Chief Jay Potter Receives State EMS Outstanding Career Award

ATLANTIC CITY– Chief Jay Potter of the Upper Township Rescue Squad, after 25 years of service and over 50,000 hours of hard work and dedication, received the highly coveted award as “Outstanding Career EMT-B.”
This award was bestowed on him over 12 other nominees selected throughout the state of New Jersey. He received this award on November 12, 2010 at the Annual New Jersey OEMS Conference held in Atlantic City at the Sheraton.
Potter was nominated by the members of the Upper Township Rescue Squad. Bellow is a copy of his nomination.
“Leaders are not born, they are made. They are made just like anything else…through hard work.” It is with great honor and adoration members of the Upper Township Rescue Squad would like to nominate Chief Jay Potter for Outstanding Volunteer EMT-B. Jay began his career within the Emergency Medical Services field when he became a member of the Linwood Rescue Squad in 1982; shortly after his initial membership Jay became an Emergency Medical Technician. In 1985 Jay joined the Upper Township Rescue Squad where he continues to demonstrate his knowledge and dedication towards the community. In 1991, a short 6 years after joining the Upper Township Rescue Squad, through hard work and motivation, Jay was elected into the illustrious position of Chief. Nineteen years later; full of motivation, inspiration, enthusiasm and passion Chief Jay Potter deserves to be recognized; not only for his 25 years of compassionate service to the community but for his milestones reached in patient care, public access to EMS, disaster preparedness, and training in New Jersey. “Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all which have the potential to turn a life around.” Chief Potter has portrayed an endless amount of patient care over his time spent as an EMT. From band aids to backboards and unconscious to those who just needed someone to talk to; every patient is treated with respect as they embark upon their journey to the hospital. After working the traditional 40 hours a week for 25 years, Chief Potter has spent almost 52,000 hours readily available to provide patient care. Over that time many patients had the opportunity to ride under the compassionate care of Chief Potter. From thank you letters, to phone calls, and even personal visits; patient care is a well appreciated priority that is instilled within our department under the guidance of our Chief.
Being a local rescue squad, with many personal ties to the community, the Township of Upper has a Chief who is willing to help in any way he can. The public is well aware of the Upper Township Rescue Squad and its presence in the community for both assisting those in a time of need as well as taking part in various public events. The Upper Township Rescue Squad has taken part in events such as the Challenge Soccer Program, Field Day at the local school, Fire Prevention, Boy Scout Meetings, Soccer Tournaments, Firework Shows, Parades and many more. By partaking in these events Chief Potter has brought about a positive image for the Upper Township Rescue Squad. Individuals of the community have nothing but wonderful things to say about the squad, its members, and its Chief who makes this public access happen. Without his backing and support the Upper Township Rescue Squad would not be the community oriented squad it is today. The Upper Township Rescue Squad covers a large area of 5 different cities and 3 different fire districts; however, through the organization and effectiveness of our Chief, Jay Potter, we are able to effectively partake in community activities and be equally prepared to respond when disaster strikes. The Upper Township Rescue Squad houses multiple disaster response trailers for the state and county all which can be activated at any time. Chief Potter has taken the time to make sure drills are instilled to inform the membership what is in these trailers, when they would be deployed, and what additional supplies are required to make the operations run smoothly. Chief Potter has spent time constructing and stocking some of the trailers, teaching individuals how to drive with trailers, and offering classes to the membership to prepare them in time of a disaster. Without the persistence, wisdom and motivation of our Chief the Upper Township Rescue Squad would not be able to provide the personnel, equipment, and knowledge expected during the time a disaster strikes.
Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do; excellence is then not an act, but a habit.” As Chief of the Upper Township Rescue Squad, Jay Potter has worked continuously to drive this inspirational quotation home. Chief Potter enables training opportunities to be readily available for all members of the organization ranging from small scale informational sessions to large scale multi-company drills. Chief Potter shows no hesitation in considering various training ideas and viewpoints resulting in continual growth and strength of the membership. An exceptional characteristic Chief Potter brings to our organization is his persistence to strive for improvement. As Winston Churchill states, “to improve is to change, to perfect is to change often.” Through our weekly training exercises, classes offered, publications provided, and conference opportunities made available training experiences are never a question. Improvement, change, growth, and development are all idealistic characteristics portraying the opportunities provided to us by our Chief.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you will be the guy who’ll decide where you’ll go. Oh the places you’ll go.” Chief Jay Potter is an individual who this quote truly describes.
From a young EMT to an exceptional Chief, Jay Potter has provided insurmountable opportunities for growth and development to all squad members. Chief Potter has given 25 strong years to being an Emergency Medical Technician, a leader, an educator, and a friend. Members of the Upper Township Rescue Squad would like to make the accomplishments of Chief Potter known to others and have him recognized for all he has done for us. Without Jay Potter as our Chief, the Upper Township Rescue Squad would not be in the well respected position it is in today.