A Presidential Visit

On  April 25, 1990, President George H. W. Bush visited the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad on its 50th anniversary of volunteer service to the community as part of National Volunteer Recognition Week. The Squad’s volunteer members turned out to receive the honor and repaid the President with an abundance of hospitality. After providing a tour of the Squad’s station and an elaborate demonstration of the Squad’s lifesaving equipment, Rescue Squad Chief David Dwyer and President George Giebel presented President Bush with an honorary Chief’s helmet.

"A Point of Light"

In addressing the members of the Rescue Squad, President Bush reflected on National Volunteer Week, “. . . which salutes what I call this nation’s Points of Light, this vast galaxy of individuals and businesses . . . and voluntary associations working together to solve problems. This Rescue Squad really is a Point of Light; it is also a source of life. . . . I salute you, as does your community.  We respect and admire you for a job well done.”

President Bush singled out Chief David Dwyer, the 21-year chief of the Rescue Squad and a tireless advocate for the volunteer fire/rescue service.  "By day, he works at the NIH [National Institutes of Health]; at night, he's a volunteer--anywhere there is a need, anytime he is needed."   He also thanked Squad President George Giebel for the warm hospitality provided by the members of the Rescue Squad. 

"Thank you from the bottom of a grateful heart . . . "

The President was warmly received, and his remarks resonated with the members of the Rescue Squad, which began as a one-ambulance department operating out of a tiny garage in Northwest Washington, D.C. and evolved into one of the best-trained, best-equipped rescue squads in the nation.  Said President Bush, “So, by risking your lives to save others, you are on the front lines . . . and are finding the meaning and the adventure that all of us seek in our lives.”  He concluded by thanking the Squad: “[T]hank you from the bottom of a grateful heart. And I will try to continue to tell America how grateful we are for those who serve others. Thank you very, very much . . .”

A Culmination . . and a Continuation.

Prior to the President’s address, Rescue Squad President Giebel addressed the Squad’s volunteers and guests and reflected on the importance of the moment : “This is probably the biggest thing that’ll ever happen to us. . . . It is our fiftieth year, our golden anniversary, and this is the highlight of our career. It’s a good start for another 50 years of community service.”

Since 1990, the Rescue Squad has continued to grow. Today 150 professionally trained volunteers, a daytime staff, and two Montgomery County paramedics respond to almost 11,000 calls for help each year.  The Squad does not receive an appropriated budget from any government and relies on the generosity of residents, businesses, and community-minded organizations, as well as occasional state and federal grants, for funding.

For the full text of President Bush’s speech, click here.

Return to History. 

Photographs courtesy of Assistant Chief Johnie Roth.