Harlan County Rescue Squad
Harlan County Rescue Squad
Celebrates 50 Years of Service...
Harlan County, KY (7/16/2009)
- In the summer of 1959, a group of about twenty-five
concerned citizens in Harlan County, Kentucky,
met and formed the 'Harlan County Emergency Rescue
Squad, Inc.' As it remains today, these citizens
all volunteered their time, efforts, vehicles
and specialized equipment, to come to the aid
of others during emergencies. In the words of
their present day leader, Captain Chris Allen,
"It began because we were having wrecks
with people trapped in cars and no way to get
them out. So, they decided to get together and
help those in need."
Exact dates and who did what back in 1959 is
somewhat fuzzy. You see, all the squad's members
were busy helping others during the flood of April
1977. That's when the rapidly rising waters of
the Cumberland River engulfed the rescue squad
building located near the river in Loyall, Kentucky.
As a result, all records prior to that month were
lost along with the building and much of the equipment.
Shortly thereafter, the squad rebuilt in its'
present location off US 119 near Keith, Kentucky.
Today, July 14, 2009, the fraternal descendants
of those original 25 volunteers will gather, along
with supporters and community leaders, to celebrate
"Fifty Years Of Service To Harlan County" and
their fellow man. As a thank you for their continued
service, three community minded organizations
have come together and purchased a new 'All Terrain
Res-Q' off-road patient transport trailer for
use by the squad in the county's more rugged terrain.
While actual delivery and a three hour orientation
session took place on Saturday, July 10, official
presentation will occur during a celebration diner
at the Harlan Center, 7 PM Tuesday, July 14, 2009;
fifty years to the day after the squad was formed.
Home to the 'Kentucky Mountain Trails' and 'Black
Mountain Off-Road Adventure Park', Harlan County
Emergency Rescue Squad is the primary rescue services
provider for these sprawling off-road vehicle
'Adventure Tourism' destinations. Funded by the
'Harlan County Ridge Runners ATV Club', the 'Kentucky
Mountain Crawlers' and the 'Harlan Rotary Club'
this 'All Terrain Res-Q' trailer will be towed
by one of the rescue squad's three Polaris Ranger
4X4 UTVs, or a Polaris Sportsman 700 4X4 ATV.
With tens of thousands of visitors annually, squad
members know it will get a work out!
www.EEResQ.com
|