Westport Police, EMS Mourn Death of Longtime EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake
Press Release
The Westport Police Department and Emergency Medical Services are mourning the death of EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake. Crew Chief Blake passed away on Tuesday, September 20.
Crew Chief Blake was hired in May of 1990 and had a long and rewarding career serving the Westport community. He was a representative for the Southwest EMS Council for over ten years and was most recently the organization’s president. Also, Crew Chief Blake was a certified child safety seat instructor and helped organize numerous car safety seat clinics throughout Fairfield County.
In addition to dutifully serving the town of Westport, Crew Chief Blake was a volunteer with Weston’s fire department and emergency medical services for over thirty years. During his tenure he served as the department’s vice president and obtained the rank of lieutenant. Even in his off time, he wanted to serve.
Those who knew Crew Chief Blake quickly realized that his passion was to help anyway he could. Whether it be organizing a child safety seat clinic, treating a sick patient, or helping at the scene of a fire in Weston, Crew Chief Blake was there. His dedication and passion will most certainly be missed.
Deputy Chief Sam Arciola who oversees Westport EMS said that “Mark was an incredibly dedicated public servant as well as a widely respected EMT and he never hesitated to put the needs of others above his own.” First Selectwoman Jen Tooker stated, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Crew Chief Blake. On behalf of the Town, I want to extend my condolences to his friends and family as well as express how appreciative the town is for all his years helping our community.”
For details regarding services please follow this link: https://www.hardingfuneral.com/obituaries/Mark-A.-Blake?obId=25922840#/celebrationWall
Man Rescued from Waters off of Saugatuck Shores at Sunrise
Westport Police Department ReleaseAt approximately 5:55 a.m. this morning, Westport Police officers responded to Saugatuck Shores on a report of an elderly male who was missing. Several officers immediately began to search the area and a short time later the missing man was spotted partially submerged in the water.
Given the temperature of the water, it was imperative that the officers immediately begin efforts to rescue the individual. A canoe owned by a private citizen was located close by and deployed. One officer held the man’s head above the water while several others lifted him into the canoe. Once the man was safely in the canoe he was brought to the shoreline where personnel from the Westport Fire Department assisted with removing him from the vessel and then brought him to waiting EMS personnel. EMS evaluated the man on scene, and he was transported to the hospital for further treatment. While the man’s condition is unknown at this time, any injuries he may have sustained did not appear to be life threatening.
Chief Koskinas stated he was very proud of the of the officers who were involved in this rescue. “There is no doubt that these officers’ quick thinking and superior teamwork led to a positive outcome.” The Chief also extended his thanks to both the Fire Department and EMS for the valuable assistance that they provided.
Westport EMS Volunteer Awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by President Biden
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical ServiceAt Westport Police / EMS Headquarters, on October 13, 2021, Mr. Larry Kleinman was presented with The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his volunteer service at Westport Emergency Medical Service.
Volunteer EMS Crew Chief, Westporter Larry Keinman
The award, presented by the Office of the President of the United States and AmeriCorps (formerly known as the Corporation for National and Community Service), recognizes a lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through community service.
“Larry has demonstrated his skills, abilities and compassion in thousands of 911 medical emergency calls. The community and our organization are extremely fortunate to have an exceptional and dedicated individual like Larry Kleinman available and ready to respond to emergencies and provide community education. His logged in volunteer hours vastly exceed the minimum 4,000 hours required for the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award” said Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service President Mike Burns.
In addition to Mr. Kleinman, thirty-two EMS volunteers are to be awarded the 2020 President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
Westport EMS Needs Volunteers: EMS Certification Class Starts September 21st
Contributed photo Westport Volunteer EMSWestport Volunteer Emergency Medical ServiceContributed photoWestport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service (WVEMS) has opened registration for their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course beginning on September 21st. Space is limited and goes quickly. All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, including a vaccination mandate for all students.
The non-profit EMS organization’s volunteers continued to staff the town’s three ambulances throughout the pandemic - solidifying their dedication to the community - while nearly two years of missed classes has led to a decline in membership.
This highly-renowned course is taught by Westport Paramedic and EMS Instructor Rick Baumblatt, and will utilize cutting edge equipment and technologies in harmony with his over four decades of EMS experience.
High schoolers aged 14 and above are permitted to join the Westport EMS Youth Corps - a prestigious group of high school-aged members of the service that fosters leadership skills and prepares for possible future careers in medicine. Many Youth Corps members continue onto careers in the medical fields. Per State regulations, 14 and 15 year olds are permitted for EMR certification only, and can become EMT certified when they turn 16.
Contributed photo. Upon successful completion of the course and its testing, students will be eligible for state certification, allowing them to volunteer on Westport’s ambulances - saving lives in their community.
“Throughout the pandemic lockdowns, many neighbors actually reached out wondering when they could join us on the ambulances - as they had more time in their schedule and a passion to give back. This is your opportunity to join us in helping our community” says Crew Chief and Board Member Jaime Bairaktaris.
No prior experience or knowledge is necessary to take the course. Members come from many walks of life in our community; all enjoy the satisfaction of being able to save lives in their free time.
A full tuition reimbursement program is available to those who successfully complete the EMT course and go on to volunteer with WVEMS.
Those interested in obtaining additional details or applying should email the Westport EMS Training Division: training@westportems.org. Anyone interested in taking a CPR class or learning more about Westport Volunteer EMS should visit our website: westportems.org.