Meet the Officers 2018

Chief Ori Sternberg

I joined the squad for couple of reasons: Gaining EMT skills makes me helpful in situations where prior, I couldn’t do much. Interestingly enough, I had multiple situations where I was able to provide urgent care outside my duty shifts. Also, we live far from town center and joining the squad gave me the opportunity to connect with the town.

Deputy Chief/ Operations Lt. Allie Deegan

I joined the squad as a cadet member when I was 16 years old to gain experience in the medical field. I immediately fell in love with the field and became an EMT right away. Being a member of the squad has given me a closer connection to the community and the ability to help people in their time of need!

Training Lt. Toni Gestone

I have spent nearly half my life doing medical research, and taking classes for CPR/AED and first aid but whenever I would pass a traffic accident or hear of a major incident with multiple injuries it always bothered me that I didn’t really know how best to help those that had been injured. One of the moms who’s son played on the GL Hockey Team with my son was an EMT for Berkley Heights and invited me to a Squad Open House. After talking with Squad members I decided to give being an EMT a try and have now been a member of the Squad for about 7 years. Being an EMT on the Berkeley Heights Rescue Squad is a volunteer opportunity unlike any other. No two calls are ever alike and so you are constantly learning and challenging yourself to think ‘outside the box’. It teaches teamwork, not only within the Squad but with outside agencies as well. Most of all, it gives you the opportunity to do something that really matters to those sick and in need. And it gives you a true perspective on what’s really important in life.

Vehicle Lt. Marc Schnitzer

It was during a career transition that I joined the rescue squad.  Turns out, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.  It’s empowering to to have the ability to provide pre-hospital medical and trauma care for acute and chronically ill patients of all ages.  In addition, I truly enjoy community health initiative involvement, such as discussing injury prevention with our town’s public school children.  As a volunteer, helping others is both necessary for, and appreciated by, the community as a whole.

Equipment and Supply Lt. Joe Plocinski

I have always been community minded and was active in my church’s youth home repair ministry. Joining the BHVRS is a way for me to give back to my own community.

President Joe Savino

I always wanted to be involved with the Rescue Squad since I was a boy scout and earned the First Aid merit badge.
I am the owner of a local small business and have the unique ability to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day.
After a family emergency in 2013, I experienced firsthand how vital it is for our community to have skilled first responders available 24/7.
Volunteering and helping people is very rewarding.

Vice President Tom Pirone

Corresponding Secretary Arlene Burnett

Having worked in a hospital my entire professional life, I know how good it feels to help people in their time of need. Joining the Squad to help people in my own community seemed like the natural thing to do!

Recording Secretary Monica Poulos

Treasurer Secretary Jim Cline

Being part of the Rescue Squad makes me truly feel that I am part of my community.