Click here or on thumbnail to see pictures.
Click here or on thumbnail to see pictures.
January 15, 2011
It all started in the fall of 1973 when a handful of volunteers got together and
decided to form an ambulance squad. Eventually, EMT classes were held at
the Antioch Church and the Grandview Grade School. These classes were
unique in as much as the volunteers mustered there were members of the first
ambulance squad to form in Wetzel County. One class was taught during the
day at the church while the other class was taught during the evening at the
school.
Grandview Emergency Squad was the official name chosen and was so named because
the squad building was to be built on property leased to us by the Wetzel County
Board of Education for $1.00 per year and was located adjacent to the Grandview
Grade School.
In the beginning, the Wetzel County Commission gave the five volunteer squads
$5000 each to build or establish their own businesses. Grandview chose to
purchase a three bay "pole barn" type building and to build it themselves.
This pole barn was built with locust posts and formed up with lumber using
corrugated, galvanized siding. The building was large enough to house our
one ambulance and also one fire truck from the Grandview Volunteer Fire
Department. There was also enough room to have two bedrooms, one bath, and
a small meeting room. We were so proud of our accomplishments and we were
ready to roll. After all, the members would build the building themselves.
On May 1, 1974 the first Dodge ambulance was delivered and put into service with
the first official run being made approximately 1 hour after delivery. It
was a fire call.
At the time of this first run, the new squad building had not been completed, so
business was established in the basement of squad members Don and Claris Spencer
located on Coffield Ridge. Now stop and think about this for a minute.
Don and Claris let the squad set up business at their house in the basement.
They permitted us to park the ambulance in their driveway, let the members
completely take over their basement area for an office, and even provided
sleeping quarters in their spare bedrooms. How many people would allow
this today? The squad operated out of Spencer's basement for approximately
six months before moving into their new squad building located by the grade
school.
We want to welcome former retiree members:
Elnora Tuttle, Peggy Francis, Ken Parks, Jim McKinney, Sr., Betty Tagg, Hazel
Blair
Today we’re honoring 3 members who recently decided to retire.
Sandra Murriner joined the squad on October 18, 1973 and began her EMT training
at the Antioch Church. She continued working as an EMT and retired on
September 1, 2010 after being an active member for almost 37 years.
Beth McKinney joined the squad on November 6, 2000 and was our Personnel
Director until she retired on October 2, 2010 after serving for almost 10 years.
Jimmy McKinney joined the squad on February 5, 2003 and served as a driver and
aide until he retired on October 2, 2010 after serving for over 7 years.
Thanks to you all for all the dedicated years of service to our community and
squad.
Sincerely,
Jimmy L. Colvin, Station 30 Manager