The Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue department has been chosen by the Loeb Foundation to receive a $145,000 grant for a new Advanced Life Support ambulance, according to Chief Ann Spieker.

WVFR made application earlier this year with a request to purchase new or to re chassis the old ambulance for two thirds the cost. Re chassis is not as favorable a choice as new EMS requirements on design are required. Russ Collins, a medic for Washington, wrote the grant that was approved.

The Jesse and Rose Loeb Foundation provides financial support to local charitable organizations. Past recipients include the Amissville Volunteer Fire and Rescue and the Fauquier Free Clinic.

The Washington ambulance needing replacing, built in 1997, is over 10 years old, with some 93,000 miles on the engine and chassis. This ambulance has become unreliable as the real axle was knocked off several years ago when the ambulance hit a rock in a narrow driveway. This has resulted in continuing rear seal/alignment problems, according to Spieker.

The old ambulance also had water contaminated fuel in the engine and has never been right since. Despite a series of repairs it continues to suffer power loss which is evident on steep hills. Over the last year, the ambulance had to abandon four emergency calls due to mechanical problems. Those calls were covered by other county ambulances so patient care was not in jeopardy, said Spieker.

Ambulance replacement for most EMS Agencies is 10 years or 100,000 miles unless major repairs are occurring.

Spieker and members of the WVFR wanted to replace the ambulance with one with a similar design to minimize personnel training and comply with Virginia EMS regulations. A competitive procurement process will take place with at least three dealers to ensure an ambulance that meets design at the lowest cost.

Washington volunteers wish to thank the Loeb Foundation and the community for all the support given their department. With assistance given the department, Washington VFR commits to supporting the community when called upon.

Take a morning off from cooking breakfast and take the family to the Washington Fire Department on Saturday, Aug. 16 for a delicious breakfast to benefit the new tanker.

The cost will be $7 for adults and $4 for 12 under.

Anna Clatterbuck of Washington attended the wedding of her grandson, Paul Stoots to Leska Webb at Holston Hills Country Club in Marion, Va., on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Paul Stoots is the son of Fred and Sandra Stoots also of Marion, Va. Sandra is the daughter of Anna Clatterbuck.

Doug and Beverly Exline of Washington, Melvin and Mary Gochenour and Bud and Louise Clatterbuck all of Front Royal attended the wedding.

Belated birthday wishes go out to Lisa Dodson, deputy treasurer of the Rappahannock County Treasurer's Office. She celebrated her special day on Aug. 4.

Friends and family of Clarissa Leggett of Washington joined in celebrating her 80th birthday at her daughter's home in Warrenton on Saturday evening.

The Swedish Embassy catered the event. Among those who attended were her husband, Mayor Gene Leggett and their four children and nine grandchildren, friends and relatives.

Let's remember Chris Williams' father, Joe Williams of Chester Gap in our prayers each day. Mr. Williams had an accident on Aug. 7 and was flown to Fairfax Hospital where he underwent brain surgery, due to a head injury.

Chris Williams was formerly a major with the Rappahannock County Sheriff's office and is now with the police force in Front Royal.