ROCKINGHAM — Past and present members of the Richmond County Rescue Squad gathered to celebrate the organization’s 65th anniversary, reflecting on decades of service while recognizing the volunteers and community support that helped sustain the squad through the years.
Chief Scott Waters opened the celebration by highlighting the squad’s growth and the dedication that has carried the organization forward.
“It’s been a very good 65 years for this organization here. We’ve been through a lot, we’ve come a long way,” said Chief Scott Waters. “There’s one thing we’re not short of and that’s equipment down here. Everything that we have at this facility, without tax district, I want you to look at today real good because everything’s paid for—there’s no debts.”
Waters also praised the volunteers who continue balancing emergency response work with their personal lives and careers.
“I take pride in all of the members down here to give their time away from their families… they all work full-time jobs and have families and other responsibilities,” Waters said.
During the ceremony, Waters recognized former chiefs for their years of leadership and commitment to the rescue squad.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey also attended the event and thanked members and supporters for their service to Richmond County.
“Thank you for having me. It’s good to be back in Richmond County,” said Causey. “I want to thank everyone of you that’s involved with the rescue squad for what you do—those that donate your time, those that donate your money.”
Causey acknowledged the challenges many rescue organizations are facing across the state while commending the Richmond County squad for its continued success.
“65 years is a good testament for what you’ve done to serve for this community and this area. I know a lot of rescue squads are having a tough time right now. There’s inflation and everything else, and then some counties, you’ve got issues between fire departments and rescue squads, but you all have done well. Anything I can do to help, I’m here to help,” Causey said.
Deputy Chief Brenden Watson reflected on the sacrifices volunteers make to serve the community, often without recognition.
“To our members, I want to say thank you for sacrificing your time, your sleep, comfort and often your personal commitments to serve something bigger than yourselves,” said Deputy Chief Brenden Watson. “Volunteer emergency services is not easy—it’s advanced commitment without convenience and service without recognition.”
Lieutenant Heather Bellamy shared the squad’s long history of responding to emergencies throughout Richmond County. While researching historical call numbers, Bellamy said the oldest records available dated back to 2000. Since then, the squad has responded to 42,051 calls as of Dec. 31, 2025.
Bellamy said call volume fluctuates monthly, averaging between eight and 16 calls each day.
“The celebration is really about honoring the generations of members who built the squad from the ground up, recognizing the lives impacted over the decades and reconnecting the community that supported us every step of the way,” Bellamy said. “It’s also an opportunity for us to open the doors and show people what we do and inspire the next generation.”
Bellamy also spoke about how the rescue squad’s role has evolved over the decades.
“Like many rescue squads across North Carolina, we were created to fill a gap in emergency services, particularly in medical transport and rescue operations. Since then, we have evolved into highly trained organizations capable of medical response,” said Bellamy.
Today, the Richmond County Rescue Squad includes 18 state-certified emergency medical technicians and provides vehicle extrication, rope rescue, water rescue and confined space rescue operations, along with agriculture rescue capabilities. Two members also hold dive rescue and dive tender certifications.
The organization has also expanded into drone operations through its Remote Aviation Pilot Team for Operations & Rescue, known as R.A.P.T.O.R. The program includes six FAA-certified drone operators who completed FAA Part 107 training and hold federal remote pilot certifications.