NORWICH – Twenty four people attended an informational meeting hosted by the Disabled American Veterans transportation service on Saturday at the Norwich Fire Station.

Due to a lack of volunteer drivers, the DAV transportation service had reduced its services to only three runs a week despite the need for runs every work day. But a recent upsurge in volunteer drivers has allowed the DAV transportation service to resume running five days a week, and an additional van may be added during the early part of the summer to do clinic runs to Binghamton and Bainbridge.

“You tell us when you want to work because it is a job let me tell you,” said DAV recruiter Bill Gleason during Saturday’s meeting. “I don’t want to scare anyone away, but I don’t want you to have culture shock either.”

Although the Chenango County runs are shorter than the DAV circuits in other areas, administrators recommend volunteers prepare to dedicate an entire day when they volunteer. Volunteers will receive training, including a couple of ride-alongs with other, more experienced drivers. A cell phone is also available in each van so that volunteers do not have to use their own when confirming appointments. The riders also have a list of rules, which they must adhere to, mainly agreeing not to distract drivers.