Neighbor News
Harckham Honors Chappaqua Ambulance Corps’ Elissa Schilmeister
CVAC volunteer logged nearly 2,500 service hours when others could respond to calls due to the health risks during the coronavirus pandemic
New York State Senator Pete Harckham honored Second Lieutenant Elissa Schilmeister as the “First Responder of the Month” for October 2020 during a short ceremony recently at the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CVAC)headquarters on North Greeley Avenue.
Joining Senator Harckham to honor Schilmeister was Dennis Delborgo, acting director of the Westchester County Office of Emergency Management. Introducing the guests and honoree at the event was CVAC Captain Kate Clough.
“The dedication that Elissa brings to the Chappaqua community each day is extraordinary and deserves both recognition and gratitude.” said Senator Harckham. “While working tirelessly to safeguard residents and others during the pandemic, Elissa inspired her colleagues and demonstrated her leadership abilities. The thoughtfulness behind her actions shows that she sees the big picture and recognizes how much we are connected to one another.”
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Schilmeister, who is both certified as an EMT and ambulance driver, grew up in Chappaqua and began volunteering at the CVAC while a teenager. She has now served for five years in the organization. Since mid-February, she has logged nearly 2,500 hours of service at a time when many members cannot respond to calls due to the health risks during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Elissa’s commitment to the ambulance corps is way beyond what most people offer,” said Clough. “Her support for this organization, and for our community, helps bring out the best in all of us.”
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While holding down a full-time job at Teatown Lake Reservation Nature Preserve as an environmental educator and volunteer coordinator, Schilmeister coordinated the donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the ambulance corps from the County, local organizations and residents. She shared additional supplies, including a donation of over 25,000 masks, with various Westchester County agencies, local emergency services, FDNY and New York City hospitals, personally delivered many of the supplies herself.
“I really like volunteering—anyone can do it,” said Schilmeister. “Contributing to the well-being of my community makes me happy.”
