[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 53 (Monday, May 4, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE FLOYD COUNTY EMERGENCY AND RESCUE SQUAD: THIRTY YEARS OF 
                 VOLUNTEER SERVICE IN EASTERN KENTUCKY

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
anniversary of the Floyd County Emergency and Rescue Squad. Thirty 
years ago this week, this squad of volunteers was formed to help the 
people of Eastern Kentucky in times of emergency and disaster, and have 
been doing so ever since.
  The Floyd County Emergency and Rescue Squad was founded in April, 
1958, as a result of a tragic accident in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, in 
which a school bus plunged into the Big Sandy River, killing 26 
students and the driver. As a result of this tragedy, dozens of 
community members came together to form the Squad and the late Graham 
Burchett became the first Captain, a position he held for twenty years.
  Since that time, over 300 community members have served on the 
Squad--doctors and lawyers, coal miners and factory workers--people 
from all walks of life have worked side-by-side in volunteer service to 
their community. The Squad operates without any public support. The 
members are all volunteers and all their equipment is paid for through 
private donations and grants.
  The Squad currently maintains a roster of thirty active members and 
dozens of reserve members. The Squad is called on for auto extrication, 
water rescue and drowning recovery, lost or missing persons, and 
assistance to coal mine rescue teams. In the last month alone, they 
have assisted in the evacuation of flood victims, recovered a drowning 
victim and have assisted on four auto accidents.
  Despite the fact that the Squad must labor mightily for every dollar 
they get, they have managed to secure ultra-modern equipment, and are 
called frequently to assist in recovery activities outside the county 
and even outside the state.
  Mr. President, I hope all my colleagues will join me in offering our 
congratulations to Captain Harry Adams, Co-Captain Richie Schoolcraft, 
Treasurer and Secretary Brian Sexton, First Lieutenant Derek Calhoun 
and Second Lieutenant Lee Schoolcraft and all the volunteers of the 
Floyd County Rescue Squad. They carry on the Squad's rich tradition of 
volunteering their time and risking their lives to help the people of 
their community, and they are all worthy of our admiration and 
thanks.

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