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Image of rescue trucks and ambulances in front of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad's station. Photo by Rich Fleischer. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in the News

     Clicking on most of the links below will open a new window in your browser and take you to a third-party site.  Note: For some older articles, links are not available.   

  • July 7, 2010    Rescue Squad Members Honored   Gazette   "Eighteen members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad were honored by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Training Academy on June 25 for completing additional technical and professional training associated with their positions on the squad."  (Scroll down to the middle of the page to read the article.)

  • May 12, 2010   Rescue Squad Volunteer Makes Singing a Full-Time Gig  Gazette   "When Chris Dudley tells fellow volunteers at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad that he is a singer, the response often is, 'What band are you in?'  But the 31-year-old doesn't sing in a rock band. His is a more classical milieu: performing as a countertenor, or male alto, in concerts around Washington, nine years since his finely tuned falsetto landed him a salaried position in the National Cathedral's choir."

  • May 11, 2010    Performing, Saving Lives Is All in a Day's Work, Fairfax Times     Falls Church resident and Rescue Squad volunteer Chris Dudley splits his work schedule between "saving lives as an emergency medical technician, singing in chorale concerts throughout the region and running his own voice studio. . . .   When he is not performing or teaching his 15 or so private voice students, Dudley often helps to save lives as an EMT with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. 'I see gunshots, car accidents and all sorts of mayhem,' Dudley said."
  • May 5, 2010   Taking It to the Streets Gazette  A team of 21 volunteers from the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (and 2 family members) took to the pavement April 25 for the Pike's Peek 10K road race. 
  • April 5, 2010 Firehouse Heroism Awards  Firehouse Magazine.  Day Staff members Lt. Curtis Warfield and Master Fire Fighter John Klavon are among the newest honorees in the Firehouse Magazine Heroism and Community Awards program.
  • March 3, 2010 Eating to Support the Squad   Gazette.   The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is hosting a few upcoming fundraisers--a spaghetti dinner on March 7 and a Shrimp and Oyster Feast on March 28. 

2009

  • December 21, 2009  County Rebounding from Massive Snowstorm    Gazette.    Details the impact of the recent snowstorm on the County.  "The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad was kept 'incredibly busy' by a series of minor car collisions from about 9:30 p.m. Friday to midnight in the Bethesda area, because the snow may have begun falling earlier than people expected, Rescue Squad Chief Ned Sherburne said Monday morning.    Even though the number of calls to the Rescue Squad was lower than usual over the weekend because most people stayed indoors, Sherburne said the squad was kept busy because each emergency call required more manpower . . ."
  • December 9, 2009 Chevy Chase Residents Concerned About Solicitors, Gazette.  Some area residents report the number of door-to-door solicitations--commercial as well as charitable--is increasing.  Article notes that the B-CC Rescue Squad derives a large portion of its operating revenue from its door-to-door fund drive, which ends by Thanksgiving.
  • September 30, 2009   Fire Stations Open Their Doors this Weekend, Gazette.  The Rescue Squad's annual "Rescue Day" open house (October 3) will feature fire and rescue squad activities, live demonstrations, a moonbounce, and a scheduled helicopter landing.

  • September 10, 2009   Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Fundraiser, Washington Post Montgomery Extra.  The Rescue Squad's Door-to-Door Fund Drive is now under way. 

  • September 2, 2009  Fire Departments Work on Recruitment, Retention, Gazette.  While recruitment is down in some places nationally, the number of volunteers overall in Montgomery County has increased about 7 percent this year and 14 percent over three years.  At the B-CC Rescue Squad, recruitment has held steady, and retention remains an important focus.

  • August 1, 2009  "My Children Are Inside!" A Rescue in Bethesda. Washingtonian Magazine.  Members of the B-CC Rescue Squad and other fire/rescue departments confronted life-threatening hazards as they rescued triplets trapped in a house fire in December 2008.  For a preview, click on the above link.

  • July 29, 2009  Lazarus Program Teaches Students Confidence, Community Service, Gazette.  "The academically successful students dedicate 200 hours to their project beginning in mid-June, after getting advice from leaders in the community, such as rescue workers at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad . . . "

  • July 8, 2009 B-CC Rescue Squad Volunteers Complete Training.  The Gazette.  Members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad were honored in graduation ceremonies at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Training Academy on June 26.  Thirteen Rescue Squad volunteers were recognized for completing training programs to become emergency medical technicians, paramedics, or firefighters.  (Scroll down through the "People and Places" column to find the article.)

  • May 13, 2009 B-CC Rescue Squad Gets Grant for New Equipment.  The Gazette.  The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad recently received a grant of $5,150 from the Chevy Chase-based Howard Insurance Agency, Inc. and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to purchase new equipment to strengthen its rescue efforts.

  • April 22, 2009   B-CC Rescue Squad Launches Volunteer Drive.  The Gazette.  The squad, one of the nation's most advanced and best trained rescue squads, is launching a membership drive to recruit new volunteer members. Residents 18 years or older who want to experience the excitement of responding to emergency calls and serving the community [are invited] to volunteer a minimum of 12 hours a week as Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics and firefighters.

  • March 25, 2009    Firefighters, Police Honored.  The Gazette.  Rescue Squad daystaff members Master Firefighter John Klavon and Lt. Curtis Warfield Jr. received the gold medal for valor, the highest honor given to public safety workers, for their part in the December 2008 rescue of triplets.  Since the first gold medal was awarded in 1978, just 10 such awards had been given in the annual Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards ceremony.

  • March 18, 2009  Sea Food Feast to Benefit Rescue Squad.  The Gazette.  "In 1978, current and former members of the rescue squad founded the Alumni Association of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad to preserve the squad's history, support the operations of the Rescue Squad and perpetuate the bonds of friendship among long-time squad members." 

  • February 2009    When You Call 911 in Maryland and Virginia   Washingtonian  Describes differences among EMS systems in D.C, Maryland, and Virginia.   “Our volunteers are trained just like our career people, and all are required to be qualified in fire suppression and EMS,” says Ned Sherburne, himself a volunteer and chief of the Bethesda–Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.

  • February 18, 2009   Emergency Officials, Ordinary Residents Honored for Saving Lives.  The Gazette.    Family of triplets injured in house fire thanks firefighters for rescuing children. 

  • February 12, 2009  Responders Who Saved Triplets Get Hero's Welcome.   WTOP Radio.   Firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics who responded to December 3, 2008, fire are honored for their rescue and treatment of triplets.    

  • February 12, 2009  Fire Heroes Reunite with Triplets.  Fox5 News.  "Back in December, quick-thinking firefighters risked their lives to save 2-year-old triplets in Bethesda, and on Thursday, Montgomery County and the family honored those firefighters for a job well done."

2008

  • December 18, 2008   Bethesda-Chevy Chase Seeks Rescue Volunteers.   Washington Post. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad is seeking people 18 and older who are interested in becoming volunteer emergency medical technicians, paramedics and firefighters.

  • December 5, 2008  Maryland Firefighters Recount a Harrowing Rescue.  Washington Post. Firefighters from B-CC Rescue Squad describe their heroic rescue of two toddlers from a burning home in Bethesda. 

  • October 15, 2008  B-CC Rescue Squad Member Inducted into Hall of Fame.  Gazette, October 15, 2008.    Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad past president and master firefighter David T. Chaconas was inducted into the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire/Rescue Association's Hall of Fame at its annual convention, held Sept. 18 in Damascus.

  • October 9, 2008  Rescue Squad Volunteers Take Top Honors.  Washington Post, October 9, 2008.  The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad honored volunteers at the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Training Academy's recent graduation. 

  • October 8, 2008  Helping the Rescue Squad.  Gazette, October 8, 2008.  "Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad member Shristhi Puri helps 4-year-old Jacob Kolton of Bethesda with the fire hose while his friend, Noah Reiskin, also 4 and of Bethesda, looks on during the B-CC Rescue Squad open house Saturday.  The event featured equipment demonstrations, children's activities, and information about volunteering with the Squad." 

  • October 1, 2008   Rescue Squad Holds Open House. Gazette,  October 1, 2008.  "The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad will hold its free annual Open House, 'Rescue Day 2008,' from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this Saturday.   Rescue Day 2008 is being held in conjunction with the Taste of Bethesda, the outdoor food festival held just two blocks away in Bethesda's restaurant district."   

  • September 25, 2008  Rescue Day to be Held.  Washington Post, September 25, 2008.  The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad will host Rescue Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4.
  • September 18, 2008  Rescue Squad's Fund Drive Begins.  Washington Post, September 18, 2008.  The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad's 68th annual door-to-door fundraising campaign began this month and will continue through late next month.

  • July 23, 2008  Advisory Board Debates Ambulance Fee.  Gazette, July 23, 2008.   The Western Montgomery Citizens' Advisory Board, which advises the County Executive, voted to reaffirm its opposition to the County Executive's proposal to charge ambulance fees.  Read more about ambulance fees. 

  • July 2, 2008  Big Train to Host Rescue Squad Night.  Gazette, July 2, 2008  "Firefighters and rescue workers will be on hand at the Bethesda Big Train Baseball game July 12 for Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Appreciation night"

  • April 16, 2008  Professionals by Day, Heroes by Night, Gazette, April 16, 2008.  " The Squad attracts all kinds of professionals, from teachers and lawyers to researchers at the National Institutes of Health and computer technicians.  Their reasons for joining the squad are just as diverse as the jobs they leave at 5 p.m."

  • April 16, 2008  FEMA Pulls Grant from B-CC Rescue Squad.  Gazette, April 16, 2008.   The Federal Emergency Management Agency has inexplicably rescinded a $246,000 recruiting grant from the B-CC Rescue Squad. 

  • March 26, 2008 B-CC Rescue Squad Members Complete Training, Gazette, March 26, 2008.  Twelve Rescue Squad volunteers are recognized for completing training programs to become Emergency Medical Technicians or Firefighters.

2007

  • December 26, 2007.  B-CC Community Holds Goodwill Dinner, Gazette, December 26, 2007.  "Community members reached out to those less fortunate at the 19th Annual Goodwill Dinner, held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad on December 19." 

  • November 1, 2007.  Rescuer, Bethesda Magazine, November/December 2007.  Rescue Squad volunteer Brooke Davies is named one of eleven Bethesda-area "wonder women."  "[A]t the sound of a siren, Brooke Davies morphs into her alter ego: a rescuer who quick-changes like Clark Kent into 60 pounds of gear, climbs into a 53,000-pound rescue squad truck and rushes to the aid of the community."   

  • October 10, 2007.  To the Rescue, Gazette, October 10, 2007.  "Eight-year-old Josephine Davis of Bethesda shoots a fire hose with help from firefighter Maggie Roberts Saturday at the annual Rescue Day in Bethesda hosted by the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad." 

  • October 3, 2007.  The Fire in Their Hearts,

     The Gazette, 10/3/2007.  Rescue Squad volunteer Kendall Sanderson receives Montgomery County Paramedic of the Year Award. 

  • September 15, 2007.  "In Montgomery County,"  Montgomery County Cable TV channel 21 (aired 9/15/07 and other dates).  Program features the Rescue Squad and its nationally renowned volunteer program.   For more information, visit http://www.mct-tv.org.

  • September 12, 2007  The B-CC Rescue Squad is Coming a 'Knocking, The Gazette, 9/12/2007.    The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad has started up its 67th annual door-to-door fundraising campaign, which will continue through late October.
  • July 18, 2007   B-CC Rescue Squad Members Get Top Honors in Graduation Ceremony,  The Gazette, 7/18/2007.   Sixteen members of the Rescue Squad were honored in graduation ceremonies at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Training Academy.   They completed training as Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics or Firefighters. 
  • April 25, 2007   Rescue Squad Launches Recruiting Drive, The Gazette, 4/25/2007.  "The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, one of the nation’s most advanced and best trained rescue squads, is launching a membership drive to recruit new volunteer members."  (Scroll down within the "People and Places" column to read the article.)
  • April 11, 2007  Rescue Squad Member Takes Top Honors, The Gazette, 4/11/2007.

    Two members of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad were honored in early spring graduation ceremonies at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Training Academy last month.

  • April 1, 2007  Hospital Administrator Draws Upon Jesuit Values, Scranton Journal, Spring 2007.   Hospital Administrator and CEO John "Jack" Lynch reflects on his education and experience, including his service as an EMT with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad beginning at age 17.  "It was an incredible confidence-building experience to drive an ambulance and be responsible for pre-hospital patient care."  (Article starts on page 19 of pdf document, on University of Scranton website.)
  • March 14, 2007   Grant Gets B-CC Rescue Squad New Protective Gear, The Gazette, 3/14/2007.   The Rescue Squad receives a $10,466 grant for personal protective gear from Bethesda’s B.F. Saul Insurance and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.
  • January 10, 2007    Rescue Squad Volunteer Saves Life - Damascus Man Saved from Burning Home, The Gazette, 1/10/2007.    Rescue Squad volunteer and Master Firefighter Tony Veith saves a Damascus man who was trapped in his home during a fire. 
  • January 2007     Rescue Squad named One of the "67 Things We Love About Bethesda," Bethesda Magazine, January/February 2007.   The Rescue Squad is Number 12 of the "67 Things We Love About Bethesda." 

2006

  • November 24, 2006    Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Needs Help, The Examiner, 11/24/2006.   The Rescue Squad, one of the nation's most advanced and best-trained Rescue Squads, is looking for100 new volunteers this year. 
  • October 4, 2006    Get a Taste of All the Community Has to Offer, The Gazette, 10/4/2006.  Rescue Day 2006 a big draw for families. 
  • September 27, 2006    Vintage 1972 Cadillac Ambulance Highlights B-CC's Rescue Day,  The Gazette, 9/27/2006.  The Rescue Squad's recently restored Cadillac ambulance, a favorite of children and families, makes its public debut at annual Rescue Day open house. 
  • September 2006    Joan Keller Answered a Call for Help, Next Door News, September 2006.  "Joan Keller's roots in Bethesda run deep, as does her connection with the B-CC Rescue Squad." (PDF File).
  • August 2006      David Chaconas Pulls Double Duty with B-CC Rescue Squad,    Next Door News, August 2006.  Squad President has been volunteering with the Rescue Squad since high school.  "An organization run entirely by volunteers, the B-CC Rescue Squad requires a chief leader just like any small company."  (PDF File).  
  • August 2, 2006    B-CC Rescue Squad Members Honored for Excellent Training, The Gazette, 8/2/2006. Nine rescue squad volunteers and one member of the Squad’s day staff are recognized for completing training programs to become paramedics, cardiac rescue technicians, emergency medical technicians, and firefighters.
  • January 25, 2006    Donation to Rescue Squad Helps Mobility, The Gazette, 1/25/2006.  A donation to the Rescue Squad will mean new bicycles for its Bicycle Emergency Response Team, which provides emergency medical services at outdoor events such as the Taste of Bethesda.

2005

  • December 21, 2005    Two New Ambulances Join B-CC Rescue Squad Fleet,  The Gazette, 12/21/2005.   Thanks to generous community donations, the Rescue Squad acquires two new ambulance/medic units, at a cost of more than $185,000 each.
  • October 19, 2005    Professionals by Day, Heroes by Night, The Gazette, 10/19/2005. In addition to providing emergency medical and rescue services to the community, the Rescue Squad also provides volunteers with a sense of fulfillment from helping out their neighbors and with skills they can use in their professional careers.

2004 and earlier

  • September 2004  Rescue Squad Serves as a Model for Recruitment/Retention, Volunteer Management Report.   "Why would hundreds of people volunteer 12 to 30 hours a week, undergo demanding training and subject themselves to a rigorous duty schedule and disciplinary process in order to serve the community . . . ?  It's the cachet of membership, as well as the camaraderie, the satisfaction that comes from serving the community and a sense of accomplishment that motivates people to volunteer with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad." 
  • March 26, 2003    At B-CC Rescue Squad, First Aid Arrives on Two and Four Wheels, The Gazette, 3/26/2003.  "Don't expect pretty pink streamers on, or baseball cards in the spokes of, the mountain bikes of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad's Bicycle Emergency Response Team."  Describes the team and its dedicated volunteer members, who provide emergency medical coverage at large events such as the Taste of Bethesda. 
  • March 23, 1992.  Rescue Volunteers Find Alarm a Sound Calling, Washington Post, March 23, 1992.  Describes the Rescue Squad and its "new breed of volunteer rescue worker, one used to dealing with psychiatric cases and child abuse cases as well as the traditional car wrecks and heart attacks." 
  • April 26, 1990  Bush Salutes Md. Rescue Squad, Washington Post, 4/26/1990.  "President [George H.W. Bush] yesterday marked the third day of National Volunteer Week and the 50th anniversary of the volunteer Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad."  [Click here to read President Bush's speech.]
  • May 12, 1988.  Donald Dunnington Dies; Founded Rescue Squad, Washington Post (obituary), 5/12/198. 
  • January 1, 1982.  Washingtonian of the Year, Washingtonian, January 1982.  "In his twelve years as chief, David Dwyer's Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad has served as a model for volunteer rescue departments everywhere and has enjoyed the sustained backing of its community.  . . . For ensuring his neighbors a free rescue service of high quality, David Dwyer is a Washingtonian of the Year." 
  • January 25, 1980  Rescue Squad Offers More than Drama to Volunteers, Washington Post, 1/25/1980.  Describes the volunteers at "one of the finest emergency medical service organizations in the state."  "Six and a half years ago, Mike Kiely was watching television in his home in Northwest Washington when he came to the stark . . . realization that 'there has to be more to life than sitting at home Wednesday nights watching "Charlie's Angels." ' "
  • March 1974  Call an Ambulance!, Washingtonian Magazine.   Describes evolving standards in Emergency Medical Services and the state of ambulance service in the Washington, D.C. area. "The best ambulance emergency rescue systems consist of ambulance attendants with training equivalent to that of a military paramedic [and] vehicles equipped and sized to be emergency rooms on wheels."  Features photographs of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in action.
  • August 31, 1953  Bethesda-Chevy Chase Squad Likes Trouble, Washington Post, 8/31/1953.   Chronicles the wide-ranging services of the Squad and the dedication of its volunteers.  "The public pays for the service through its donations--and the service, squad members believe, is the best.  That means that day or night . . . B-CC is ready to roll out of its cramped station at 4800 Fairmont AVe., Bethesda . . . [T]he phone rings and they cock an ear and the bell goes off and they head for the equipment with the haste of firemen moving out on a second alarm. . . . "
  • November 9, 1949  Bethesdans' Rescue Work is Far Flung, Washington Post, 11/9/1949.   "Saving lives and alleviating human suffering are almost a religion with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad."   
  • March 1949   Lifesaving Is Their Hobby, Coronet Magazine.  "Whenever lives are at stake, Maryland's volunteer squad of young citizens roars to the rescue, ready for any emergency. . . .   Ranging in age from 18 to 36, these men have snatched thousands of people from death's door."
     

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