We are the members of the Leonardtown Rescue Squad. We range in age from 16 to 70. We are a diverse group of people with one thing in common, our desire to serve. Some volunteer because they are pursuing a career in medicine and some do because they want to learn to drive a large vehicle.  And then some volunteer just to meet new people. 

All the skills needed to become a member are taught free of charge.  You do not have to be a medical professional to become an Emergence Medical Technician (EMT ) or have a commercial drivers license to drive an ambulance.  We are looking for the young and the old. The retired and the stay at home mom or dad. Those looking to fill some time and those who can't sleep at night.  Crews are needed 24/7.  I am certain we can find a time slot to fit your needs.

Below is your chance to meet the membership.  Read about what they plan to do or have done for a living.  As you will see, most of the members are just like you. Prior to joining they asked themselves the same question as you "can I do this?"

ELIZABETH FEIST

Hello, my name’s Elizabeth Feist and I’ve been with the squad since November 2017. I had a friend in high school who was with a rescue squad in the county and a few years later, I decided to try it for myself. With the encouragement and support of all the members here, I took the EMT class and got certified. If someone told me a year ago how much I would learn or how much I would enjoy the day to day at the squad, I don’t know if I would’ve believed them. I’ve lived in St. Mary’s county for nine years now and I’m a part time student at CSM and I teach violin lessons at a Catholic school in Solomons. In my spare time, I love sailing, baking, and hanging out with my two cats, Sierra and Mojave.

JAKE T. KARACZYNSKI

I am Jake T. Karaczynski. I was born in New York City in 1954 and arrived in Saint Mary's County in 1975.  I joined the LVRS in 2016. Prior to joining the squad I did not have a background in medicine nor did I drive a truck. Both of these skills were taught to me once I joined the rescue squad.

My background is quite diverse. I have a 2nd Mate unlimited license and a 1600 ton Masters license. I taught at a Merchant Marine School, was a webmaster for Tracor (BAE), Director of Technology at Saint Mary's College and even served as a District Court Commissioner for 12 years.  I learned to fly a plane, I rode a bicycle across the Untied States, owned and operated the Ark and Dove Pub in Callaway and I am currently attempting to learn Spanish.

I joined the squad as a driver but shortly thereafter, I signed up for an EMT class and became a Nationally recognized EMT in 2017.  I volunteer every Tuesday and Wednesday from 0700 to 1700 and every day is more exciting than the previous one.  I look forward to meeting you and I would be more than happy to talk to you about my expierance with the LVRS. My email address is jtkaraczynski@smcm.edu.

CAROLE HOFMANN-BARLOW

My name is Carole Hofmann-Barlow and I have been a member of LVRS for three years. Prior to moving to St. Mary’s Co. in 1995, I taught German at WVU while working on my master’s degree, worked briefly for DOE in Washington, D.C., and later taught at ODU in Norfolk. Once I became a stay at home mom and after moving to St. Mary’s County, I became interested in volunteer work, first with the public school system,  and in later years, with Friends of the Library and now with LVRS. I have been an EMT for a little over two years now, have met many amazing and wonderful people, and thoroughly enjoy the excitement and challenges that come with volunteering with the rescue squad.

LARRY LUDWIG

My name is Larry Ludwig. I am a retired civil engineer who managed projects for the Navy, Air National Guard and private industry. I enjoy running, swimming, bicycling and working out at the gym. I also like music. I ran with the old Leonardtown/Hollywood Rescue Squad in 1969 and 70, but I had to move out of town due to work. After my wife, Mary and I retired, I saw an advertisement for EMS volunteers, and I started thinking about doing it again. I met up with some members coming to transport my mother, and I asked them if they take old guys like me. They said yes, and I applied for membership soon after. My reason for joining the squad is a chance to help people and perform a needed community service. These people are like my brothers and sisters. I have met some really great people, and I have made new friends and renewed acquaintances.