Mount Airy Rescue Squad

06/14/2026

📻 Heard us sounding a little different on the scanner? You're not imagining it!

If you've been listening to emergency radio traffic lately, you may have noticed that Mount Airy Rescue Squad has changed the way we identify our units over the air. We wanted to take a moment to explain why.

The biggest reason is clear communication. Instead of simply hearing "855" or "857," you'll now hear identifiers like 85 Rescue 1 or 85 Ambulance 2. This allows dispatchers and responders to instantly know what type of resource is responding without having to memorize unit numbers. In a profession where seconds matter, that clarity is invaluable.

This isn't just a Mount Airy Rescue Squad initiative. All rescue squads in Surry County have adopted this updated naming convention. The change was presented, discussed, and ultimately approved by the membership of the Surry County Association of Rescue Squads (SCARS) in coordination with Surry County E-911 Communications to promote consistency and improve countywide communications.

The transition also allowed one of our sister rescue agencies (Dobson Rescue Squad), whose fleet has grown beyond the traditional numbering system, the flexibility to continue expanding while maintaining an organized and logical unit structure. It's a great example of agencies working together for the benefit of the communities we all serve!

For those following along at home, our updated designations are:

🚑 QRV 853 → 85 Unit 1
🚑 QRV 854 → 85 Unit 2
🚑 Heavy Rescue 855 → 85 Rescue 1
🚑 Medium Rescue 856 → 85 Rescue 2
🚑 Ambulance 857 → 85 Ambulance 1
🚑 Ambulance 858 → 85 Ambulance 2
🚑 85 UTV (new unit) → 85 UTV 1
🚑 85 Mule 1 → 85 UTV 2

We love tradition, and we take great pride in our history. But as emergency services evolve, so must the way we communicate. Adopting a modern, descriptive unit designation system helps us work more effectively with our partner agencies, reduces confusion on the radio, and ultimately helps us provide the highest level of service to the citizens we proudly protect.

New names. Same dedicated volunteers. Same commitment to excellence.

Modern rescue. Rooted in service. Powered by people. 🚑💚

06/11/2026

Your community needs you. Will you answer the call?

At Mount Airy Rescue Squad, we are more than ambulances and rescue trucks. We are neighbors helping neighbors, a family built on service, and a team committed to making a difference every single day.

Whether you have dreamed of responding to emergencies or simply want to give back to your community, there is a place for you here.

Interested in emergency response? We provide training, mentorship, and opportunities to develop lifesaving skills while serving alongside an incredible group of volunteers.

Emergency calls not your thing? That is perfectly okay. Our Auxiliary Division is just as important to our mission. From community events and fundraising to member support and behind-the-scenes operations, our auxiliary members help keep everything moving forward. You are still part of the same family, the same team, and the same mission. If you ask many of our members what they wish they had done differently, the answer is almost always the same: “I wish I had joined sooner.”

Come see what makes Mount Airy Rescue Squad different. Find your place, build lifelong friendships, and make a real impact right here at home.

👉 Apply today: https://www.mountairyrescue.org/apply-now

Your community needs you. Your future teammates are waiting. Your only regret might be not clicking the link and joining sooner!

06/07/2026

Today, Members of the Mount Airy Rescue Squad spent their Saturday on the water sharpening their boat operations skills during an intensive water rescue training session. Throughout the day, crews focused on loading and unloading boats, maneuvering under a variety of conditions, and testing the capabilities and limitations of our equipment while operating both forward and reverse. Training like this ensures that when our community calls for help, we are prepared to respond safely, effectively, and confidently.

What makes today even more special is that every member who participated did so voluntarily. They chose to give up a beautiful Saturday with family and friends to invest in their skills and better serve the citizens of our community. That dedication is what makes volunteer emergency services so remarkable!

We were honored to have Trey Smith leading today’s training. Trey recently retired from the Charlotte Fire Department after more than 37 years of service; and is widely recognized as one of the most respected and knowledgeable water rescue instructors in the state. We sincerely appreciate him sharing his experience, knowledge, and passion with our team.

A special thank you also goes to 13 Bones for providing a fantastic lunch following training. Your hospitality and support of first responders are greatly appreciated!

We are proud of our members’ commitment to continuous improvement and grateful for the support of those who help make it possible!

Modern Rescue. Rooted in Service. Powered by People.

05/30/2026

Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Deputy Logan Utt, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Logan was more than a deputy. He was a dedicated public servant, a brother in emergency services, and a former firefighter with the Mount Airy Fire Department. Throughout the years, our members had the privilege of working alongside Logan on countless incidents, trainings, and community events. His commitment to serving others was evident in everything he did, and his impact on this community will never be forgotten.

The loss of a public servant is felt far beyond the badge or uniform. It is felt by every first responder who stood beside him, every citizen he protected, every friend who knew him, and most importantly, by the family who loved him.

On behalf of the officers, members, Board of Directors, and Auxiliary of the Mount Airy Rescue Squad, we extend our deepest condolences to Deputy Utt’s family, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Mount Airy Fire Department, and all of his friends and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time.

Please keep everyone affected by this tragic loss in your thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. We also ask that you keep the men and women of law enforcement in your prayers as they work tirelessly and courageously to locate the suspect responsible for this senseless act. May they be granted strength, wisdom, protection, and resolve as they seek justice for their fallen brother.

Rest easy, Deputy Utt. Your watch may have ended, but your service, sacrifice, and legacy will never be forgotten.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women of our United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy each day and reminds us that liberty has never been free.

As responders, we understand the meaning of service, commitment, and answering the call. Today, we stand in gratitude for those who answered a far greater one.

From all of us at Mount Airy Rescue Squad, THANK YOU to our fallen heroes and to the families who continue to carry their legacy.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 2026 🇺🇸

05/05/2026

🚨 Community Night is THIS Friday! 🚨

Join us on Main Street in Mount Airy for a great evening with your local responders! This is your chance to see what we do and connect with the people who serve this community every day.

👋 Meet your responders
🚑 Check out and touch our trucks and equipment
🔥 Watch a LIVE rescue demonstration
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring the whole family for a fun, interactive night

We are proud to serve this community, and events like this give us the opportunity to connect outside of emergency calls. You might even find yourself inspired to join the next generation of rescuers.

📍 We will see you Friday on Main Street!

05/05/2026

What an incredible day for the Mount Airy Rescue Squad!

On March 14th, we proudly celebrated 65 years of service to our community along with our Truck Dedication Ceremony, and it was truly something special.

It meant a lot to have so many former members and retirees join us, including five past Chiefs who helped build the foundation of who we are today. Seeing those generations come together was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come!

We were honored to welcome Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, and Commander of the North Carolina Association of Rescue & EMS Josh Shumate, along with several local dignitaries.

Both Congresswoman Foxx and Commander Shumate presented special recognitions honoring our 65 years of service, which made the day even more meaningful! 🇺🇸

A major highlight was Commissioner Causey presenting the Order of the Guardian Award to Dan Speight, Tim Eldridge, and Rachel Eldridge.
This is one of North Carolina’s highest honors in public safety, recognizing 40+ years of dedicated service to the citizens of our state. An incredible and well-deserved recognition!

We also proudly dedicated our new rescue truck to Betty Riggs.
Her generosity and belief in our mission made this truck and its life-saving equipment possible. Her impact will be felt every time this truck rolls out the door.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day was when our community gathered around the truck, laid hands on it, and prayed over it. Praying for the safety of our members and many years of service to the people we love.

Thank you to everyone who came out, supported us, and continues to stand behind what we do. This was a great day for our community to see who we are, what we do, and how we’ve grown over the last 65 years.

A HUGE THANK YOU to our 65th Anniversary Committee for organizing and making this event one for the books!

Here’s to continuing the mission for many years to come! 🚑


NC Association of Rescue and EMS, Inc.
NC Department of Insurance
Rep. Virginia Foxx
Joshua Shumate

04/14/2026

Today we had the pleasure of hosting our friends from Yadkin County Emergency Communications for a site visit here at Mount Airy Rescue Squad!

We were proud to welcome Supervisor Dylan Hutchens and Telecommunicator Jacob Williams to Mayberry. They came up to see how we operate in Surry County, from our day to day functions to the full scope of our capabilities and how our public safety system is structured. These kinds of visits are incredibly valuable because they give all of us the opportunity to learn, grow, and continue building stronger systems for the communities we serve.

One thing that always stands out in conversations like this is the importance of mutual aid. Did you know that we work alongside every county around us when needed or requested? Even the ones in Virginia! While those calls are not an everyday occurrence, when they do happen they are often high priority situations where teamwork, trust, and communication matter the most. That is where relationships like these make all the difference.

Strong relationships lead to stronger responses. When you know the people on the other end of the radio, when you have trained together, and built that mutual respect, the job gets done more efficiently and effectively. That is what brotherhood in public safety is all about.

We cannot say enough great things about what Yadkin County Emergency Communications is building. As the first point of contact for those dialing 911, they play a critical role in every emergency response. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to serving their community are evident in everything they do.

And of course, no visit to Mayberry would be complete without a stop at a local favorite. We made sure they got the full experience with a famous pork chop sandwich from Snappy Lunch!

Thank you all again for coming up and spending time with us. We appreciate the partnership, the friendships, and the shared mission of serving our communities at the highest level.

Welcome to Mayberry, and we look forward to having you back again soon!

04/01/2026

🚨 It’s that time of year again… our Annual Letter Fundraiser is underway! 🚨

If you own property within our district, you should have received a letter in the mail asking for your support. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it plays a critical role in keeping your rescue squad up and running.

Here’s the honest truth… we are not a tax-based organization. That means we rely heavily on donations from our community to fund our operations and equipment so we can continue to serve you when you need us most.

And since it’s April 1st… no, this is NOT an April Fools joke. 😅
But seriously… without your support, agencies like ours simply cannot continue to exist.

If you didn’t receive a letter but would still like to support us, you can:
📬 Mail a check to:
Mount Airy Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 1053
Mount Airy, NC 27030

💻 Or donate securely online:
PayPal.me/mountairyrescuesquad

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.

And a big thank you to the The Mount Airy News for the recent article and for always showing our agency in a positive light. We truly appreciate it!

❤️ We volunteer to serve.

https://www.mtairynews.com/news/squad-launches-appeal-for-funds/article_db7b4323-6ac9-45b2-82ab-5e7387e048e3.html

Go to paypal.me/MountAiryRescueSquad and type in the amount. Since it’s PayPal, it's easy and secure. Don’t have a PayPal account? No worries.

03/19/2026

🚑 We’re up and at it early this morning! 🚑

The Mount Airy Rescue Squad is proud to be set up at the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Student Career Day & Job Expo at Surry Community College!

Our members showed up early, ready to represent, connect, and hopefully recruit the next generation of rescuers. That kind of dedication speaks volumes about the heart of this organization. 💪

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in emergency services, giving back to your community, or just want to see what we’re all about, come by and see us! We’re set up in the gym until 12:00 PM.

This is your chance to check out what we do, ask questions, and maybe even find your place on our team. The future of our agency starts with people just like you!

👏 Huge thank you to the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce for the invitation and for supporting opportunities like this for our community.

Come see us. We’d love to meet you! 🚨