VARNA, NY (CortacaToday) – Emergency responders in Varna have been recognized at the state level.

The Varna Volunteer Fire Company (VVFC) is the 2024 recipient of the Innovation Award for Organizational Innovation in the field of Emergency Medical Services. The award comes from the State Department of Health and is given to agencies that demonstrate forward-thinking and progressive ideas to solve challenges in EMS.

VVFC officials say they’re being acknowledged for their work to create a more sustainable system with efforts in recruitment, retention, and alternative education models. In recent years, the group has worked to attract new members, hosting open house events and collaborating with Cornell and Ithaca College.

VVFC team members will accept the award at the 2024 Vital Signs Conference next month in Rochester.

In November 2023, VVFC was named ‘Fire Department of the Year’ by the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response.