[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E828-E829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO RURAL/METRO MEDICAL SERVICES OF ROCHESTER ON THE OCCASION OF 
                       ITS 50TH YEAR IN BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2002

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Rural/Metro Medical 
Services of Rochester as it celebrates its 50th year of service to our 
community.
  Rural/Metro Medical Services is a Rochester success story that 
deserves to be shared. Originally founded as National Ambulance of 
Rochester by George S. Heisel, Jr. in 1952, Rural/Metro has grown into 
a model of excellence for the delivery of emergency medical services. 
For half a century, thousands of

[[Page E829]]

Rochesterians in need of emergency medical services have experienced 
firsthand the level of service and care that Rural/Metro exemplifies. 
Rural/Metro's 400 employees not only serve in Rochester but also 
provide back-up and mutual aid to Monroe and Livingston Counties' 
volunteer emergency services agencies. The official 911 ambulance 
service provider for the City of Rochester, Rural/Metro has garnered a 
reputation of excellence among our local hospitals, nursing homes and 
other health care providers. In fact, Rural/Metro holds the distinction 
of being the only ambulance service in our region to be nationally 
accredited.
  In addition to fulfilling its core mission, Rural/Metro has also 
endeavored to innovate the field of emergency medical services by 
developing creative new approaches for the delivery of such service. 
The Bike Medic program, which enables paramedics and other health care 
providers to respond rapidly to emergencies at public events, and the 
Emergency Support Unit, which brings about enhanced coordination during 
fires and other large-scale emergencies, are true innovations that have 
made the difference in the lives of countless Rochesterians and serve 
as a model for other regions.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I am pleased to congratulate Rural/
Metro Medical Services on reaching this important milestone. I would 
like to express my great hope that these past fifty years are merely 
the beginning of Rural/Metro Medical Service's tenure as the standard-
bearer for emergency medical services in the Rochester area.

                          ____________________