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| In 1940, many citizens of Buena Vista took advantage
of a First Aid course that was required of all
individuals involved in civil defense work. As a
result, a group of young men joined together to
form the First Aid and Life Saving Crew. Their
main goal was to assist the local fire company
with first aid.
In 1941 the crew became defunct due to the United States involvement in World War II, as members from both the fire company and rescue squad were drafted. Things resumed where they left off, after the end of the war. |
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| In 1948, the Life Saving Crew drew apart from the fire company and organized their own group. The crew had aquired very little equiptment: one aluminum boat, donated by the Lion's Club, some rope, several spot lights, Scott Air Packs, and a first aid kit for each member. With the help of Senator Willis A. Robertson, the crew acquired a four-wheel drive military ambulance, which on many occasions had to be pushed to be started. |
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| In November of 1949 the crew broke ground for a
building of their own. Buena Vista became the
thirteenth rescue squad to join the Virginia
Association of Rescue Squads. In 1956 two of
their members were elected to offices at the state
level. This was quite an honor as the squad had only
been organized a total of eight years.
Since that time the squad has had four other members elected to the state level. One of those memebers, Ronnie Slough, has held four positions, including state president during 1996 and 1997. |
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| Members of the rescue squad are no strangers to
disaster. The city of Buena Vista has a distinguished
history when it comes to flooding. Members are ready, day or
night, to make daring rescues by boat or four-wheel drive
to all in need. Members not only understand but
live the words volunteer and sacrifice.
With the completion of the flood wall in 1997, the city now rests from its past trouble of water. No one knows when or where disaster will strike... the rescue squad, however, will remain trained and ready for any emergency where life can be saved. |