Valley Ambulance Authority

10/04/2026

🐾 What a week for K9 Goose!

Over the past seven days, K9 Goose and his handler, Chief Herskovitz, have been on an incredible journey focused on learning, training, building relationships, and preparing to better serve others when they need it most.

Their journey covered more than 2,000 miles, 30 hours on the road, and 40 hours of intensive Crisis Incident Response Team K9 training.

From classroom instruction and scenario-based exercises to real-world training, every experience was designed to prepare K9 Goose to provide support when people are facing some of their hardest days.

Along the way, we had the privilege of working alongside some of the best K9 teams from across the country. We built new relationships, shared experiences, learned from one another, and came together around one common mission: helping others.

To everyone who welcomed us, challenged us, shared your knowledge, and helped guide K9 Goose along the way, thank you. The lessons he learned this week will be carried with him throughout his career.

09/30/2026

🐾 Building the Standard for Critical Incident Response

Valley Ambulance Authority Chief Brian Herskovitz and CIRT K9 Goose continue their Critical Incident Response Team training in Oklahoma.

Developing the region’s first Critical Incident Response Canine program is about much more than training a dog. It means building the right foundation, following established public safety standards, and ensuring both handler and K9 are prepared to operate safely and effectively when the unexpected happens.

Every new environment, sound, interaction, and training scenario helps prepare Goose for the situations he may encounter while supporting first responders, patients, families, and our communities during difficult moments.

The right training and exposure are paramount to the success of this program. We are proud to bring these lessons and professional standards back home as we continue building Valley’s CIRT K9 program.

Thank you to Paw & Order Dog Training - Pittsburgh, Tent Church Retrievers, and K9's For Freedom & Independence for there support and excellent guidance and training 🐾

09/20/2026

🚑 The Cost of Being Ready ⚠️

Although Valley Ambulance Authority was not selected for funding during this round of the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund, we are encouraged to see other ambulance services in Allegheny County receive support for their critical ambulance projects. Strengthening EMS anywhere in our region benefits everyone. We sincerely thank those who supported our application and continue to advocate for emergency medical services.

The information in this graphic offers a snapshot of the financial realities behind maintaining a modern, around-the-clock EMS system. We are extremely grateful to Moon Township for its annual contribution, currently calculated at $1 per capita. While this support is sincerely appreciated, the Authority does not receive any direct tax funding.

Insurance practices create another significant challenge. Highmark sends many ambulance reimbursement payments directly to patients rather than to the ambulance authority that provided the care. This process can create confusion, and a significant portion of the money intended to pay for emergency services never reaches the ambulance provider.

Grants and community donations help make important projects possible, and we are grateful for every dollar of support. However, they cannot replace a dependable, long-term funding structure.

Pennsylvania needs meaningful EMS reform, fair reimbursement, direct-payment protections for ambulance providers, and sustainable funding for this essential public service.

Our commitment remains unchanged: to ensure professional emergency medical care is ready whenever our communities need it.

When someone calls 911, funding should never determine whether help is ready.

09/03/2026

❤️ A Night of Honor at PNC Park ❤️

Valley Ambulance Authority Chief Brian Herskovitz and Deputy Chief Caleb Duda proudly presented the Phoenix Award to Caron Baker, Ed Rush, and Benjamin Fichtl in recognition of their lifesaving actions that helped give Moon Township resident Darwin Christian a second chance at life.

Moon Township Police Officers Lucas Tabacsko and Grant Delaney were also recognized for their critical role in Mr. Christian’s remarkable recovery.

On May 30, 2026, Officers Tabacsko and Delaney were among the first emergency responders dispatched to a medical emergency in Moon Township. When they arrived, Mr. Christian’s friend had already called 911 and begun CPR by following the ACES 911 dispatcher’s instructions.

The officers quickly connected Mr. Christian to an AED, delivered a shock when advised, and continued CPR until Valley Ambulance Authority crews arrived and seamlessly transitioned to advanced lifesaving care. Through the combined efforts of everyone involved, Mr. Christian regained a pulse. He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital and returned home just 12 days later.

This incredible outcome demonstrates the importance of early 911 activation, immediate bystander CPR, rapid access to an AED, and coordinated care among police, EMS, and hospital professionals.

Our sincere thanks to Allegheny Health Network and the Pittsburgh Pirates for helping us recognize these remarkable first responders and celebrate Mr. Christian’s second chance at life.

It was truly a night we will never forget. ❤️

08/04/2026

Alex touched the lives of so many with his kindness and genuine spirit. He was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, and his absence will be deeply felt by all.

Celebrate the life of Alex Kouvolo, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

08/04/2026

If you’re looking for your next chapter, consider joining the team at Valley Ambulance Authority.

Our Overnight Lieutenant is relocating to begin a new chapter, opening up an exciting supervisory opportunity for the right candidate.

If you’re interested in learning more about the position, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out today to discuss how you can become part of our team.

Email [email protected] or complete a job interest card at https://valleyamb.org/employment

08/01/2026

We’re excited to share another milestone in K9 Goose’s journey! 🐾💙

He worked on greater independence and officially began his scent detection training, another important step toward becoming a certified Crisis Incident Response K9.

Every training session brings him one step closer to serving those who serve others. We’re proud of his progress and grateful to Paw & Order for helping shape his future.

Watch this future hero at work! 🐶🚑

07/30/2026

🐾 K9 Goose is Heading to Oklahoma! 🚑💙

This September, K9Goose and Chief Herskovitz will travel to Oklahoma to train with K9's For Freedom & Independence during an advanced Critical Incident Response K9 seminar.

This training will continue preparing Goose for his future certifications and operational deployment as a Critical Incident Response K9.

These are not therapy dogs. Critical Incident Response K9s are highly trained Public Safety K9s that deploy alongside first responders during critical incidents, including mass casualty events, officer-involved shootings, house fires etc . Their handlers receive specialized training in Critical Incident Stress Management and operate within established public safety, privacy, and security standards.

At VAA, we’re proud to be building a program that reflects the same professionalism and operational readiness expected of all public safety K9 teams.

07/27/2026

Help us Congratulate Madison Tate in completing her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Madison has been with the Authority since 2021. In the last four years she has played an incredible role in patient care, community outreach and helping create a learning culture here at Valley. Congratulations Madison! We can’t wait to see what your future holds!

07/12/2026

🚂 A Historic Day in Leetsdale 🚑

Today, more than 15,000 spectators gathered throughout the Quaker Valley area to welcome the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014.

Valley Ambulance Authority was proud to coordinate EMS operations alongside our regional partners, including Medic Rescue, Patriot EMS, Collier Township EMS, Baldwin EMS, Ross/West View EMS, SouthEast Regional EMS, AHN Prehospital Care, Quaker Valley Fire District, Leetsdale Police Department, Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services, the Southwest Healthcare Coalition, and Beaver County Emergency Services.

Large-scale events like this require extensive planning, coordination, and teamwork. EMS crews and public safety personnel were strategically positioned throughout Leetsdale to ensure a rapid response capability while thousands enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime event.

While Big Boy No. 4014 captured everyone’s attention, first responders worked behind the scenes to help keep the event safe from start to finish.

Thank you to all of our partner agencies for your outstanding collaboration and professionalism. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this incredible piece of American railroad history.

🚑 One Team. One Mission. Keeping Our Communities Safe.