By Stacy Parker
The Virginian-Pilot
OCEANFRONT, Va. — Debbie Joyner wants the public to know that despite damage from the 2009 nor’easter, the station at 3769 Shore Drive will reopen soon.
“We’re alive; we’re well,” said Joyner, a volunteer for Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Volunteers have been running duties out of Emergency Medical Services Station 22, at the nearby First Landing Fire Station, since the storm flooded their building.
Water rushed through the bay doors, bending one and forcing it off the track.
“I’ve never seen it that terrible in the 16 years that I’ve been there,” said Brian Ledwell, president of the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station’s executive board.
Giving up, however, was not an option.
The community — including area civic leagues, fire departments and local businesses — jumped into action to help the more than 60-year-old facility.
“The initial effort was heartwarming,” said Joyner. “People came with mops and brooms and shovels and hauled everything out.”
She added, “Everything that was wood or cloth was lost.”
Electrical appliances, including a washing machine and computer were also ruined.
Thanks to the community outreach, Ocean Park Rescue Squad Station, which answers emergency calls in the Great Neck and Shore Drive areas, is in the rebuilding stage.
“Work on the east wing of the building where our crews were housed will start as soon as possible,” Ledwell said.
Furniture was donated for the six-bed bunk room and day room. The building may reopen in mid-January.
Numerous neighborhood organizations that held monthly meetings in the station’s classrooms will be able to return when the repairs are complete.
The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation donated $5,000 to Ocean Park to be used for immediate needs. For more information or to contribute, contact www.opvrs.com.
Financing of the original Ocean Park Volunteer Fire Department’s truck and building was a community project. Club and individual donations provided the funds.
When Ledwell put the word out that a clean-up day would be held after the storm, help arrived.
“Members of the civic league offered donations and assistance,” he said.
Just as in the past, neighbors are making the difference for the local station.
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