[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

With the summer coming to a close, and the tens of thousands of visitors back in the city, Catskills Hatzolah held an annual appreciation BBQ for local emergency personnel. Following each summer, with Catskills Hatzolah having responded to thousands of emergencies in the Catskills, Hatzolah has an annual event to show their appreciation to the local authorities for the great working relationship that exists. The event was held at the Catskills Hatzolah Headquarters in Fallsburg, on Brickman Road.

Dozens of officials from many agencies participated in the event, including the NY State Police, Sullivan County Sheriff Department, Ulster County Sherri Dept, DEC Police, Forest Rangers, District Attorneys, Fire Departments, local EMS personnel, “Medevac Lifenet-75”, local hospital officials, and others.

Mr. Yitzy Stern of Central Hatzolah opened the event and spoke to all those gathered about the work Hatzolah does, and explained in detail how they operate.

The guest of honor at the BBQ was NY State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico. Following a presentation to the Superintendent, he addressed the gathering, and highlighted the importance of first responders and the great void that Hatzolah fills.

D’Amico spoke about the importance that law enforcement always work closely with the community, and he is grateful that the Jewish community has liaisons that work closely with law enforcement agencies such as Joel Gold and Simcha Bernath.

Also receiving an award, was retiring NYSP Captain Jamie Kaminski, of Troop F Liberty, who worked closely with the Jewish community the past few years.

Following the event, many of the attendees passed through the dispatching room at the Catskills Hatzolah Headquarters, where they were privileged to witness Hatzolah dispatching calls – many of them more than 100 miles away in Brooklyn. Many were speechless at the speed of the time it takes from the call received by Hatzolah, until the members arrive on the scene. They were also highly impressed at the advanced technology that the Hztaolah dispatch system utilizes.

Catskills Hatzolah operates 365 days a year in the Catskills. While Catskills Hatzalah is affiliated with other Hatzalah branches, the Catskills division remains independent and receives no outside financial support from any other Hatzalah branch or government agency. Catskills Hatzalah must raise funds annually to maintain the state-of-the-art garage, large ambulance fleet, modern radio system and lifesaving medical equipment – and ensure that the organization is ready and able to save lives all year long.

(Chaim Shapiro – YWN)