BELL COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD, Inc.

In the 1950’s a small child was lost near Middlesboro and after five days the child was found dead. This tragedy brought the attention of several business men in Middlesboro, the need for an organized group qualified to give assistance in such times. Through the efforts of nine men, the Rescue Squad was formed in 1959.

            A Charter from the State of Kentucky was obtained January 26^th, 1960 under the name Middlesboro Emergency and Rescue Squad, Inc. The Rescue Squad had 12 charter members who had no funds or equipment. The first piece of equipment purchased was a ½ ton G.M.C. panel truck purchased on a time payment plan.

             On October 2, 1968, the Rescue Squad had its name officially changed to Bell County Rescue Squad, Inc. The Rescue Squad now has an active roster of 27 members. 5 of these members are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) and 6 Paramedics.

              The Rescue Squad has a vehicle fleet of 2 extrication (vehicle rescue) Trucks, 1 transport unit, a Command SUV,  1 multipurpose SUV, 1 Flatbed support truck,  3 multi-purpose boats, 1 Rescue one connector Boat and 1 Zodiac (inflatable rescue boat), and a special response trailer. The Rescue Squad also has 5 ATVs, two of which are used to remove patients from mountainous terrain and provide medical transport for public events (parades, festivals).

               The Rescue Squad is looking forward to its 50th anniversary in 2009. This is made possible by an organization that is composed of dedicated, caring and compassionate individuals who are willing to volunteer their time unselfishly to help the community.

                The Bell County Rescue Squad is a non-profit organization that provides 24/7 specialized rescue services for Bell County, as well as mutual aid assistance to the Tri-State area through the efforts of 28 non-paid volunteer members. The rescue squad has specialized teams in many areas such as: vehicle rescue (Jaws of Life), search and rescue w/aid from K-9 units, high angle rope rescue, cave rescue, swift water rescue and recovery, and rough terrain/mountain rescue. Rescue Squad members spend hundreds of man-hours annually training in these and other areas, such as trench rescue, confined space and farm machinery rescue. In addition to these services we also assist other agencies such as ambulance services, the coroner’s office, law enforcement, and the fire departments, in a support capacity, such as providing lights for scene safety, on scene medical and assisting with traffic control