From “ambulance driver” Stuart Smith, who was an active responder in Newtown for more than a half-century, and local community leaders to Danbury Hospital emergency physicians and state officials, including Senator John McKinney, Representative Tony Hwang, and Representative Mitch Bolinsky, dozens and dozens of well-wishers, supporters, and curious community members poured into the shiny new Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters on Wasserman way for grand opening activities the weekend of October 18 and 19.

Saturday was focused on thanking many of those local officials and supporters with a soiree that included a variety of food and refreshments, tours, and a 45-minute speaking program.

Corps official and Member at Large James Wolff, Jr, led the ceremony before about 100 guests, introducing remarks from First Selectman Pat Llodra, NVAC Chief Michael Collins, and another half-century supporter and trustee, Dr Robert Grossman, who also joined Chief Collins for a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the facility’s front door.

Mrs Llodra marveled about the state-of-the-art facility, saying the new building was designed for a volunteer corps that will continue responding to medical emergencies for the next 50-plus years.

Chief Collins reminded those in attendance that the corps can always use more assistance in the form of volunteers.

“So if you ever wanted to see what it’s like to get in an ambulance and blow the siren, we’ve got a place for you,” he remarked, downplaying the life-saving potential each responder brings to every call for help.

Dr Grossman reminded the crowd twice that the facility was conceived and completed without using one taxpayer dollar, while adding that there was still well over $1 million that needed to be raised to offset the facility’s development costs and its current mortgage.

On Sunday, the first two hours of an extended open house were dedicated to fellow volunteers and responders from Newtown’s five fire companies, as well as medical and fire responders from surrounding communities, and as far away as Cromwell. Responders on Sunday were treated to barbecued dogs and burgers, Carminuccio’s pizzas, and other refreshments.

Then at 4 pm, the facility was opened to members of the public who took advantage of the opportunity to not only see the new building, but to learn about upcoming volunteer training programs, EMT classes, and other opportunities to support the corps.

For more information about the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, call 203-270-4380 or visit newtown-ambulance.org.

Associate Editor John Voket is a member of NVAC.