MARSHALL COUNTY – The past two rounds of severe winter weather have been especially taxing on first responders, particularly those who are volunteer-based.
The Marshall County Rescue Squad is one such agency, relying on the time, efforts and abilities of an all-volunteer membership with funding based almost entirely on donations.
Throughout the year, the Squad responds to numerous types of calls but primarily, their training and expertise is centered in land and water search/rescue/recovery, weather spotting and providing water safety for public events.
Some Squad members also have specialized training in moving and swift water rescue, high and low angle rope rescue and large animal rescue, as well.
Day to day, the team assists other first responders with traffic control, crowd management at large scale events and various other activities as needed. It’s a full-time job for a part-time force, but according to Rescue Squad Chief Curt Curtner, no call goes unanswered.
During the recent rounds of inclement weather, Squad members worked many 12 and 14 hour days donating their time and skills to the community, assisting numerous local agencies in providing transportation of critical care employees including medical staff and 9-1-1 dispatchers to and from work, as well as offering their services to transport residents to and from much needed medical care appointments.
As previously stated, the Squad receives little governmental funding and relies almost entirely on the support of the community to continue offering their services. Through the years, that generous support has helped the Squad obtain life-saving training, equipment and supplies used in their response. Once again, the community has an opportunity to help the Squad continue their mission as the annual Spring fundraiser gets underway.
Marshall County Rescue Squad Chief Curt Curtner reports this year, fundraising will be done by phone calls ONLY, adding NO personal information will be requested. Due to the possibility of attempted scams, Curtner said local residents need to ensure they never give out any personal account information over the phone.
Through this fundraising event, residents will only be asked to pledge funds, not actually provide them over the phone. Donations can be mailed in or a Rescue Squad member with proper identification can collect the pledged donation in person. The fundraiser runs now through May 16.
The Squad will host an open house on May 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. which will include refreshments. The event serves as a way for community members to meet Squad members and to see first-hand where and how donations are used. There will also be a silent auction to help fundraise as well. Those who donate will be entered to win a $100 and $200 cash prize – you must be present to win.
In past years, fundraisers such as this have helped the Squad to purchase a one-ton 4-wheel drive diesel truck which is used to transport the squad’s large search and recovery vessel, replace two old boat motors, purchase a 3/4 ton 4-wheel drive pickup, and 6×12 trailer for equipment, obtain over $10,000 for rope rescue equipment, more than $5,000 for moving water rescue equipment, and to acquire various safety items and safety equipment for boats and vehicles including three thermal imaging devices – and a utility trailer to transport a donated 4-wheel drive Polaris and zodiac boat for flood response in addition to providing needed funding for repairs and laptop replacement for the squad’s sonar unit.
The Rescue Squad’s base is located at 201 Ash St. in Benton. If you would like to donate to the squad or would be interested in donating an auction item, please contact Carl “Curtis” Curtner, Chief at 270-703-8204.