| Welcome to 2026 |
| By Chief of CALS Chris Shannon FTO | |
| January 1, 2026 | |
| Reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026, our organization and its members have much to be proud of. We continue to stand out as a leading group of volunteer Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers, even as other counties face challenges in recruiting volunteers. Our members remain the heart and soul of this organization. You welcome new members, uphold a high standard of professionalism, and remain dedicated to our shared goal of providing the best possible ALS service. The role of a paramedic has always been demanding, and advancements in medicine and pharmacology have not made it any easier. Even as the challenges of delivering volunteer ALS services grow, our members continue to meet them with determination and teamwork. Our greatest strength is our ability to work together, and this will be key to our continued success as an organization. Together, we can accomplish any goal. As we enter 2026, all members are encouraged to contribute in any way they can. With new faces joining both operational and administrative roles, those who wish to get involved are invited to reach out to myself or any officer of the department. The continued strength of our organization lies in our dedicated membership. On an operational note, flu season has arrived. Emergency rooms are experiencing high patient volumes, and 911 call volume remains elevated. Our Medical Director has asked all providers to protect themselves by wearing surgical masks during patient interactions. We need as much assistance as possible to ensure all ALS calls are covered. Thank you for your commitment as we begin 2026, and I look forward to seeing everyone "out on the street". |
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