members in the spotlight this month. If you ever thought about volunteering for our organization stop by check us out ask some questions. Even if it’s not us, it could be another organization take Patty’s advice to her younger self…”step outside your comfort zone, trust yourself”. You could be the difference in someone else’s life.