IN West Jefferson Hills Spring 2014 | Page 56

IDENTITY THEFT In light of the vast media attention being given to a large retail breach during the recent holiday season, identity theft is on the mind of many Americans. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General “each year more than 10 million Americans have their personal information –including name, social security, bank account or credit card number – stolen. Often times, thieves use this information to open phony credit card, bank or utility accounts. Occasionally, the perpetrator will use the victim’s identity to secure benefits such as healthcare or government assistance.” As the Chief of Police of the Jefferson Hills Police Department, I am aware that our department regularly receives complaints from residents who are victims of identity theft and related crimes. Due to the nature of these crimes, prosecution is difficult and mostly unsuccessful; citizens regularly employing prevention techniques are likely to be more effective in combatting these crimes. BOR OU GH O F J E FF ER SON HI LL S NE WS est Jefferson Hills A Message About Identity Theft from Police Chief, Gene Roach JEFFERSON HILLS AREA AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS BY ROBERT S. ZIRKLE PA-C NREMT-P, JHAAA Medical Coordinator Kyle S. Liebold EMT The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office has a wealth of information on its website, www.attorneygeneral.gov/idtheft.aspx, regarding preventing identity theft and corrective actions to take if your personal information has been stolen. I encourage you to read this information, particularly the seven-point preventative checklist. Additionally, the police department has literature available that you are welcome to stop by and pick up. Jefferson Hills Area Ambulance Association (JHAAA) is proud to salute the year long tireless contributions of our volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics during 2013 in serving Jefferson Hills and West Elizabeth Boroughs and Forward and Union Townships. Selected for our Medical Coordinator’s Choice Award as Volunteer Medical Member of the Year 2013 was Mr. Kyle S. Liebold EMT. Mr. Liebold, 23, of Jefferson Hills, attends Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and shares his highly cross-trained firefighter, all-hazards rescue technician, and EMT knowledge and skills between JHAAA, during summer and semester breaks, and Perry Hi-Way Hose Company Station 43 in Erie County PA. 2013 Most Volunteer Hours was awarded to still active fortyyear EMS veteran Mr. Gary B. Vaughan EMT, 65, of Elrama. Mr. Vaughan contributed an amazing 3,488 hours from December 1, 2012, through November 30, 2013. Mr. Vaughan started in 1974 as a “first aid responder” with the Elrama Volunteer Fire Company’s ambulance service and was formally recognized in 1994 by the southwestern Pennsylvania 10-county EMS regional council with an award for his contributions to the EMS profession. 2013 Most Volunteer Calls was presented to Dustin L. Vargo EMT, 18, currently residing in Munhall. A young man most enthusiastic to apply his EMT training, who started with JHAAA as a Junior Medical Member, Mr. Vargo signed-on for 24-hour shifts every weekend which made him the highest volunteer call runner for 2013 at 125 in just six months. Dustin is now a full-time EMT employee with JHAAA. JHAAA is a combination career and volunteer EMS company with over 30 active volunteers who serve in various medical, administrative, and executive capacities. We are governed by an 11-member Board of Directors composed of seven volunteers and one community representative designated by each municipality served. Bob Zirkle and Dustin L. Vargo EMT Gary B. Vaughan EMT 54 West Jefferson Hills We are always looking for volunteers who wish to share their expertise and give back their professional talents to our communities as ambulance crew members. Inquire for training and membership details with Bob Zirkle PA-C NREMT-P, Medical Coordinator, by calling 412.384.0111.