October 10 , 2005
For immediate release

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Capt. Kendall Sanderson
Phone: 240-447-7028
E-mail: kendall.sanderson@bccrs.org

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Launches Recruiting Drive

           The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS), one of the nation's most advanced and best-trained rescue squads, is launching a membership drive to recruit new volunteer members.  BCCRS invites men and women 16 years or older who want to experience the excitement of responding to emergency calls and serving the community to volunteer a minimum of one night a week as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and firefighters.

            BCCRS has an extremely diverse membership that includes people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and professions ranging from accountants to full-time parents, and government employees to school teachers.    

            Applicants need no prior experience or training to join the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.  Members receive free, professional training at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy as well as annual physicals from the county’s Fire/Rescue Occupational Medical Services.  They also have opportunities to receive specialized training in such areas as swift-water rescue, rope rescue, and confined space rescue.

            For information on volunteering, call the membership hotline at 301-657-5557 or email membership@bccrs.org.  For information about BCCRS, contact the station at (301) 652-0077, or visit our website, www.bccrs.org.  

            The Squad is fully integrated into Montgomery County's fire and rescue service and works closely with the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department to coordinate its emergency medical and rescue responses in the District of Columbia.  BCCRS members respond and take command on emergency calls, working side-by-side with personnel from other county and regional fire/rescue departments.

            Now in its 66th year, BCCRS is a community-supported non-profit organization that provides free emergency fire, rescue, and ambulance services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland area, as well as upper Northwest Washington, D.C.  With 150 active volunteers--men and women who respond to over 11,000 emergency calls per year--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, BCCRS raises almost all of its $1.5 million operating budget from individual donors, businesses, and foundations.  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.