(BENTON, Ky.) – The Benton Rescue Squad has reached a historic milestone by purchasing its first brand-new vehicle since the organization’s formation in 1955.
The volunteer emergency response team recently took delivery of a 2025 Ford Explorer, marking the end of a decades-long tradition of operating exclusively with used vehicles. The new addition will replace the squad’s current Chevrolet Suburban, which has accumulated approximately 240,000 miles over years of emergency responses and training missions.
“As long as I can remember, and as far back as 1955 when the Rescue Squad was formed, I believe this is the first new vehicle that the Squad has ever owned,” said Curt Curtner, Marshall County Emergency Management Director.
The purchase was made possible through a combination of community support and strategic fundraising efforts. The squad financed the acquisition by selling surplus equipment, organizing community fundraisers, and receiving support from local citizens and businesses. The Joe Tom Haltom Foundation also provided crucial funding for the project.
The upgrade addresses longstanding reliability concerns that have plagued the squad’s aging fleet. With the new Explorer, squad members will no longer face the risk of vehicle breakdowns during emergency responses or while traveling to training exercises outside the area.
The acquisition represents a significant investment in the squad’s operational capabilities and demonstrates the strong community support for local emergency services in Marshall County. The Benton Rescue Squad continues to serve the community as an all-volunteer organization, providing critical emergency response services throughout the region.
The Marshall County Rescue Squad is always looking for volunteers! If you’d like more information, call (270) 252-8917 or go to marshallcountyrescuesquad.com.