Andrey Trigubovich, named the new chief of East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue, has been a member of the group since 2009, and has served as a lieutenant and a first assistant chief. He takes over the top post from Barnaby Friedman, who served as chief for three terms.
A native of Belarus and a swimmer from the age of 7, his first job in the United States was as a lifeguard. “I really wanted to be a lifeguard. When I was a student I came out here to be a lifeguard,” he said by phone on Monday. He worked at both Indian Wells and Atlantic Avenue Beaches in Amagansett. He was a professional swimmer in Belarus, and has been a coach of the East Hampton Y.M.C.A. Hurricanes swim team and a member of the East Hampton Fire Department, all of which “reflect his dedication to water safety and emergency response,” said an announcement of his appointment from the town supervisor’s office.
“It’s an incredible honor to lead this team of skilled and passionate volunteers who dedicate themselves to saving lives and ensuring water safety year round. E.H.V.O.R. is built on a legacy of courage, teamwork, and innovation, and I look forward to working with our members and the community to continue protecting East Hampton’s waters,” Mr. Trigubovich said in the release.
As chief of the rescue group, he said Monday that he hopes to maintain and strengthen his “relationships with chiefs of other organizations,” and he wants “to work more on multiagency training and drills, and continue to improve as much as I can.”
Beyond responding to water emergencies year round, the organization also supports the various water education programs in the town. In particular Mr. Trigubovich highlighted the town’s Nipper Guard program, for children ages 6 to 8, which teaches young children how to swim safely in open water. Those youngest trainees can then go on to the junior lifeguarding program, where they learn the basics of ocean safety and develop lifeguarding skills.
It also works on initiatives like the Nanny Program, for people who care for children who can’t yet swim, and supports lifeguard certification for East Enders 16 and up. Its members can also be seen on alert at water events like the New Year’s Day ocean plunges.
In the release last Thursday, East Hampton Town praised the outgoing chief, pointing to his many successes leading the first-responder agency. “During Chief Friedman’s tenure he standardized the organization’s practices, fostered stronger integration with other volunteer emergency services, and helped members qualify for access to the town’s health insurance. His leadership elevated E.H.V.O.R. to new levels of professionalism and excellence.”
Also last week, the rescue group announced its 2024 award recipients. Jason Tuma was named its member of the year and Carleen Meers received the Eddie Would Go Award. Ms. Meers was recognized for “her resilience in overcoming personal challenges to succeed in ocean rescue.” The organization said that Mr.
Tuma’s “positive attitude and dedication to E.H.V.O.R.’s mission exemplify the volunteer spirit that drives the organization forward.”
“East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue is a shining example of community service at its finest,” East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said in the release from the town. “Their dedication to safeguarding our waters, educating the public, and innovating in lifesaving techniques is truly inspiring.”
East Hampton Volunteer Ocean Rescue has more than 80 members.
Recognized as a first responder organization in 2020, it now has over 80 members, who are eligible for a 10-percent real property tax exemption similar to one available to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.
Legislation allowing for the exemption was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dec. 21. To be eligible for the exemption in East Hampton Town, a volunteer must be a member for at least two years and have a primary residence in the town. The exemption also extends to spouses of members who were killed in the line of duty and have not remarried.
“The purpose of this is to recognize the service of the volunteer squad and encourage volunteerism in that squad,” Robert Connelly, the East Hampton Town attorney, said at a town board meeting Tuesday.
Those eligible can apply with the East Hampton Town Assessor’s office.
With Reporting by Christopher Gangemi
