Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Begins Annual Fund Drive

Contact: Peter H. Morris, Assistant Chief
(301) 652-0077 x204

September 1, 2000, Bethesda, MD — The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS) is pleased to begin its annual door-to-door fund raising campaign in Northwest DC during September. For sixty years, the Rescue Squad has delivered state-of-the-art emergency medical services to most of upper Northwest DC, relying entirely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to fund its operations. Firefighting equipment, medical gear, vehicles, and training are just some of the operational needs that donations support. B-CC Rescue Squad is staffed with over 120 volunteers, a small daytime crew, and two Montgomery County Paramedics. All services provided by BCCRS are free.

B-CC Rescue Squad's direct service to the residents of Northwest began in 1938, when the Rescue Squad opened its first headquarters in a garage on Military Road. In 1999 alone, B-CC Rescue Squad units responded to more than 1,200 emergency calls in the District of Columbia, a 19 percent increase over the 1998 level. Calls to the District of Columbia accounted for 12 percent of the Rescue Squad's total call volume.

B-CC Rescue Squad provides basic emergency medical services to areas of upper Northwest DC. In close cooperation with the DC Fire and EMS Department, BCCRS also provides advanced emergency medical (paramedic), fire, and heavy rescue services to the District under a long-standing agreement. District residents may call B-CC Rescue Squad directly, 24 hours a day, for emergency medical service at (301) 652-1000.

Door-to-door soliciting occurs between the hours of 5pm and 9pm on weekdays and from noon to 9pm on weekends. All Rescue Squad Members will be in full uniform and will leave a booklet for residents who are not at home. A postage paid envelope is enclosed for easy mailing. Residents of apartments and condominiums can expect to receive the booklet by mail.

B-CC Rescue Squad does not solicit donations by telephone. The Rescue Squad solicits donations by direct mail and door-to-door solicitations only. Residents who are approached by a telephone solicitor claiming to be with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad are being asked to notify the Rescue Squad at (301) 652-0077.

The Rescue Squad invites all residents to visit our website www.bccrs.org or come visit the Rescue Squad first hand during our annual Rescue Day Open House on Saturday, October 7^th, from 11am to 4pm.

For further information, contact Assistant Chief Peter Morris at (301) 652-0077 or peter.morris@bccrs.org.