David Malone, current co-president of Little Falls Rotary Club, spoke about his thirty-nine years as a member of the National Ski School, McCawley Mountain, Old Forge chapter.

With over 650 chapters across America, every member is required to have extensive training in CPR and on-site hospital room procedures, chair lift evacuation, knowledge of all safety equipment and its use, as well as being a proficient skier. Since 1938, the nonprofit National Ski Patrol has dedicated itself to - and has become the preeminent authority on - serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and credentialing to emergency care and safety services providers.

Roger F. Langley, then president of the National Ski Association, had an industry-changing idea while acting as an official at the National Downhill ski race at Mount Mansfield in Stowe, Vt. Langley was impressed by the "super patrol" for the race that Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole had created from members of the Mt. Mansfield, Pittsfield, and Burlington patrols. While watching the race at Shambles Corners on the Nosedive trail, Langley asked Dole if he would organize a national patrol like the one in use at the race. Not one to shy away from a challenge, and having lost a friend on the slopes two years earlier, “Minnie” accepted, and the National Ski Patrol was born.

All members are volunteers and while they enjoy the opportunity to ski throughout the winter, their first responsibility is to be ready for every emergency. Their equipment carried with them includes a helmet, first aid materials, radio, all weather clothing and heated boots, as well as using skis which are now wider and shorter than a few years ago.

Pictured with David Malone (left) are fellow Rotarians Barbara Smith and Larry Sargeant.