One year later, with increasing support from the community, the larger, 5000 square foot 
facility on Virginia Avenue was built.  It was designed to hour 4 emergency vehicles and support 
the needs of 20 volunteers responding to 500 emergency calls each year.  

In 1986, with the addition of a special rescue team and community auxiliary, a rapidly increasing number of emergency responses and the need for additional emergency equipment, the rescue squad moved some operations back into the original cinderblock building, occupying a total of 7,800 square feet. 

In the more than years since the Virginia Avenue building was built, there have been dramatic increases in both the services provided and the number of people served.  In 1974 the rescue squad responded to 345 emergencies; in 1999 there were 1,394 responses -- a 304% increase -- and the numbers are still rising.  Since 1974 the number volunteers has also increased by 431%. 

During 2003-2004 a Building Fund Drive was executed to help raise funds for a $1.7m facility which would house all vehicles, volunteers, services, training rooms, and equipment under one roof.  The big move was in October, 2004 to their new location on Volunteer Drive off Dinkle Avenue. 

  
Second Ambulance

VOLUNTEERING EXCELLENCE:

The Bridgewater Volunteer Rescue Squad has a 30-year history of excellence in providing the community with the very best in pre-hospital emergency care available, without any cost to those served.  The service began in 1973 operating out of an unheated cinderblock building with a group of 12 volunteers and a used, 1963 Cadillac ambulance.  In the first year alone, the volunteers responded to 238 emergency calls. 

Training:

The volunteers of the Bridgewater Rescue Squad recognize that training is the cornerstone to providing quality emergency care to the community.  The volunteers choose their own training path and become certified and accomplished in their areas of interest.  Continuing Education is an intricate part of maintaining certifications and skill proficiency. 

FUNDING:

When the rescue squad began twenty-nine years ago the average cost to respond to a 911 call was $35.  Today it costs the rescue squad between $200-350 for every 911 emergency call received.  Since every responder is a volunteer, no money is used to pay the people who answer the calls for help.  Annually, the local governments provide twenty-five percent of the money needed to operate the rescue squad.   The remaining 75% of the money required to meet operational expenses must be raised by the volunteers through contributions from the people served.  The primary method of raising funds is the annual letter mailing campaign.  Each May the volunteers mail a letter to each household served by the rescue squad, requesting funds for the continued operation of the free rescue services.  Of the 5,500 requests for funds that are mailed, only about 16% of families contribute.  Fortunately, through strict budget control, and the generosity of those who do contribute, the rescue squad continues to stand ready to respond to the next 911 emergency call.

VOLUNTEERING:

Local citizens who volunteer with the Bridgewater Rescue Squad make the organization as successful as it is today.  People from all walks of life share the tremendous satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference in their community.  Few other volunteer experiences offer the thrill, challenge and rewards of serving with a team dedicated to “Neighbor Helping Neighbor.”  It only takes a willingness to share some spare time to become a volunteer with the rescue squad.  No matter what your interest, there is a spot for you as a volunteer with the Bridgewater Rescue Squad.