Blue Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad has disbanded and 7 hired personnel to take over

After nearly 40 years of service, the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad disbanded as of October 1, 2020.

The Board of Supervisors recognized the organization and its history at its October 27, 2020 meeting.

The Blue Ridge Fire Department continues to operate as a volunteer fire department.

The Supervisors’ Resolution noted that the rescue squad could no longer find volunteers to commit to serving the area. In a later portion of the Board meeting, the county’s financial advisor noted that additional funding for the county’s emergency services would be required because paid county personnel would now be operating out of Blue Ridge.

The county will hire seven additional emergency services workers to assist with calls in Blue Ridge and the southern end of Botetourt.

             — Anita Firebaugh, Special to The Botetourt Bee, photo from FB Rescue Squad page