White Oak Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. 

History

In February 1991, a group of dedicated citizens saw the need for a volunteer rescue squad in the south eastern part of Stafford, specifically White Oak.  At the time, this area of Stafford County was serviced primilary by Fredericksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Brooke Volunteer Firemans Association. Founding members Carl Lee, Jan O. Wilson, Sonny Edwards, Jim and Becky Guy, John and Terri Van Hoy came together with a vision to start a volunteer rescue squad that would better serve the citizens of the White Oak area.  

Starting a project such as this is a daunting task, but the founding members were up for the challange. In March of 1991, things started moving fast. Articles of Incorpotation were signed and sent to the State, and the Stafford Volunteer Chief's Association voted to unaniamously to support the project. In April of 1991 the Stafford Board of Supervisor approved a resoultion for the rescue squad. At this point we needed land and a building. In May of 1991, Mrs. Virginia Myers generoulsy donated one acre of land for the squad and Mrs. Gloria Gray gave a financial donation. The leadership team then decided to move forward with the building proposal from ASI for a 7200 square foot building, and in June 1991 a sign went up stating, "Future Site of The White Oak Volunteer Rescue Squad". The team continued to meet in each others homes until October when New Hope Church agreed to allow them to use their building as a meeting place. With the help of the White Oak Volunteer Fire Deparatment, fund raisers were held that included, chilli dinners, spaghetti dinners, and Bingo. 

In January 1992, the focus was fund raising and getting trained personnel to respond to emergencies. Site plans were submitted, the adjacent property owners were notified of the Squad's intentions to build, a new plot was drawn, erosion control was established, and a meeting with the bank was held for financing. In the meantime, a EMT class was to start on January 27. Fundraising was still going strong with donation jars, Bingo, fish netting, craft fairs, door-to-door, raffles, annual fund drive letters, and special dinners.

Aquia Harbour Volunteer Rescue Squad gracioulsy donated a 1982 ambulance to us in March 1992. Brooke Volunteer Fire Safety Association sold a 1984 model ambulance to WOVRS for $2000.  The "Ambulance Equipment Committee" took on the task of stocking both ambulances with emergnecy equipment, purchasing the radio's, completing repairs, and having the units painted and lettered. 

On April 26,1992 we held our ground breaking ceremony. The construction of the building can now begin.

In June of 1992, our partners at the White Oak Volunteer Fire Department agreed to allow us to use their building until ours want completed and we get moved in. WOVFD has been a huge supporter of our efforts and we will be eternially grateful. The next step was to register with the Virginia Office of EMS and become licensed to provide emergency medical services to the community. This was a lot of work and a quick turnaround but we were successful. 

On July 01, 1992 just 18 month after the founding members put their vision in motion, Rescue 7 went "In-Service". We covered approximatly 16,000 citizens, had a total membership of 33 of whom 22 ran calls and 11 were support membes. We had 2 Cardiac Technicians to provide Advanced Life Support and 17 Emergency Medical Technicians to provide Basic Life Support and 5 drivers. Our first month, members responded to 59 calls for service. Stafford County provided $70,000 for operations; members had raised about $20,000 for equipment and the new building.

The second EMT class began in November of 1992 and was held at New Hope Church. The building was closed in and inside work began. By the end of December all sheet rock had been put up.

Operationally, the Squad ran 340 calls during our first 6 months of service. Pretty impressive.

Moving on full steam ahead! By the end of January 1993, all electrical, gas, and lights were on in the building. In February, all the tile was put down throughout the building, electricians continued their work, and the outside grounds and parking lot saw work. In April 1993 we moved into our new building.

Members continued to aggressively fund raise and run calls. The application process to the Office of EMS was started with the intent to have an Advanced Life Support transport license. Two new ambulances were ordered with the hopes they would be received by the end of the year. The building is coming along nicely, by August 1993 the parking lot had been paved. Our first new building was dedicated on August 08, 1993.

On-going highlights:

December 1993 - WOVRS took possession of 2 new ambulances.

January 1994 - Licensed as an Advanced Life Support agency by the Virginia Office of EMS. WOVRS donated Ambulance 7-2 to the Rappahannock EMS Council for use as a training unit.

June 1994 - Board of Directors voted to purchas a 6 burner gas stove with broiler grill and double oven, a deep fat fryer, and an ice machine. 

August 1994 - EMT class taught.

September 1994 - New lockers were purchased and set up for members use. Also, a 10x16 storage building was purchased.