Kentucky County Rescue Squad Wins National Award
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced today that a Prestonsburg all-volunteer rescue squad is one of a select group of first responders from around the country to receive a national emergency response award. The Floyd County Emergency Rescue Squad joins groups associated with managing disasters including Hurricane Katrina, and the more recent I-35 Minneapolis bridge collapse and Charleston, South Carolina structural fire that claimed the lives of several fire fighters.
"Emergencies -- large and small- strike anywhere and at any time," said Rogers. "Whatever the size of the emergency one thing is certain - a quick response saves lives. In Floyd County, dedicated volunteers answer the call at moment's notice to help fellow citizens and strangers alike, and I'm proud of them."
Cited as a national model for increasing citizen preparedness, the Floyd rescue squad was highlighted for maintaining dedication amongst its volunteers, operating on limited resources and responding to a wide array of emergencies including vehicle extrications - a common incident on rural, mountainous roads.
The Floyd County Emergency Rescue Squad was created nearly 50 years ago in the wake of a tragedy that claimed the lives of 27 people when a school bus crashed into the Big Sandy River. Limited emergency response capabilities were a major factor in the high death toll. Today, the squad’s 32 members participate in drills, keep up their own equipment and raise their own funds to maintain an emergency response operating posture in Prestonsburg and surrounding areas.
The award was presented December 17 at the National Congress for Secure Communities in Washington D.C. This national group of government and private sector partners brings together federal, state, and local entities to enhance emergency management, convening annually to develop first responder training and disaster preparedness capabilities.
