Blackwater Volunteer Rescue Squad
When was your squad founded and can you tell me a little bit about the history?
Founded in 1958, the Blackwater Volunteer Fire Department provided fire coverage to the southern residents of Princess Anne County near the North Carolina border. In the early days of the department, the members met at Blackwater Baptist Church. In 1964, the department moved to a building that also served as a community center. As the need for emergency medical services developed in the southern part of what became the City of Virginia Beach, the organization purchased its first ambulance and changed the name to the Blackwater Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Eventually, after the fire department became a city service, we became the Blackwater Volunteer Rescue Squad.
What area is your squad’s first due?
Blackwater provides EMS coverage north along Blackwater Road to the Pocaty River, west of Blackwater Road up to the border of Chesapeake, east to the North Landing River, and south to the Northwest River by providing mutual aid in North Carolina.
Who is your longest serving squad member?
John “Bob” Jasinowski (nearly 22 years)
What event does your squad attend or host that you’re most proud of?
We provide EMS services and an ambulance show & tell for the Annual Saving Kids Dreams/Unplugged Youth Event at the Military Aviation Museum. We also assist Princess Anne Courthouse Rescue Squad with the Pungo Strawberry Festival.
What is a fun fact about your squad?
Before each business meeting formally begins, we discuss things that uniquely concern the residents of Blackwater – hunting, horses, 4-H, and livestock. It’s not your typical business meeting socialization
What color are your ambulances?
Currently, burgundy and white. (The new ambulance design has not been finalized.)
Do you have any ATV carts?
No
