FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Rescue Squad Holds Annual Awards Dinner

December 15, 2005

The Henderson County Rescue Squad held its annual awards dinner Tuesday, December 20th, 2005.  The Henderson County Rescue Squad began in 1957 and was the pioneer organization in this county for all types of rescue services including vehicle extrication, rope rescue, inclement weather rescue, and water rescue and continues to specialize in these areas.  Today the Rescue Squad remains a 100% volunteer organization with 40 dedicated members offering their services twenty-four hours a day to the citizens of Henderson County and WNC.  The Rescue Squad provides back up to Henderson County EMS, medical standbys for many community and athletic events, extrication and rescue assistance to all county fire departments, four wheel drive ambulances, and assistance during weather related emergencies such as snow, ice and flooding.

            During the spring of 2005 the Rescue Squad was awarded a $28,000 matching grant from the North Carolina Department of Insurance to purchase a new inflatable boat with motor, water rescue equipment and extrication equipment.  The Rescue Squad kicked off their first letter drive fundraiser during December 2005, collecting donations for capital improvements.  Working in conjunction with Henderson County EMS, and the fire departments the Rescue Squad trained 20 personnel to be members of the Henderson County State Medical Assistance Team, during 2005.  This team responded in September to assist with Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Charlotte, NC during September.  The Rescue Squad also became a certified provider for Swiftwater Rescue, Dive Rescue and Open Water Rescue by the North Carolina Association of Rescue and EMS.

As of the second week of December, the Henderson County Rescue Squad had answered a total of 464 calls for service.  This year Henderson County Rescue Squad has documented over 3000 total training hours.

The new officers elected for 2006 are:

Chief:  Jimmy Brissie
Deputy Chief:  Jimmy Stepp
Assistant Chief-Rescue:  Rhonda Brissie
Assistant Chief-Medical:  Mark Shepherd
Communications Captain:  Jeff Tweed
Equipment Captain:  Scott Justus
Personnel Captain:  Mike Edney
Finance Captain:  Kathy Morgan
Logistics Captain:  Clay Brulport
Chaplain:  Bill McClure

The Board of Directors for 2006 are:

President:  Dwayne Durham
Board Members:  Nathan Holt and Scott Surrette
Community Board Members: Dr. Chris Estes, Bill Seals, John Shepherd

Other Recognitions from the 2005 Awards Banquet: 

• The Rescue Squad also recognized five new members: Toby Linville, Pat Stefan, Jeff Tweed, Wike Graham and Matthew Tweed.
• Joe Stefan and Jarred Walton received their EMT certification this year.
• Scott Justus completed his Rescue Technician certification.
• Bobby Miley received the Ralph Jones Award for answering the most calls, 123.
• The annual Chief’s Award, given to the outstanding Rescue Squad member for the year and named in honor of deceased member Herman Hawkins, was awarded to Mike Edney.
• Service Recognitions were given to:

·         5 Years – Bobby Miley, Jerry Pace

·         10 Years – Jimmy Stepp,

·         15 Years – Clay Brulport, Chuck Hunnicutt, Dr. Bill Lampley, Bill Powers

·         20 Years – Dan Owen

·         40 Years – Tom Edmundson, Gordon T. Hawkins

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For More Information Contact:

Henderson County Rescue Squad, Inc.
PO Box 1729, Hendersonville, NC 28793
Tel: 828-692-3487
FAX: 828-692-1642
Internet: info@hendersoncountyrescue.org