Rescue Squad Kicks Off Annual Fundraiser

The Westfield Rescue Squad is looking for your help.

The volunteer group has launched the annual fundraising drive, seeking donations from residents and stressing the work of the group. The annual fundraising letter heads out this year for the campaign, which lasts all year.

"One hundred percent of our money goes to the rescue squad," squad vice president Carol Carson said. "We don't pay a fundraiser.

Carson said the funds raised this year will go for several purposes, including maintenance of the Watterson Street headquarters and equipment. The group is not planning to make any major capital purchases this year. She said some new stretchers are likely to be the biggest equipment item purchased this year.

Carson noted the funds raised by the group also are used to upgrade training for the members. The training program lasts all year to enhance members work on a variety of issues, including first aid and medical conditions.

While there is an upsurge in funds now because of the letter and official kickoff of the campaign, Carson said there is another time of year where donations surge.

"We get a lot at the end of the year," she said, noting the traditional period for people to donate for tax purposes.

In a presentation to the Town Council, the squad stressed the all volunteer nature of the group. Noting that while surrounding communities hire paid emergency medical staff for the daytime hours, Westfield has maintained an all volunteer squad for the daytime. Carson said this enables the squad to utilize the funds raised for training and equipment.

The group is also in the process of kicking off a recruitment drive. In the presentation last week, the squad noted that they are recruiting both volunteers to head out on ambulances and those to serve as dispatchers in the Watterson headquarters.