Jackson County Rescue Squad Still Responding After 50 Years

A lot has changed for the Jackson County Rescue Squad since a fatal Macon County Flood spurred the squads creation in 1969.

Jackson County Rescue Squad Captain Joey Denson said when the squad was chartered in 1970, it was made up of mostly county commissioners responding to drownings and lost persons. Fifty years later, Denson said the squad is down to 15 members, the lowest he can remember.

However, Denson said the team he has now, is still ready when duty calls.

“We do everything from auto accident extractions, to underwater rescue dive teams, to repelling Cummins Falls,” Denson said. “You name it, whatever comes down the pike, that’s what we respond to.”

Denson said Jackson County Rescue was not only unable to hold a celebration for the 50th anniversary, but held no fundraisers in 2020. Denson said fundraisers and donations make up 80 percent of their total funding.

“We’re like everyone else, we’re making due the best we can. Hopefully looking forward to a brighter and better 2021,” Denson said. “We may end up actually trying to celebrate our 50th anniversary in the 51st year.”

Denson said these fundraising and membership issues are not unique to the Jackson County Rescue Squad. He said the status quo for members used to be 25 to 30 members, but that has been in steady decline.

“We can deal with the fundraising issue and we can deal with the financial issues most of the time,” Denson said. “If you don’t have the membership, that’s something that’s hard to overcome.”

Denson said anyone interested in joining the Jackson County Rescue Squad has a number of ways to get in contact. Denson said Facebook is the best method, but the squad can be reached by phone at (931)-268-3447.