Kennedy Fire Department

Rescue Squad

The Rescue Squad had its early beginnings in 1938 when the fire department was granted the authority to act as an emergency relief squad. In that year Dudley Sharp, Harland Ball and August Bloomquist were licensed to teach first aid and plans were made to hold a first aid course at the firehall. It was also voted on to cooperate with the American Legion Emergency Squad to provide any assistance that was necessary. Interest in the rescue squad died out for the next several years until 1944 when a 16 foot boat was purchased for use in water rescues. The next piece of equipment purchased was a resuscitator in 1952.
In 1955 a GMC Panel truck was purchased for use as a rescue vehicle. Jim Wiltsie and Earl Cross made the first patient transport to the hospital in 1959 using the Emergency Truck. The call was at the Gerald Williams residence for a fractured neck and the doctor ordered the transport to the hospital. Jim rode in the back of the emergency truck and held Mr. Williams head and neck while Earl drove to the hospital.
In 1973 the Board of Fire Commissioners passed a resolution officially authorizing the first aid and rescue program.
In 1974 a Dodge maxi van was purchased and used as a transport ambulance.
In 1979 Jim Wiltsie and Earl Cross were honored for their dedication and loyal service of the Rescue Squad. A plaque was made and is currently displayed on the rescue unit.
In 1981 a Ford Wheel Coach Mini-mod ambulance was purchased. The ambulance was also NYS Certified. The ambulance was later de-certified in 1987 due to lack of EMT�s and interest in the rescue squad.
In 1989 a Hewlett Packard Heart Monitor was purchased along with a modulator that was capable of transmitting heart rhythms to the emergency room over the med radio.
In 1993 a Ford E-350 ambulance was purchased and is the current Rescue 471. In 1999 the ambulance again became NYS Certified thanks to the efforts of Ryan Swanson and Dave Bellardo, rescue captains.