September 8, 2005
For immediate release

Photo Opportunity

NEWS RELEASE and Community Advisory

Contact: Capt. Kendall Sanderson
Phone: 240-447-7028

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS) will hold its annual open house, "Rescue Day 2005," on Saturday, October 1, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, rain or shine.  Rescue Day 2005 is being held in conjunction with the Taste of Bethesda, the outdoor food festival held just two blocks away in Bethesda's restaurant district.

Rescue Day 2005 will feature free fire and rescue activities and displays for all ages, including tours of the station; live demonstrations of emergency medical, rescue, and firefighting equipment; free children's firefighter hats and KidCare identification kits; free moonbounce; and free food.  In addition, the Rescue Squad’s most advanced firefighting and rescue equipment will be on display, including emergency vehicles and the CairnsIRIS thermal imaging camera that is used to help locate fire victims in blinding smoke.  Also scheduled are special visits by the U.S. Park Police Helicopter "Eagle One," and the Maryland State Police Helicopter "Trooper 8," which are frequently used to transport critically injured patients to area hospitals when time is truly of the essence.  Rescue Day 2005 visitors will have the opportunity to talk to the flight medics and explore the inside of both helicopters.

The B-CC Rescue Squad is located at 5020 Battery Lane, at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Battery Lane.   Ample parking is available at Montgomery County public parking garages throughout downtown Bethesda.  Visitors may utilize the complimentary Ride On shuttle service that circulates throughout downtown Bethesda.   For more information, and photos of last year’s Rescue Day, visit our website, www.bccrs.org, or call 301 652-0077. 

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.

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.