Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad

09/06/2026

At 4:30am September 6th, RS741B was dispatched with other 2nd battalion units to the outer loop of 495 at N270 for a collision with multiple callers reporting an overturned vehicle with unknown occupant location.

PE707 arrived on scene and confirmed one on its roof off the roadway. Finding no one in the vehicle, the units on scene commenced a search of the wooded area using flashlights and thermal imaging cameras. RS741B performed a controlled lift of the vehicle using cribbing and hydraulic rescue tools to ensure the occupant had not been ejected and pinned beneath the vehicle. Simultaneously, one engine and the Battalion Chief continued up 270 with police and located the patient on foot on the side of the highway, rendered aid, and confirmed that he was the sole occupant.

09/01/2026

On Sunday 8/30 at 1:05 pm , RS741B and PE706 were dispatched to a highrise in downtown Bethesda for a routine automatic fire alarm. Upon arrival, PE706 made the notification to "fill the box" meaning it wasn't a malfunctioning alarm but an actual working fire. While PE706, with help from the sprinkler, quickly controlled the fire in the bedroom, the crew of RS741B did a search of the apartment for occupants, which was negative. Additional crews evacuated the smoke and determined whether any other apartments were affected. This type of call, automatic fire alarms, are typically accidentally triggered or malfunctioning systems but we are trained to respond to each as if it's a working fire, because sometimes it is....
Photo Credit Pete Piringer

08/27/2026

At just 18 years old, Jonathan Mitchum has already built an impressive foundation of service and dedication with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. For approximately two and a half years, Jonathan has committed his time to learning, training, and serving his community. During his time with us, Jonathan has completed his EMT certification as well as Firefighter I and Firefighter II, demonstrating his determination to develop the skills necessary to serve both medical and fire emergencies. His hard work and commitment have recently earned him another important milestone: qualifying to ride as minimum staffing on our heavy fire/rescue squad.

Jonathan’s progress has also allowed him to successfully move up as a minimum-staffing medical emergency provider, placing him in a position where his training and skills can directly contribute to our ability to respond to calls and serve the community. While many 18-year-olds are just beginning to consider their future, Jonathan has already spent years investing in a career of service, taking challenging courses, gaining experience, and accepting greater responsibility. His journey is a great example of what dedication, perseverance, and a genuine desire to help others can accomplish at a young age. As he leaves us for MIT in just a couple of days, we know that his time with us was just the beginning. We do not doubt for even a second that he has a bright future ahead.

John is in the photo below (on left, operating battery-powered extrication tool in a recent training session).

08/23/2026

Support Vets, First Responders, and Great Rotary projects on Thursday, September 17, 2026!

Join Metro Bethesda Rotary Club at beautiful Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, MD, for the 20th Annual Purple Tee Golf Classic – a day of great golf, community, and giving back.

This milestone fun tournament supports three incredible community organizations:
✅ The Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA), celebrating its 20th anniversary
✅ Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad
✅ Metro Bethesda Rotary Club's Foundation and projects

Here's the schedule:

⏱️ 8:30 AM – Registration, Breakfast
⏱️ 10:00 AM – Shotgun Start
⏱️ 11:30 AM – Boxed Lunch
⏱️ 4:15 PM – Auction Ends, Raffles Drawn
⏱️ 5:00 PM – Dinner

Supporting the Purple Tee is easy, even if you don't play golf!
👉Sponsor a deserving Vet to play!
👉Get your company some great visibility by purchasing an event sponsorship!
👉Donate an item for the Silent Auction!
👉Purchase a foursome!

Visit our website to learn more: purpletee.fundraiser.bid
Rotary District 7620

08/23/2026

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, in conjunction with the National Auto Body Council, sponsored an advanced auto extrication program at the Squad’s facility in Bethesda, MD. Several dozen firefighters and first responders from around the Washington DC region participated in this program, which allows them to practice and hone skills specifically on late model vehicles with lighter weight, high strength steels, sophisticated electronics and multiple airbag systems. This type of training is a crucial part of the BCCRS mission to provide the highest quality fire/rescue/EMS service, and we were happy to host the NABC and fellow fire/rescue personnel. The program took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the BCCRS station in downtown Bethesda.

08/21/2026

Firefighters test extrication tools, techniques on newer vehicles at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad!! 🚒🚒
Article in Bethesda Magazine & Bethesda Beat

This type of training is a crucial part of the BCCRS mission to provide the highest quality fire/rescue/EMS service, and we were happy to host the National Auto Body Council and fellow fire/rescue personnel from around the region. The program took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at BCCRS station in downtown Bethesda.

Event drew first responders from around region

08/15/2026

Earlier today, RS741B and units from Battalions 1, 5 and Frederick County were dispatched to the Dickerson MARC train station for a report of a pedestrian struck.

RS741B, staffed with a Rail Liaison Officer, responded and assisted command.

The patient was transported by Maryland State Police Trooper 3 to a trauma center.

RS741B responded to several other rail incidents today in addition to the event in Dickerson.

08/10/2026

RS741B and A741C were dispatched during the afternoon storm for the report of a house on fire in Company 20s area. Battalion 2 units arrived on scene to smoke coming from the house. RS741B completed searches and assisted with opening up for the Engine Companies. A741C provided aid to the homeowners and established rehab for the firefighters. Units operated for 1 hour before returning to Battery Lane

08/04/2026

In Remembrance of Chief David S. Dwyer - Additional photos from his funeral. Rest in Peace Chief.

Credit to www.Portraitphotographer.com for the photography

08/03/2026

On Friday July 31st, family, friends, and members of BCCRS and MCFRS gathered for a funeral/mass service to remember and honor Chief David S. Dwyer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rockville, Maryland.

Chief Dwyer joined BCCRS as a volunteer in 1960 and dedicated the next 65 years to serving both the organization and the citizens of Montgomery County. His distinguished service included 25 years as Chief, 30 years on the Board of Directors, six additional years as a line officer, and more than 34 years of active-duty service. His contributions extended far beyond BCCRS. Throughout his career, Chief Dwyer held numerous leadership positions within Montgomery County's volunteer fire and rescue service, including serving as the first Chief of the Division of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services in the newly established Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. His legacy will continue and never be forgotten.