First responders continue to be there for Hokies two years later

  A huge crowd gathers on the drill field to remember the lives lost two years ago, and it may be easy to miss the rescue personnel spread out among the people, ready to help if needed.  “Our officers and our members have put in alot of time to get ready for this event.  Our goal is to make sure everything runs smoothly. We have alot of extra staffing and some of our alumni are back, so we are as ready for this as we can be.“ says Tech Senior Tighe Marrone.
  Marrone and Jeff Russin are on the job today, just like they were on that tragic day in 2007.  They say what they learned as a rescue squad after 4/16 has been important when dealing with any big event.  According to Marrone,“The level of preparedness for an event like this or for a football game or any other large event where there are going to be alot of people around the university.  Our preparedness for that has definitely improved because of what we learned two years ago.“
  Jeff and Tighe understandably did not want to speak of their roles or experiences from two years ago.  What they did say was the number of calls they run have increased.  They were glad to help then, and happy they can help now.  “We all do this because we love Virginia Tech and we want to help people.  We want to help in times of need.  “While it’s one thing to wrap your mind around that whole situation, it’s another thing to say you were able to help. That’s something our rescue squad members take alot of pride in.“
  As they stand back and observe the memorial for those that died that day, these rescue workers are not only proud of their jobs, but proud of their university.  Russin tells me, “I’m always proud to be a Hokie”