Rescue Squad

Henniker Fire and Rescue

History of The Henniker Rescue Squad

The Henniker rescue squad has a long tradition of outstanding service and commitment to the residents and visitors of the town of Henniker. Organized in 1969, the squad has a long history with many firsts such as having two members attend the first national EMT course, running one of the first standardized EMT training courses in New Hampshire, and being the first squad in the state with all members nationally certified. The squad has set standards that volunteer EMS squads strive to achieve.

In 2008 the Rescue Squad lost a great friend in founding member Joe Parish. After Joe succumbed to illness, we reflected on how far the squad has come since its inception. As we mourn the loss of Joe, we take pause of the work done by those that have come before us as we enter into our 40^th year of service.

In 1969 the Rescue Squad was born as a result of tragedy. At that time there was no easy way to get someone to emergency medical care. Nine dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to establish a reliable response network within the Town to offer this service. Since inception the Rescue Squad has striven to meet five simple goals; the visions of our founders:

To provide a necessary and adequate emergency medical service system to the Town of Henniker and the surrounding communities under appropriate mutual aid agreements. This service is to be the best possible, within the limits of this call organization.
To maintain a program of continuing training for all members of the Henniker Rescue Squad.
To promote and advance the interests of the Henniker Rescue Squad.
To promote the public welfare.
To maintain coordination with all the other agencies directly or indirectly involved with the Henniker Rescue Squad.

It was the vision of these men that set the precedence for all of us to live up to. We take great pride in carrying on the tradition that was started those 40 years ago. To that end we strive to maintain a diversified membership that responds at all levels of national certification.

Last year, the call volume increased after three years of being relatively even. In 2009 the squad responded to 581 medical emergency calls. Most of these calls were for trauma or cardiac related emergencies. Currently, the Henniker Rescue Squad has 10 EMT-Basics, 3 EMT-Intermediates, and 2 Paramedics.

At an average of nearly one and a half calls per day we continue to need additional volunteers. We currently have a roster of 22 members, but due to ever increasing work and personal commitments the amount of time each member can donate continues to diminish. For over 30 years the Squad was able to operate with volunteers alone. In 2001 the Town hired two full-time EMT/Firefighters to work weekday hours. Today we have paid Paramedic level coverage five days and nights a week. We need more volunteers to assist with weekend emergency responses as well as requests for a second ambulance. If you are interested in serving your community by offering state-of-the-art pre-hospital emergency medical care, please contact the Rescue Squad at 428-7552 or click on the "Join Us" tab.