The student-run Virginia Tech Rescue Squad recently elected and appointed its new officers for the academic year. These dedicated individuals will lead a team of 44 members, all certified as emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. 

In a swearing-in ceremony held in early April, the squad honored and recognized the newly elected leaders, highlighting their commitment to serving the university community with the highest level of emergency medical care available. Since its establishment in 1969, the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad has maintained an unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the campus community.

The newly elected and appointed officers  are as follows:

  • Jacob Wierer, chief, junior from Ringwood, New Jersey, majoring in aerospace and ocean engineering, College of Engineering
  • Colin Carnley, administrative captain, senior from Richmond, Virginia, majoring in clinical neuroscience and public health, College of Science and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Catherine Carter, operations captain, senior from South Plains, New Jersey, majoring in clinical neuroscience, College of Science
  • Matthew Hoffman, personnel officer, junior from Ashburn, Virginia, majoring in clinical neuroscience, College of Science 
  • Kaid Fuhrman, training officer, senior from Salem, Virginia, majoring in public health, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Reina Rodriguez, public outreach officer, junior from Chesapeake, Virginia, majoring in national security and foreign affairs and public health, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Tim Wojcik, equipment officer, senior from Poquoson, Virginia, majoring in aerospace engineering, College of Engineering 
  • Evan McAndrews, vehicles officer, junior from Charlotte, North Carolina, majoring in political science, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
  • Thomas Feely, communications officer, junior from Media, Pennsylvania, majoring in construction engineering, College of Engineering
  • Amanda White, membership chair, junior from Media, Pennsylvania, majoring in biological sciences and human nutrition, foods, and exercise, College of Science and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Peyton Weeks, parliamentarian, junior from Indian Trail, North Carolina, majoring in biochemistry, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Kelsey Priest, special operations officer, junior from Minturn, Colorado, majoring in forestry, College of Natural Resources and Environment
  • Milda Russom, member at large, junior from Lorton, Virginia, majoring in public health and human nutrition, foods, and exercise, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Jack Delaney, financial officer, junior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, majoring in biological sciences, College of Science
  • Isabella Iscaro, designated infectious control officer, junior from Olney, Maryland, majoring in biological sciences, College of Science
  • Sophia Cevenini, director of special projects, junior from Leesburg, Virginia, majoring in clinical neuroscience, College of Science
  • Hunter Brown, CPR coordinator, junior from Franklin County, Virginia, majoring in microbiology, College of Science
  • Albert Annan, quality assurance chair, junior from Woodbridge, Virginia, majoring in public health, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Alice Rosales, social media chair, senior from Ashburn, Virginia, majoring in criminology, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

These individuals were carefully selected for their exceptional dedication, leadership qualities, and expertise in their respective roles. They will oversee the squad's operations, strategic planning, and training initiatives throughout the academic year, ensuring the squad's ability to provide the best possible emergency medical care to the Virginia Tech community.

"Leading the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility,” said Jacob Wierer, chief of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad. “I am committed to upholding our organization's legacy of providing the highest standard of emergency medical care to the campus community. Together with my fellow officers and dedicated squad members, we will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of every individual at Virginia Tech. I look forward to serving and making a positive impact on our community." 

The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad's commitment to the campus community extends beyond immediate emergency response. Its members play a crucial role in delivering emergency medical services during major university and athletic events. They also provide continuous health and safety-related training, including programs like Stop the Bleed, for the university community.

Written by Linda Hazelwood