Tulare Regional Medical Center- Medical Tower Ground Breaking May 12, 2010

On May 12, we gathered to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for the new medical tower at Tulare Regional Medical Center. The call to order was prepared by Bill Postlewaite, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the United States Navy, the national anthem sung by Rebakah Felix, and “God Bless America” performed by Satish Kesavaramanujam, M.D., Randal May, M.D., and Cesar Ramos, M.D. We enjoyed hearing from: Parmod Kumar, M.D. and Chairman/President of the board; Shawn Bolouki, Chief Executive Officer; Mayor Craig Vejvoda of the City of Tulare; Lynn Dredge and Bill Postlewaite, Co-Chairs and Bond Oversite Committee members; and Linda Wilbourn, President, Tulare Hospital Foundation about their hopes and dreams for the new medical tower and how it will impact the county. The ceremony was wrapped up by a project blessing/prayer and time capsule contributions. After the prayer the board members rolled up their sleeves and each took turns breaking the ground for the start of the project. Lunch was provided by Koetsier Ranch Catering.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Golf Tournament

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation held its third annual San Joaquin Valley National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament at the Ridge Creek Golf Course in Dinuba on June 11. The foundation was created in 1992 to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. This nonprofit foundation’s mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen heroes and to provide resources to assist their surviving families in rebuilding their lives. We were glad to be a part of the tournament and to help sponsor such a great cause.

EMS BBQ

Kaweah Delta Medical Center and California Emergency Physicians recognize the importance of an excellent Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system and the impact it has on patient care. On May 19, in honor of National EMS Week, Kaweah Delta and the ER physicians group sponsored and hosted a free barbecue for all personnel who are part of the EMS system. The event was open to the Emergency Department staff and all first responders (EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement and Dispatch) who tirelessly respond to the public’s calls for help, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. More than 250 people attended.

Paul Main from American Ambulance of Visalia was the cook for the event and spent the afternoon grilling hot dogs and hamburgers. Mark Walker, also from American Ambulance of Visalia, assisted him. AMR Mobile Life Support provided the dessert. Fred Wu, Physician Assistant from Kaweah Delta Emergency Department, who was assisted by Dave Sanbongi, Prehospital Liaison Nurse, organized the event. Ted Ganiron, Assistant Nurse Manager from Kaweah Delta Emergency Department, and John Leal, Assistant Nurse Manager from Kaweah Delta’s Urgent Care Center, were also instrumental in the coordination of this event.

Battle of the Badges

This year’s Battle of the Badges was held at Plaza Park on Sunday May 23^rd. The event raised money for Greg Hernandez’s Family who lost a wonderful man in the line of duty last year. Thank you to all of the participants who helped make this year’s event a success. There were two winners, one for both the lower and upper divisions. The Corcoran Department of Corrections team, Bad Timez, won for the upper division and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department’s team, The Brawlers, took home the award for the lower division.