The Buckingham Volunteer Rescue Squad (BVRS) has enough volunteer members to man assigned Sunday schedules, according to BVRS Representative Kerry Flippen in regards to recent updates with the squad.

“That’s a big step for us as far as volunteers go,” Flippen said.

He said the plan is to create two volunteer crews starting in September that will work an assigned day shift, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

He said currently, he has had crews volunteer on Sundays, but it hasn’t been assigned. A few volunteers could work one Sunday, but maybe not the next week. Flippen said career members are there to fill the schedule. Career staff members rotate to work 24-hour shift on the weekends, and work 12-hour shifts during the week. 

There are currently 23 volunteers at the rescue squad Flippen said. Out of those volunteer providers, 14 serve as EMS providers and nine serve as drivers.

There are also volunteers in training.

The BVRS is also starting an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class that will be held at Dillwyn’s Station 19 building that is set to take place weekly starting Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. The cost of the class is free, Flippen said, but participants would need to purchase their books.

Flippen commended the recent Dillwyn Truck & Tractor Pull, which raised funds for the rescue squad in addition to the four fire departments in the county.

He hoped the news would reassure residents that the squad is continuing to serve their neighbors. Squads in the region, including the Buckingham Volunteer Rescue Squad, have experienced challenges related to dwindling volunteer bases, additional mandated training, rising costs for equipment and the resignation of the vice president last year.

“The squad is still alive, we’re still seeking members, we’re trying to move forward,” Flippen said.