September 7, 2005
For immediate release

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Assistant Chief Peter Morris
Phone: 301 652-0077

This month the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS) begins its annual door-to-door fund-raising campaign.   For sixty-five years, the Rescue Squad has delivered state-of-the-art emergency medical, rescue, and firefighting services to Montgomery County, Maryland, and upper Northwest Washington, D.C., relying almost entirely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to fund its $1.5 million operational budget. Medical gear, firefighting equipment, vehicles, and training are just some of the operational needs that donations support. 

All emergency services provided by BCCRS are free. Montgomery County residents can obtain Rescue Squad services by calling 911. District of Columbia residents may call BCCRS directly, 24 hours a day, at (301) 652-1000, for emergency ambulance service.   The Rescue Squad is a member of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and responds to calls under a coordinated emergency plan.  The Rescue Squad works closely with the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department to coordinate its emergency medical and rescue responses in the District.

Residents of the BCCRS service area, including Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Glen Echo, and upper Northwest Washington D.C., as well as neighboring areas in Cabin John, Potomac, Kensington, and Rockville, can expect uniformed volunteers and emergency vehicles in their neighborhoods between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays. All personnel are always in full uniform and carry Rescue Squad identification.  Residents are encouraged to ask for identification.  Additional verification of a Rescue Squad member's status may be obtained by calling the Rescue Squad dispatcher at (301) 652-0077.  A booklet containing a postage-paid envelope will be left for residents who are not home and will be mailed to residents of apartments and condominiums. 

Donations fund our response to emergency medical, fire, and rescue incidents.  In 2004, BCCRS ambulances, medic units and rescue squads responded to more than 11,000 incidents.  In addition, BCCRS provides a variety of non-emergency services to the community.  The generous contributions from the public and businesses, grants from community organizations, and the efforts of 150 professionally trained volunteers result in an estimated savings to taxpayers of more than $3 million per year. 

BCCRS is a community-supported nonprofit organization that provides free emergency fire, rescue, and ambulance services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area and upper Northwest Washington, D.C.  BCCRS has evolved into one of the nation's most advanced rescue squads, providing compassionate, life-saving services to the community.   BCCRS does not receive direct tax funds.  Instead, it raises almost all of its revenue from individual donors, businesses, and foundations.  BCCRS is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to BCCRS are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

The Rescue Squad invites all residents to visit our website, www.bccrs.org, and to visit the Rescue Squad during our free annual "Rescue Day" Open House on Saturday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For further information, contact Assistant Chief Peter Morris at (301) 652-0077. 

Community organizations are encouraged to publish this information in community papers, electronic bulletin boards and listservs, and to reproduce and distribute copies of this release.