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Hawkins County Rescue Squad Upgrades Critical Equipment Thanks to TVA Grant
Hawkins County Rescue Squad (HCRS) is better equipped to keep our members and those we serve safe thanks to a community contributions grant from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The donation of more than $9,000 was used to purchase 30 Force 6 RescueOPS personal flotation devices (PFDs) and 12 Force 6 high-visibility water rescue rope throw bags, fulfilling a critical need within the agency.
HCRS is the primary rescue agency that responds to all water-related incidents on Cherokee Lake in Hawkins County and the Holston River from Surgoinsville to the John Sevier Dam. In 2023, HCRS responded to 13 water rescues. And spanning 2021 and 2022, the agency responded to close to 30 water rescues.
Last fall, HCRS contacted TVA seeking assistance to help purchase equipment used for water-related rescues. The squad had very few rope throw bags, and it’s very limited inventory of PFDs were close to 30 years old. This limited the number of squad members who could assist on incident calls due to safety concerns. HCRS requires its members, or anyone assisting the agency, to wear a PFD if they plan on being on or near the water. PFDs are also deployed for victims involved in water rescues.
“The Hawkins County Rescue Squad is 100 percent volunteers—from its board to those who serve,” TVA Community Relations Specialist Lana Moore said. “They invest their time and individual resources and undergo specialized training to serve the citizens of Hawkins County. While disaster and emergency response services are not something anyone desires to utilize, it’s imperative that properly trained and equipped specialists are available for those critical times of need. Providing this water rescue equipment is just another way TVA can deliver on its mission of making life better for the people of the Tennessee Valley.”
After extensive research and counsel with other agencies, HCRS determined Force 6 products would best fulfill the agency’s needs. Force 6 has been manufacturing water safety gear since 1995 and is one of the top manufacturers of water rescue equipment. HCRS purchased the new equipment from Mountain Tek in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The new equipment has enabled HCRS to place an adequate number of PFDs – featuring radio pouches and reflective agency nameplates – on each of its four boats, two PFDs on each of the squad’s vehicles and a rope throw bag in each boat and vehicle.
Over the past few years, HCRS has seen an increase in water-related incidents near John Sevier Dam due to multiple boats becoming grounded in shallow water on rocks. Members from the agency responded to each of these incidents and aided the boaters. After several of these incidents, Lt. Jeff Hilton from HCRS worked closely with TVA to get signage and other safety markers placed in appropriate high-incident areas. This drastically reduced the number incidents, thus increasing boater safety.
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? Are you looking for a place to start a career in Public Safety? If you answered yes to either question, Hawkins County Rescue Squad is your answer! We are currently accepting applications for Regular Members, Junior Members, and Crewettes. Hawkins County Rescue Squad has been serving the citizens of Hawkins County since 1958 and is committed to providing the best possible services to those we serve. Without the help of our members, our over 64 years of service to Hawkins County would have not been possible! With your help, we can provide another 64 years of service to Hawkins County!
Applications for Regular Members are open to both males and females ages 19 and above. Applications for Regular Members can be obtained by attending one of our meetings either on the 2ndor 4th Thursdays of each month at 7:00 PM. Applications for Junior Members are open to both males and females ages 12 - 18th birthday. Applications for Junior Members can be obtained by attending one of the Junior Member Meetings either on the 2nd or 4th Thursdays of each month at 6:00 PM. Applications for Junior Members are also available on our website at the link provided below. All training, uniforms, and equipment are provided to both Regular Members and Junior Members. Applications for Crewettes can be obtained by attending their monthly meeting on the 2ndThursday of each month or by contacting Crewette President Karla Delph 423-523-5175. All meetings are held at Hawkins County Rescue Squad located at 955 East McKinney Avenue in Rogersville.
For more information about Hawkins County Rescue Squad, please visit our Station on the 2nd or 4th Thursdays of each month from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Information is also available on our website as well.
April 2024 Junior Squad Meetings
April 11th at 6:00 PM
April 25th- Agency Training
April 2024 Regular Meetings
April 11th at 7:00 PM
April 25th at 6:00 PM (Training)
April 2024 Crewette Meeting
April 9th at 6:30 PM
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