What many people may not know is that the rescue squad saw its beginning on Feb. 28, 1958, the day that Floyd County made national news in a way never expected. It was labeled as the nation's worst school bus wreck, the day that 27 people drowned in the swollen waters of the Big Sandy River. Twenty-six children and the bus driver lost their lives that day, and on this day, volunteers came together to pick up the pieces, comfort grief-stricken parents, and recover the ones lost.
Two months later, on April 27, 1958, the Floyd County Volunteer Rescue Squad was officially formed. Concerned community members saw a need for a team of people who would dedicate themselves to helping others. They didn't receive money for equipment, they weren't paid, and they risked their lives on a daily basis — a job that most would shy away from due to the emotional toll it would take on one's self. The only return they would get was the gratification of a job well done.
Approaching their 50th anniversary next year, the Floyd County Volunteer Rescue Squad still does not receive funds from any source other than its own pockets. Members keep the squad going by donating their own money in order to keep their operation up and running along with in-kind donations from the community in general.
They are not tax based, therefore citizens do not pay taxes to have their services. Nobody receives a paycheck and members fabricate most of the equipment on their vehicles. The only incoming money they have comes from an annual fishing tournament that usually yields approximately $8,000 and an annual radio auction which yields about $35,000 a year. This money must cover all operating expenses, including fuel, utilities and repairs.
Recently, the squad received specialized training in swift water rescue after members came together to purchase two new Zodiac rescue boats. They are the only highly trained swift water rescue team in the state.
The rescue squad says that prayers and dedication keep them going. Their creed and promise to the county is as follows:
"In 1958, the Lord God Almighty decided to take twenty-six of his children home. He chose one man to go with them to guide the way.
"He did this neither to cause pain, nor sadness.
"He did this out of His eternal love for the children he left behind in His beloved Floyd County, Kentucky.
"The Lord saw that His people required help in their times of need.
"When calamity would come, our Father would see to it that there would be heroes to lend a hand.
"These men would not be magnificent creatures like His angels, not would they be fierce warriors.
"These men be ones who would put aside their differences, forget where they were from, and come together to do the work that He would command.
"On the banks of a flood swollen Big Sandy River, the first of these men shook hands and took up his work.
"They comforted families in pain and toiled tirelessly to ensure that the task they were given was completed.
"Then, they prepared for the next.
"Thus, the Floyd County Emergency and Rescue Squad was created.
"Since then, the Lord has seen to it that many hearts were led to this call.
"We are these men.
"We shall do this work without complaint.
"We shall do this work without regret.
"We shall do this work without hope of recognition.
"We shall do this work though we tire.
"We shall do this work though we tire.
"We shall do this work though we hurt.
"We shall do this work until it is done.
"We are the members of the Floyd County Emergency and Rescue Squad."
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