Neighbor News
Chatham's Rich Crater Named EMT of the Year
Overlook Hospital honored the area's best EMTs at its annual Emergency Medical Services awards dinner.
Berkeley Heights – At the 21st Annual Excellence in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) awards dinner held at the Berkeley Plaza on May 24th, Richard Crater was recognized as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the year representing Chatham. Each year Overlook Medical Center, a part of the Atlantic Health System holds an annual dinner to thank the EMS community, provide continuing education and recognize the area's best EMTs. The EMT of the year recognition is awarded to rescue squad members who are certified EMTs and have demonstrated a proven record for not only being a great EMT but also for going above and beyond their assigned duties.
Joe Korkuch, Captain of the Chatham Emergency Squad, Inc. described to the audience the characteristics that make Richard Crater EMT of the year. Mr. Crater has served the Chatham Emergency Squad for 16 years; he's currently President of the Squad and has also served as a Finance Vice President and Personnel Vice President. In these roles Mr. Crater has had a great impact in many areas of CES's operation and administration, for example he championed the creation of the Squad's scholarship program for high school seniors. In addition to his duties as President, Mr. Crater serves as the Squad's fund drive manager, responsible for the annual fund drive which provides nearly all of the Squad's funding for operational and capital expenses. According to Captain Korkuch, Richard Crater has also been active in the community serving as a Borough councilman and member of the Board of Education for the School District of the Chathams and the Borough of Chatham.
Said Captain Korkuch, "we are proud to have him as a member and a friend."
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Recent past Honorees from Chatham include Tim Brown (2016) and JIm Martin (2015). The Chatham Emergency Squad is an all volunteer organization serving Chatham residents, businesses and visitors seven days a week 365 days a year. To donate or learn more about the Chatham Emergency Squad, visit their website at www.Chathamemergencysquad.org
Photo caption: from left to right, Sharon Kelly, Overlook Emergency Services Manager, EMT of the year, Rich Crater, Captain Joseph Korkuch and Dr. John Tyrell
