Earlier this month I instructed at a local OEC Instructor Refresher – something I’ve done in September for many years, but this one was particularly memorable.
To start the day, I was honored to present the Eastern Division and National Outstanding Alumni Awards to Roberta Fox, whose 50+ years of NSP service, and decades of leadership as an OEC Instructor, Instructor Trainer, and Senior OEC Trainer/Evaluator are legendary. Roberta continued in all these roles as an Alumni member without skipping a beat and received a Purple Merit Star for saving a life – proving the immense value of our skills and experience even when no longer actively patrolling.
Roberta and I share a special connection because 31 years ago I was lucky enough to be one of the candidates in the first OEC course she led as the Instructor of Record. At the time, I had no idea how fortunate I was to have had such an outstanding instructor!
L-R: ENY RD Jim Marco, EDiv Dir. Grant Fullman, Roberta Fox
Throughout the rest of the day, I had the additional privilege to work with a 15-year-old YAP Candidate named Ben, who served as a patient at our lower extremity injury station. Ben was packaged with various traction splints and backboarded at least ten times during the refresher – always with a smile and definitely learning from each cycle!
Roberta and Ben give us confidence in what we can accomplish in the NSP, and how bright our future can be if we seize the opportunities.
OEC Refresher Season and 7th Edition Textbook
This year’s Cycle C OEC refresher has been very well received. Don’t expect to fly through the online refresher modules at the last minute, as they are rich in content and professionally delivered. Work on OEC 7th Edition is underway by a National team, with a Spring 2027 target launch.
Six candidates from the Eastern, Central, and Pacific Northwest Divisions including our National Chair, Rich Pietrafesa (running for his second 3-year term), are running for four National Board of Directors seats this year. Please look for links to online candidate forums on September 22 and October 5; both sessions will be recorded, so you can view them at your convenience if you miss the live show.
Most of all, please make sure you vote in the election. Voting runs from October 15 until December 1, and we need a strong turnout to ensure we are well represented on the National Board. If you would like some advice on this, please ask your Region Director (or me) as the Eastern Division Board plans to endorse a slate of recommended candidates after the forums are complete.
Have a wonderful fall season. There’s a chill in the air and some of the trees are already in full fall colors here in North Creek! Miss Kitty is looking ahead to her big time, so let’s do the same and be ready when the snow flies! Enjoy every day!
