PHOTO LINK BELOW: Over 1200 people gathered this past Motzei Shabbos to honor the responders and dispatchers of Hatzalah of Baltimore. Hatzalah honored Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon as well as the Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department James Clack. Both the Mayor and Chief Clack have been staunch supporters of Hatzalah. In fact, Chief Clack wowed the crowd with the announcement that he has authorized Hatzalah of Baltimore to begin transport services this summer. He received a standing ovation for the announcement.

In attendance were Rabbanim, elected officials, community leaders as well as members of Baltimore City and Baltimore County Fire Departments.

R’ Baruch Gips of Boro Park Hatzalah who played a significant role last year when he arranged a 2 day gathering of various FDNY and Hatzalah personnel to meet with Chief Clack and his staff (as reported HERE on YWN) was also in attendance. He received recognition and an award from Hatzalah of Baltimore.

Eli Goldstein of Hatzalah of Baltimore presented a 2008 year in review featuring important statistical information important to the community. One major fact that stood out is the phenomenal response time of 2 minutes and 40 seconds from the moment the Hatzalah dispatcher answers the phone until the first responder arrives on scene. He presented the next phase of service Hatzalah will IY”H provide to the community (i.e. Advanced Life Support, transport) and costs associated with implementing these services.

The evening concluded with a video presentation that captured the sights, sounds and thoughts of several NY Hatzalah dispatchers and responders as they recounted their stories on video.  Nussie Josephy of Boro Park Hatzalah who provided much support, encouragement and video footage from that fateful day (9/11) was also in attendance and acknowledged by Hatzalah of Baltimore.

PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(Dov Gordon – YWN)