A Brief History of the Chatham Rescue Squad
While researching the history of the Chatham Rescue Squad, we discovered several newspaper articles containing conflicting information regarding its founding. One article states that the Chatham Rescue Squad was formed by members of the Chatham Fire Department in 1927, while another reports its formation in 1931, also by members of the Fire Department.
The Squad’s first ambulance was a 1931 Model A, donated by Otis Meyers, a local Ford dealer who was serving as Mayor of the Village of Chatham at the time. The vehicle affectionately earned the nickname “The Little Red Wagon.” Records indicate that in 1931 the Chatham Rescue Squad responded to 25 ambulance calls.
By 1939, the Squad recognized the need for a new ambulance and organized a fund drive to support its purchase. That tradition continues today, as the Chatham Rescue Squad holds an annual fund drive to help offset operating expenses and support capital projects.
In the early 1960s, discussions began regarding the possibility of incorporating the Rescue Squad. The Squad’s original books were given to an attorney to determine whether incorporation was advisable. According to meeting minutes, the attorney reported in 1962 that he could find no compelling reason to incorporate at that time. However, in June of 1968, the Chatham Rescue Squad officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.
In 1961, the Squad purchased an old Railway Express truck for $50, which was converted into a coffee wagon. Meeting minutes reveal that it was used for many years at various community functions.
January 1969 meeting minutes include a notable entry: “Use of helicopter for ambulance service starting this weekend to see if it is a feasible service.” At the time, there was considerable discussion among members regarding how the service would operate and the potential advantages and drawbacks of such an approach.
The January 1975 meeting minutes mark an important milestone, recording the first vote to admit female members to the Chatham Rescue Squad, Inc.
By 1979, members were discussing the feasibility of relocating to quarters separate from the Fire Department. In late 1985, a motion was made and approved to purchase the Moore Avenue property. Renovation plans for the building began in early 1986. Members and volunteers completed much of the renovation work on the former seven-bay garage, under the direction of Gil Lewis, who was appointed coordinator of the project. The Chatham Rescue Squad, Inc. officially moved into the Moore Avenue facility and celebrated the occasion with an open house in October 1986.
Today, the Chatham Rescue Squad, Inc. remains headquartered at the Moore Avenue location and also operates a second facility on Route 295 in Canaan. The service now provides 24-hour coverage, seven days a week, with on-staff paramedics and EMTs. This combination of paid staff and dedicated volunteers ensures prompt, high-quality emergency medical care throughout our ambulance district.
We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the towns of Austerlitz, Chatham, Canaan, Ghent, and New Lebanon.