RVAC open house draws Riverhead families — and sends supervisor into dunk tank

Jerry Halpin got all wet — but it was for a good cause.

The Riverhead Town supervisor took a seat in the dunk tank on Saturday during an open house at Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters on Osborn Avenue.

“I just hopped in for fun,” Mr. Halpin said after a photo showing him about to get dunked was posted on Facebook. “It’s really all about RVAC.”

A handful of residents — mostly kids — got their chance to send the first-year supervisor and longtime pastor plunging into the chilly water on the sun-baked afternoon.

Mr. Halpin deflected attention from himself, saying the dunk tank was simply a way to point people back to RVAC.

“I’ll do anything just to raise awareness,” he said.

The annual open house gave families a chance to tour ambulances, meet first responders and learn how to get involved.

“They see the ambulance go down the road, but they don’t know what we do,” RVAC Chief of Department Jake Phillips told the Riverhead News-Review on Tuesday.

RVAC has about 120 volunteers, according to Mr. Phillips. Members are asked to commit at least 24 hours per month, though many give significantly more time.

No prior EMS experience is required, but members complete extensive training for certifications that range from driver/helper to paramedic.

A good volunteer, he said, is “someone who wants to help someone.”

Founded in 1978, RVAC covers a roughly 78-square-mile district and responds to about 5,500 emergency medical calls a year, according to the organization.

The corps operates five New York State Department of Health-certified ambulances and three first response vehicles. It also provides emergency medical and rehabilitation care at fire scenes within the Riverhead and Jamesport fire districts, along with standby coverage for concerts, sporting events and other large gatherings.

Residents interested in joining can apply on RVAC’s website or call 631-727-1686.