Halesite Fire Department's Ambulance Service Hits 50 Years

The Halesite Fire Department commissioned a new 2-2-5 ambulance in the 50th year of the rescue squad’s existence. Photo/Halesite Fire Department

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the volunteer ambulance service within the Halesite Fire Department.

The Halesite Rescue Squad began in 1967 with one 1967 Cadillac ambulance and 28 volunteers, according to current member John Cannon, also a member of the Halesite Board of Fire Commissioners.

“In 1967 the only requirement for the rescue squad was an advanced first aid card from the Red Cross,” said Cannon, a Halesite resident who has been an active member of the Halesite Fire Department since 1963 and was an original member of the rescue squad.

Cannon said that there has been a tremendous improvement to the quality of patient care since the rescue squad’s inception; state certified EMTs and a Paramedic now respond to every rescue call.

The Halesite Fire Department also added a second ambulance to the rescue squad in 1999, and this year they replaced ambulance 2-2-5 with a brand new rig.

The majority of the alarms answered by the Halesite Fire Department are ambulance calls. The department is projected to respond to just under 400 medical emergencies this year, according to Cannon.

“I enjoy doing my civic duty and helping out my fellow citizens, that’s the best part,” Cannon said.