The Jacksonville Rescue Squad was organized in February, 1958 following the tragic death of a young boy in Elizabeth Lake. Police Chief Clyde R. Cook, realized the need for such a unit in Jacksonville.
Operating funds in the early days came from the donations of professional and businessmen. The majority of the members were uniformed members of the police and fire departments, clivilians, and military personnel from Camp Lejeune and New River.
In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s many changes were happening with emergency services. With these changes in emergency medicine and the introduction of Emergency Medical Technicians, many of the local funeral homes which had provided transport service discontinued doing so. Jacksonville Rescue decided to assume those responsibilities and purchased an ambulance to provide service to the community.
In October of 1973 Mrs. Lois Parick became the first woman to join the squad. She was later followed by Margaret Edward, Betina Latham, and Aggie Vergon who later became the Head of EMS Continuing Education at Coastal Carolina Community College. Aggie also founded the Richlands Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The squad ran out of many different locations for a number of years supported by the members who at one time placed 2nd mortgages on their homes to purchase equipment and vehicles. The ladies of the squad held bake sales, made doll clothing, and held many functions to help raise money for fuel and to pay expenses.
In 1976 the current property was purchased at 415 Ellis Blvd. and the building was erected and dedicated. The building is named for Jerry Paul Howard who was the Chief of the Junior Squad at that time. Jerry tragically died in an accident on 4 July 1976.
The squad continued to grow at the present location with a very active Junior Rescue Squad who for many years were State Champion’s in the EMS/Rescue Competition.
In 1987 Onslow County decided that a paid Emergency Medical Service was needed. At that time two ambulances were purchased and placed into service at the Paramedic level. It was decided that with a paid EMS service, the volunteers of Jacksonville Rescue were no longer needed. Not going down without a fight, the volunteers went to court to stay in service. An agreement was made to attempt a trial period of two years. At that time our ambulance franchise was revoked and the squad worked under a Memorandum of Understanding from year to year with the Onslow County Board of Commissioners. After the two years, both organizations were standing strong and working together.
Onslow County EMS went county wide in 1989 and based their headquarters at Jacksonville Rescue Squad. EMS-1 and EMS-3 were stationed in our building along with the billing office, EMS Supervisor, EMS Director, and training.
In 1991 with the onset of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, many of our members were deploye as they currently are in Operation Iraqui Freedom.
In 1992 it was decided that the crash truck needed to be replaced. The squad decided to purchase our own vehicle rather than ask the county to purchase one for us. The unit was purchased at a cost of over $123,000 and was delivered in the summer of 1993. The loan for this truck was paid in full in 2003.
In 1996 the squad added a 1996 Chevy Tahoe to provide an additional crash unit and utility vehicle. In 2005 a 1999 Chevy Suburban was purchased to replace the Tahoe.
The relationship between OCEMS and Jacksonville Rescue continued until 1996 when the Onslow County Emergency Operations Center was completed. At that time, all EMS operations fell under Onslow County Emergency Management and EMS offices moved to the EOC. With the move of OCEMS to the EOC, the squad approached the Onslow County Board of Commissioners with the support of OCEMS and the Onslow County Association of Rescue Squads to reissue our ambulance franchise. This request was unanimously approved and we were once again a free standing organization.
The squad membership continues to remain mostly active duty personnel with continued support from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station, New River.
Now in our 52nd year of service to Jacksonville and Onslow County, we have continued to advance in training and our service to Jacksonville and Onslow County.
