64°
Barach, who's also chairman of one of the TVAC fundraising committees, was honored for his service Thursday by the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce at its 14th annual Community Awards Dinner at the Glenpointe Marriot.
“It’s easy to lose sight that not everyone is so comfortable," he said. "There are people with medical problems, issues. Even healthy people get into car accidents.
"I feel volunteering is important to help the community at large.”
Barach moved to Teaneck in 1998 with his wife, Judy, and five children. He is a TVAC life member — meaning he's served for at least 10 years and has upheld the standards of the corps.
“It gives me a sense of fulfillment in life,” he said.
Even before joining TVAC, Barach formed a Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) at his job at AT&T in Bedminster.
“We were the first responders for the building,” he said. “We would do what we could until paramedics arrived.”
Barach has been chairman of the TVAC Blood Drive Committee since 2002, producing more than 800 units -- 54 so far this year. -- that have helped treat illnesses and saved lives.
"As a volunteer organization, TVAC does not invoice for services, and is dependent on contributions from the public and local businesses," he said. "Residents never have to worry about receiving a bill from TVAC after they have been treated or transported to the hospital in their hour of need."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Teaneck and receive free news updates.
