Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad 1975-2025

The Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad that serves the community comprising the 3rd election district in St Mary´s County did not evolve overnight. This organization is managed and operated by Volunteers who are initiative-taking 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, Longmore's, Mattingly´s and Wood's are just a few of the names. Written documents are vague in detail, and minds are a bit unclear about 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, treating the injury, stabilizing the victim, and transporting 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 services have 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 that 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 the Leonardtown area, with three exceptions residing in the Hollywood area, who 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 in 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 on 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: the late Abell 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, and it 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 paperwork 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 the limited headspace and workspace in the rear. With Dr Jarboe as Medical Director, we saw an 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, and 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 go to Mike Gardiner, who worked tirelessly.

Today, we are housed in a squad building adequate to our needs and can 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, 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, Magdaline 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 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 it has been overwhelmed with the generosity and outpouring 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 running 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 of the Leonardtown Rescue Squad. During this year, the squad purchased a 2000 Chevrolet Astro-Van, which serves 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, a delivery of a new 2006 Road Rescue - Navistar AR 4400 Ultramedic Type 1 Medium Duty Ambulance. This unit was 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 an 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 an 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 for voltmeter, ammeter, open doors, patient status, warning messages, vehicle status, and module power. The display also features the backup 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 the 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 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 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 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 in the Gulf Coast area that had suffered losses from Hurricane Katrina.

When it was learned through the efforts of member Willie Watts that Bloxom needed 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 a new Ambulance 197. We 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 the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Dept. In Nov 1986, he joined the Leonardtown Rescue Squad. Dean has served in many roles as possible in the organization, including Engineer, Lieutenant, Chaplain, Vice President, President, Board Member, Chief, and 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 addition; we also purchased a new Ambulance, designated as 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 have air-bag type curtains that will deploy in case of a crash or rollover. This ambulance utilizes an air ride suspension system for a smooth ride for crew and patient comfort, along with a rear chassis dump for ease in patient loading and unloading. Gross Vehicle Weight is 20,000lbs and the 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 Opticom, 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 35th Anniversary at the Installation of Officers in January 2011. A presentation was made by Asst. Chief Amy Smith will show the organization's 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 fundraisers 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 of 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 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/IVTs.

Preparations were started to construct a new building at the present site or on Route 5 north of Town, on property graciously given by the Commissioners of Leonardtown. This was 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 in jobs on the base and the development of the communities, our call volume continues to increase. In 2013, our lifetime membership continues to grow, with Joe Wilkinson being selected as the newest lifetime member. Our membership received numerous accolades and recognition, to include The Laverne Stewart award and the 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 forever be in our hearts. In January 2014, LVRS placed out of service the 1996 Ford F350 Road Rescue - Type 1 and replaced it with the 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, a back-up camera, Dual sirens, LED emergency lights, Infrared Opticom, 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 their time, hard work, and dedication! Congratulations to Mock Mattingly for celebrating 30 years of service with LVRS, Chuck Adams for 30 years of service in Fire/EMS, and Dennis Woodburn for 25 years of service in Fire/EMS. In 2015, LVRS celebrated our 40th year of service; this anniversary was dedicated to the memory of our deceased charter members. On August 18, the members officially broke ground for much-needed renovation and expansion. With this renovation, we have a new two-story addition that will provide safe and comfortable quarters for the members. We are the LVRS of today because of the vision of these men and women some 40 years ago, and we hope they would be proud of our accomplishments and successes. Many thanks to the dedicated building committee, LVRS President Rocky Woodburn, LVRS Treasurer Jaime Lynn Weber, and Mr. Wayne Davis. The squad was proudly able to pay for the addition as well as add a sprinkler system to the older side in cash assets from fundraising and county tax dollars. It has been extremely proud moments to pay for items such as new ambulances and equipment without low-interest loans by being good stewards of income!

As we progress through the years, our members continue to excel and have many great accomplishments. In 2017. Mr. Larry Miedzinski was provided with his length of service award for 25years of dedicated service. Mr. Scott Cooley and Mr. Rocky Woodburn received their 20 years of dedicated service to St. Mary's County and were awarded the Lifetime Member honor. We did, however, also endure the loss of a beloved member of our department, Mr. Howard Miner. Howard joined our department in May 1998. Always had a smile on his face and a cup of coffee in his hand. He is greatly missed!

Our 43rd Installation of Officer (2018) banquet was dedicated to Ms. Ella Neal. Ms. Neal was one of our founding members of the Leonardtown Volunteer Auxiliary in 1989. Ella gave so much to many and truly epitomized the word volunteer. May she rest in peace and rest easily in the arms of her beloved husband, Mr. Walter Neal (whom we lost in 2014). While we mourn the loss of Mrs. Neal, we are so grateful for the many hours of service that she provided our organization. While there was sadness, there were also some memorable moments during 2018. Ms. Cathy Fenwick and Mr. Matthew McCloskey were inducted as Lifetime Members! Congratulations to Donna Whites on 30 years of service and MaryDella Trossbach for 25 years of service.

The Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary (LVRSA) continues to be a significant foundation to our organization. This group of men and women never ceases to amaze us with their dedication and exemplary efforts. Within the last 3 years (2016-2019), the Auxiliary has raised $165,000. This year, we are dedicating a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe, designated as EMS 19, to the auxiliary. This unit will replace our 2000 Chevy Astro Van (as many members often referred to as the U-Bop). Among the great works that our Auxiliary does to support our organization, the members also play vital roles in our success. Congratulations to Matthew Adams and Janet Graves on becoming Lifetime Members of LVRS.

As the year 2020 rolled around, life began to change for the Fire/EMS community. This was the year the world shut down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Fire/EMS personnel regrouped and found ways to adapt and overcome these troubling times. All while the Pandemic was at the forefront of the world, we introduced the LUCAS into our squad. The squad purchased two devices, and each department received one from St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services. From having to be in gowns and masks to the fear of the unknown, the community came together. While many members had to take a step back due to underlying health concerns of their own, our department remained strong and fierce. Members picked up multiple shifts to keep the boxes rolling and to provide the community with the support they needed. From limiting events, to social distancing, to the overall lock-down LVRS continued to be strong. However, during these troubling times, the Department of Emergency Services put additional plans into place to ensure the call volume was taken care of (development of paid staffing for the county). Unlike years past, the gathering of friends and family wasn't the norm; however, we were able to still honor Jaime Lynn Weber and Greg Schultz as Lifetime Members gathered in the bay as an informal banquet and in masks!

As the next few years seemed like a blur and were not as we had expected, LVRS continued to preserve and continued to support our community. While the life of teleworking and seclusion continued, LVRS was able to successfully remain fully staffed with our night-time duty shifts. In 2021, Mr. Chris Smith and Mr. Kevin Hancock were inducted as Lifetime Members. In 2022, Mr. Michael VanRyswick and Mr. Thomas Raley were inducted as Lifetime Members. We laid to rest Ms. Cecelia Holley, Ms. Marlene Norris-Bowles, as well as our beloved member, Mr. Richley "Bunky" Taylor. Forever in our hearts! The Ambulance Committee was also hard at work, replacing Ambulance 199. The new Ambulance 199 is a 2022 Ford F550 Horton- Type 1 and 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 Opticom, and an electro/hydraulic powered cot capable of lifting 750lbs Ms. Sabrina Hill took over the reins as Chief and led the organization with a boost of morale and confidence.

As the years continued to flourish, so did the growth of Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad and the surrounding community! Our organization now has a thriving membership made up of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Z, and Millennials, from social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to the ongoing rise of TikTok. 2023 brought a change in the leadership, and the squad welcomed a new Chief, Ms. Angela  "Angie" Tennyson, and President, Ms. Melissa Persiani. We laid to rest Mr. Jay Bowles, and the Fire/EMS community suffered an extreme loss of our beloved friend and peer, Mr. Brice Trossbach.

In 2024, our Lifetime Membership team grew by one more, welcoming Mrs. Amy Smith into the club. As the Fire/EMS world began to adapt to the new norm, the uncertainty of what the volunteer service would look like remained. We mourned the loss of Ms. Betty Mason-Holley in March 2024 and Maralyn Thompson in September 2024.

As we approach our 50th Year of Service (2025), LVRS placed in service our newest ambulance, which replaced Ambulance 196. To keep consistent, the department chose to go with the Ford F550 Horton- Type 1 ambulance. It has features to include a Zico Oxygen lift for the on-board O2 system, back-up camera, Dual sirens, LED emergency lights, Infrared Opticom, and an electro/hydraulic powered cot capable of lifting 750lbs. On January 17, 2026, Mr. Dave Wright and Mr. Doug Pennock were the newest members inducted into the Lifetime Membership status. The squad swore in a new Chief Officer, Ms. Shannon Wince. Our LVRS Auxiliary (LVRSA) raised $59,019 for the department this year.

While the squad is maintained during the day by paid Department of Emergency Services, we are proud to continue to cover all our nights with all volunteers, as the only department in the county to do so. While the call volume continues to rise, our squad continues to respond anywhere from Charlotte Hall to Ridge! LVRSA has raised over $1 million in support of our organization. LVRS is thankful for the commitment of our members, leadership, Auxiliary, and most especially the community in which we are supported.

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 it now being 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