[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 86 (Monday, May 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EMERGENCY RESCUE SQUAD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2023

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Emergency 
Rescue Squad on its 75th Anniversary.
  As the Rescue Squad celebrates this milestone, we look back on the 
outstanding history that has shaped the organization. On April 5, 1947, 
the Ansul Rescue Squad was established after founding member Joe Banich 
conducted a survey at the Ansul Company about employees who understood 
first aid procedures. Following the survey, Mr. Banich was given 
permission to facilitate a sign-up for individuals interested in first 
aid training. Eight men signed up to take an extensive 21-week first 
aid training course and the first rescue squad was formed. The group of 
men, referred to as the ''Great Eight,'' began a legacy of service that 
would live on for generations.
  Throughout the years, the Great Eight expanded their knowledge and 
skill while providing services to the sick and injured. The men 
continued to play a critical role in the community and therefore, were 
provided with a Rescue Squad vehicle and first aid equipment. By 1949, 
the group had grown to eighteen members who answered more than 1,300 
calls from community members in need. Then in 1959, the Ansul Rescue 
Squad was turned over to the Marinette and Menominee community 
management and became the Emergency Rescue Squad as it is still 
referred to today. Today, the Rescue Squad receives up to 20 calls in a 
24-hour period demonstrating the clear need and service they provide to 
northern Wisconsin.
  I commend the numerous members of the Rescue Squad, past and present, 
for their years of selfless service and dedication to the community 
over the years. Over the last 75 years, the Emergency Rescue Squad has 
played a critical role in the success and safety of communities 
throughout Marinette County, including the cities of Marinette, 
Peshtigo, Menominee, and the towns of Peshtigo, Porterfield and Grover. 
I extend my sincere appreciation to past and present members of the 
Emergency Rescue Squad for their years of exceptional service to 
Northeast Wisconsin.
  It is my honor to commemorate this historic milestone for the 
Emergency Rescue Squad. I invite all members of this body to join me in 
celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Emergency Rescue Squad. The 
Rescue Squad is a true credit to Northeast Wisconsin and is deserving 
of the highest degree of recognition.

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