WEST VALLEY — Mercy Flight, West Valley Fire District #1 and Bertrand Chaffee Hospital recently received checks on behalf of the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) for their support of the ongoing cleanup site.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley, LLC (CHBWV) presented checks on May 28.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital was presented a $5,000 check from the West Valley Demonstration Project. Pictured (back row, from left): Paul Bembia, Director, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority; Dave Schuman, CHBWV Safeguards and Security Manager; Stephen Bousquet, DOE-WVDP Assistant Director, Office of Project Management; Kevin Murray, CHBWV Emergency Management Specialist; (front row) Erin George-Schwab, BCH Foundation Development and Community Relations Director; Teresa Donahue, BCH President/CEO; and Jason Casper, CHBWV President and General Manager.

“It is important to recognize these three organizations for their continued support,” said Stephen Bousquet, DOE Assistant Director of the Office of Project Management. “Their commitment to service and dedication to protect others is truly an asset to the WVDP workforce and the community.”

These three organizations serve as valuable resources for WVDP employees and the surrounding community. Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and its staff provide medical support, Mercy Flight provides air ambulance services and the West Valley Fire District volunteers provide fire and emergency services.

West Valley Fire District #1 received a check for $80,000 from the West Valley Demonstration Project. Pictured (from left): Dave Schuman, CHBWV Safeguards and Security Manager; Jason Casper, CHBWV President and General Manager; Stephen Bousquet, DOE-WVDP Assistant Director, Office of Project Management; Paul Bembia, Director, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority;
Dr. Edwin Heidelberger, West Valley Fire District #1 Board of Fire Commissioners; and Kevin Murray, CHBWV Sr. Emergency Management Specialist.

West Valley Fire District #1 was presented a check for $80,000, while both Mercy Flight and Bertrand Chaffee Hospital each received $5,000.

“These emergency medical services play a critical role in keeping our workforce and the community safe,” said Paul Bembia, Director at NYSERDA. “Knowing that there are dedicated men and women available at a moment’s notice further enhances our site’s emergency response efforts. We thank them all for their continued support.”

CHBWV President and General Manager Jason Casper reiterated Bembia’s sentiments.

Mercy Flight received a $5,000 check from the West Valley Demonstration Project. Pictured (back row, from left): Fatima Shehryar, Mercy Flight AEMT; Kevin Murray, CHBWV Emergency Management Specialist; Dave Schuman, CHBWV Safeguards and Security Manager; Paul Bembia, Director, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority Stephen Bousquet, DOE-WVDP Assistant Director, Office of Project Management; (front row) Jason Casper, CHBWV President and General Manager; Michael Kubala, Mercy Flight EMT; Josh Rice, Mercy Flight EMT; and Dylan Hart, Mercy Flight EMT.

“This day, we recognize the dedicated men and women who make themselves available for any emergency, should the need arise,” he said. “They freely give of themselves and use their knowledge to help those in need.”

The West Valley Demonstration Project is an environmental cleanup and waste management project located about 35 south of Buffalo. The project is conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management in cooperation with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. CHBWV is DOE’s prime contractor.