Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad
1975-2014

The Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad that serves the community compromise of the 3rd election district in St Mary´s County did not evolve overnight. This organization is managed and operated by Volunteers who are highly motivated and dedicated to their community. They are the fruit of the labor and foresight of community-minded individuals who saw a need and filled the niche. The Delozier’s, Longmire’s, Mattingly´s and Wood´s are just a few of the names. Written documents are somewhat vague on details and minds are a bit unclear in regards to the formation years. Most County Rescue Squads, as operated today, are reflective of observations and lessons learned from the Vietnam War. The concept of triage, treat the injury, stabilize the victim and transport to a medical facility capable of managing the trauma within one hour has proven to have merit in trauma situations. The mortician attendant pressing a hearse into service as an ambulance and resorting to the swoop and scoop technique is long behind us. Quality patient care, supported by knowledge, training, and professional medical advice is a prime example of how rescue service has kept in step with the changing times. From a humble beginning, the LVRS moved swiftly and smoothly into the 21st century. Until the last quarter of 1975, the 3rd and 6th District Rescue Squad served the Leonardtown and Hollywood area. At that time it was felt both areas would be better served if the Rescue Squad were to split into two separate entities. Thus, a new squad was formed in the Leonardtown Area by some members of the old 3rd and 6th. Most of the members lived in Leonardtown area with three exceptions residing in the Hollywood area, which elected to join the Leonardtown group. The existing vehicles, equipment, supplies etc. were divided between the two groups. Monies from savings accounts were divided later the same year. The properties rights to a tract of land on Route 245 were transferred to the Leonardtown group. This piece of property, one ambulance and 105.00 dollars in a bank account were the total assets of the pledging squad. The first meeting, chaired by Joseph Gray who had been elected Vice President of the 3rd and 6th Squad, was called to order August 25, 1975. Eleven members were assembled under a tree across the street from the St Aloysius church. The members present at that meeting were Andy Courchen, Mike Gardiner, Jimmy Goldsborough, Joe Gray, Lou King, Al King, Abel Longmore, Walter Neal, Tommy Graves, John Jones and Hannah Koeniger. Subsequent meetings were held in St Peters Church hall. On November 6th, 1975 the split was official and LVRS was incorporated with the following Officers: President: the late Joe Gray; Vice President: Mike Gardiner; Secretary: Lou King; Treasurer: Abel Longmore and Chief, the late Jimmy Goldsborough. Officers officially took over at the first business meeting in January of 1976.

Over the next several months´ things moved rapidly. A lease agreement was entered into with the Board of Education to lease the old Leonardtown School-the old school became the squad´s first home. Squad members spent man-hours painting and repairing the building. Members of the community came to the rescue squad and donated their time and talents to get the building into shape.

By-laws were formulated and approved for the organization, charter application paper work was initiated and a used Cadillac type vehicle (Ambulance 18) was purchased as a backup ambulance. Ambulance 18 came from Northern Garrett County Rescue Squad in a transfer from their Civil Defense to our Civil Defense for a cost of $500.00. The squad building did not house the ambulances, but meetings and drills were held and many county EMT classes were taught there.

The first new ambulance (van type) was purchased in the fall of 1976. This marked the end of an era. The Cadillac/Oldsmobile style ambulances were being phased out. Some of us remember the classy style ambulances; the powerful smooth ride and he limited headspace and workspace in the rear. With Dr Jarboe as Medical Director, we saw and ALS unit with Paramedics blossom in the county, which has been a real lifesaver.

In 1982, plans were formed to construct a new squad building on the Leonardtown School lot. Early in 1983, the membership moved all files, equipment, ambulances to the Leonardtown Armory (where the Leonardtown Library is now located) and housed the ambulances and conducted all meetings there. On March 23, 1983, the LVRS celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony and on August 15, 1983 the keys to the new building were turned over to the Squad. The dedication of the building was held on March 11, 1984. We are indebted to the dedication and hard work of so many individuals, but special thanks goes to the Mike Gardiner who worked tirelessly. Today we are housed in a squad building adequate to our needs, and are able to maintain five fully equipped pieces of emergency apparatus. The current membership stands at 42 active members, 19 associate members, 6 probationary members, 11 honorary members, 3 junior members and 3-lifetime members and more members coming aboard as time goes on. An Auxiliary to the squad was founded and this group has been instrumental in helping to see that Squad projects and needs were funded through their very generous donations through the ensuing years. Spencer Scriber did an outstanding job during the late 70´s raising funds through dances, raffles, and working with Charles and Audrey Ridgell to support back sales. In 1989, three people decided to form an auxiliary. They held their meeting on June 29th 1989 and elected officers. They were Candy Chesser, President: Gloria LeDonna Vice President and Secretary: and Debbie Schultz, Treasurer. Other members present were Ella Neal, Madgaline Holmes, Phyllis Miedzinski, Greg Schultz, and Ricky Chesser. That first year the auxiliary sponsored a dinner and a yard sale and they were excited to be able to give the Squad $500.00 at the installation banquet in January 1990. More members joined some spouses of squad members, some squad members themselves and other family or friends of Auxiliary members.

Squad members no longer pursue active door-to-door fundraising campaigns. The Auxiliary members have worked hard and many have come up with new ideas for funds, such as the popular September Lottery, Portrait Project, Hunter´s Pace, and the most recent undertaking, the Festival of Trees. Today, the auxiliary has 28 members and each member contributes to its success. It has been fortunate to have the support of the community and has been overwhelmed with the generosity and out-pouring of support from county businesses and individuals. The Auxiliary members derive great pleasure in knowing that they have taken much of the financial burden from the squad members so that they can have more time to provide quality and timely emergency medical services.

In 1992, We purchased a 1992 F350 Road Rescue Type 1 which is still ran to this day as Ambulance 197, four years later we purchased a 1996 F350 Road Rescue ambulance which is ambulance 198. Within 2 years we purchased EMS-19, a 1998 F250 Power-Stroke Diesel which is used as a rapid response vehicle. August 25, 2000 marked the 25th anniversary for the Leonardtown Rescue Squad. During this year the squad purchased a 2000 Chevrolet Astro-Van which is served as the Utility of our squad. This unit is also used for rapid response.

With the start of 2002 the squad purchased a 2002 International Road Rescue ambulance, Ambulance 199.

Early September 2005, we are expecting delivery of a 2006 Road Rescue - Navistar AR 4400 Ultramedic Type 1 Medium Duty Ambulance. This unit will be designated as "Ambulance 197" replacing the current 1992 Road Rescue - Ford F350 Type 1. The new Ambulance will be equipped with a DT466 - 245 HP Diesel engine with Allison Transmission. The unit also includes an Air Ride Suspension and an Air brake system with Antilock braking system option. Included will be 2 Grover Stuttertone 24 and 1/2 inch Air horns, powered by the chassis air system, Federal PA300M-SC 200W siren and Power Call Siren. Emergency lighting includes LED package for Red lights and white strobes. New Features will include a "Smart Display" electrical system. This feature includes a 6.4 full color TFT LCD display for voltmeter, ammeter, open doors, patient status, warning messages, and vehicle status and module power. The display also features the back-up camera view. The rear panel includes a 24 hour clock, digital oxygen tank pressure and climate control readout. Added features also include a Heat Pad/warmer for IV fluids in Medical cabinet and a Zico Oxygen Tank System with electric lift. The lettering on the sides of the unit has also been updated giving the unit a more modernized look and for easier identification by On-Scene Command. This unit will be the second Medium Duty Ambulance placed in service in our fleet of three. All of our Ambulances purchased since 1986 have been from Road Rescue.

In the early morning hours of January 21, 2006 while Bloxom, Virginia volunteers were out fighting a neighborhood house fire, fire ripped through and demolished a good portion of the Bloxom Virginia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Station. President Elmer Truitt and Chief Jody Bagwell reported that both Company 6 ambulances were totally destroyed, which effectively put the company out of service to their local community. While they have applied for grants to rebuild and insurance claims are pending, they still remain without an ambulance. Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, Company 19 had recently replaced an existing 1992 Ford, Road Rescue ambulance with a 2006 International, Road Rescue Model. The old ambulance was slated to be available for donation to any volunteer organization on the Gulf Coast area that had suffered losses from Hurricane Katrina.

When it was learned through the efforts of member Willie Watts that Bloxom was in need of an ambulance, Leonardtown President Mary Della Trossbach and Chief Dean Gass offered the 1992 unit to Bloxom. They accepted the offer, and on April 23, 2006 arrived in Leonardtown. At that time Company 6, Chief engineer Richard Buford and Engineer Kenny Taylor officially took possession of the ambulance. Members said farewell to the old Ambulance 197 and welcomed the new ambulance 197

We also have inducted two other members into the Lifetime membership club: Congratulations to James "Mock" Mattingly and William Holmes.

In 2008 we inducted another member into the Lifetime Membership. Lifetime Members Walter Neal, Kerry Klear, Mock Mattingly and Larry Trader presented Dean Gass with his lifetime member pins and jacket. Dean Gass started serving our community in 1984 when he joined Leonardtown Vol. Fire Dept. In Nov 1986 he joined the Leonardtown Rescue Squad. Dean has served as many roles in the organization to include Engineer, Lieutenant, Chaplain, Vice President, President, Board Member, Chief, and also Captain. This year 2008 Dean is currently holding the position of Assistant Chief. We are very proud of his many accomplishments throughout his service with the Fire/EMS Community.

In 2009 we started working on plans for a new building; we also purchased a new Ambulance- AMB 196. This is Co. 19’s 3rd Medium Duty ambulance we currently have in-service. Ambulance 196 is a 2010 International 4300 Series chassis. It is powered by a DT466 International engine and an Allison 2,000 Series transmission. The "Box" is a model 623 manufactured by Horton, featuring the latest EMT/Occupant Safety Systems (HOPS) which has air-bag type curtains that will deploy in case of a crash or roll over. This ambulance utilizes an air ride suspension system for a smooth ride for crew and patient comfort along with rear chassis "dump" for ease in patient loading and unloading. Gross Vehicle Weight is 20,000lbs and loaded operating ambulance weight will be approximately 16,000lbs. Other features include a Zico Oxygen lift for the on-board O2 system, On-spot rear wheel snow chains, back-up camera, Dual sirens, LED emergency lights, Infrared Opticon, and an electro/hydraulic powered cot capable of lifting 750lbs. We also had 2 members reach the status of running 500 calls or more, congratulations to Dave Wright and Lisa Morgan. Also in 2009 we accepted 8 new junior members. We inducted two more young ladies into Lifetime Membership, Donna Whites and Shirley Copado.

In 2010 LVRS celebrated its 35year Anniversary at the Installation of Officers January 2011. A presentation was done by Asst. Chief Amy Smith to show the organizations past and present successes. Also at this year's installation banquet Russ Holmes was inducted into the Lifetime Membership status. Congratulations on this honor. Congratulations also go out to Jesse Bauer for his amazing 505 calls this year. We are continuing to move forward with the plans for a new building and with fund raisers and boot drives during standby events it's a work in progress.

In 2011 LVRS inducted Tony Crager and Marvin Jones as Lifetime Members with 20years of service. We were recognized through The Southern Maryland Fireman's Association for the following: Laverne Stewart Award was received by Kerry Klear, Donna Whites was inducted into the SMVFA Hall of Fame, Julia Phillips was recognized as the recipient for the Citizen's Life Saving Award and LVRS along with LVFD (Co1) and ALS received the Life-Saving Award.

In 2012 LVRS had another member be inducted as a Lifetime Member, Congratulations to Larry Miedzinski. Throughout the year our Auxiliary put in many hours of hard work and dedication, through their efforts they managed to raise the squad 33,019. We’ve had several new members join and become certified EMTs/IVT’s.

Preparations have been started to construct a new building on the present site or on Route 5 north of Town, on property go graciously given by the Commissioners of Leonardtown. This is a large undertaking, but the Squad has dedicated members to get it done.

Through the success of the Dr. Forrest Technical Center Fire/EMS program we have had several members become interested in serving the community and join our organization. We look forward to continuing to serve the community for another 35years and beyond. With the increase of jobs on the base and the development of the communities our call volume continues to increase.

In 2013 our lifetime membership continues to grow, congratulations Joe Wilkinson for being selected as the newest lifetime member. Our membership received numerous allocates awards and recognition to include The Laverne Stewart award, SMVFA Lifesaving award. Congratulations to Tom Pilkerton on responding to 531calls this year.

In 2014, LVRS was saddened to lose one of our founding members, Mr. Walter Neal; he is a legacy in our department and will be forever missed. He still makes his presence known around the squad. LVRS and Auxiliary also lost Johnny Coombs; he will be forever in our hearts. In January 2014 LVRS placed out of service 1996 Ford F350 Road Rescue - Type 1 and replaced it with 2014 International Horton-Terrastar. This ambulance has features to include a Zico Oxygen lift for the on-board O2 system, On-spot rear wheel snow chains, back-up camera, Dual sirens, LED emergency lights, Infrared Opticon, and an electro/hydraulic powered cot capable of lifting 750lbs. The building committee is making great strides with progression for the new building. This year Rocky Woodburn was inducted into the SMVFA Hall of Fame, LVRS was the recipient of the SMVFA Lifesaving Award, and The Right to Care When it Counts award. MaryDella Trossbach was inducted as a lifetime member and the LVRS Auxiliary celebrated 25years of service. Since 1990, LVRS Auxiliary has raised over 600,000 for the squad. We’re grateful for all of their time, hard work and dedication! Congratulations to Mock Mattingly with celebrating 30 years of service with LVRS, Chuck Adams with 30 years of service in Fire/EMS and Dennis Woodburn with 25 years of service in Fire/EMS.

The LVRS members are proud of what they have accomplished. We have grown from one ambulance with a 105.00 bank account and no place to call home to now one of the finest Rescue Squads in the county. We stand ready to respond in a heartbeat´s notice to any emergency. We thank our members and all who may have helped in some way to bring us to this day, and with your help and support we shall continue to grow and serve