Presenting research notes and more on the history of rescue services and EMS in Brunswick County.

Resources

• View family tree graphic: JPG | PDF
• Read research notes (PDF)
• View various newspaper clippings in Google Drive folder. 
• See more Legeros EMS histories.

Related Social Postings

• Legeros Fire Line on Facebook – Search For “Brunswick”
• Examples:
  • Oak Island EMS – Old Building
  • Shallotte Rescue – Chevy Suburban
  • Southport Rescue – Vintage Vehicles
  • Sunny Point – Early Ambulance
  • Town Creek Rescue – First Ambulance
  • Various – Then and Now Map

Short Version

1950 to 1959

• 1955 – Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point opened, had ambulance.
• 1958 – Southport Rescue Squad organized.  
• 1959 – Kilpatrick’s Funeral Service (Southport), Gilbert’s Funeral Service (Southport), Peacock Funeral Home (Shallotte) operating ambulance services.

1960 to 1969  

• 1967 – Long Beach Fire Department renamed Long Beach Fire Department & Rescue Squad. The department had one ambulance.
• 1968 – Leland Rescue Squad organized.  
• 1968 – Shallotte Rescue Squad organized.
• 1968 – Town Creek Rescue Squad organized.   

1970 to 1979 Continue reading ‘Brunswick County EMS and Rescue Squad History’ »

This is a blog version of a Facebook posting from September 10, 2022. 

Early history of Long Beach Rescue Squad on Oak Island. From Wolfgang Furstenau’s 1995 book “Long Beach – A North Carolina Town: Its Origin and History,” from a copy in the collection of the North Carolina Heritage and Government Library in Raleigh.

1962, Sep 15 – Long Beach FD created.

1967, Nov 18 – Renamed Long Beach, N.C. Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad.

1973, Jan 18 – Town commissioners approve separating rescue squad from the fire department.

1973, Apr 19 – Long Beach Rescue Squad chartered. First officers Chief Walt Johnson, Captain Ted Casto, Lieutenant Charlie Leggett, Secretary/Treasurer Nancy Leggett.

• Equipment consisted of one ambulance, purchased in 1967, and a 17-foot McKee boat with 100 horsepower outboard motor.
• Prior to that, in Feb 1969, a three-acre tract of land was given to the rescue squad at the intersection of Route 211 and Long Beach Road.

1973, Aug – Squad has 30 active members, 27 of which were certified ambulance attendants.

1974, Apr 18 – New ambulance would be delivered in one week.

1975, Apr 3 – Constitution revised to allow membership from all of Oak Island, providing they were residents for at least one year.

1979, Jan 17 – Bid awarded for new ambulance, Grumman Emergency Products, $28,100 plus $120 in tax. Was a 1979 Grumman on Ford chassis. Certified to carry two patients. Squad paid $2,000 for equipment and $14,500 for vehicle. Town paid the rest.

1979, Jul 1 – Town started Public Safety Officer Program, to train police officers in first aid, since they were often the first to arrive at the scene of an accident.

1983, Jun 15 – Squad chief told town that they need $7,500 to assist in paying for two more ambulances, that were financed through a bank.

1990, Jan – Fundraising efforts were continuous. At that time, members were planting grass to stabilize sand dunes, to help raise money. Town paid $18,000 for the work, which helped pay the remaining balance for a new $61,000 ambulance.

1991 – Mutual aid agreement with Caswell Beach, in exchange for the town providing about 4 percent of the squad’s operating funds. Similar arrangement was made with Yaupon Beach.

1994, Nov 1 – Squad had 26 members, of which 19 were certified EMT or better. Six had EMTD, three had EMTI, and three were trainees. Rest were ambulance attendant certified.

Then what happened?

David Robinson remembers “In 1998, I was one of 4 of the first career EMTs hired to supplement the volunteers with daytime coverage. In 1999 the town of Long Beach consolidated with Yaupon Beach to form the Town of Oak Island.”

“We continued providing daytime coverage until approximately 2005 when we [town employees] merged into the fire department to have full-time fire and EMS.”

“Eventually the rescue squad/EMS [agency] also merged into the fire department as Oak Island Fire Department (Emergency Services). “

“The Volunteer EMS was eventually phased out and the FD provided some form of fire-based EMS until phasing EMS [services] completely out in around 2013.”

“[The fire department] continued providing EMS ALS first responder [service] until [August 2022] and now [provide] BLS first responder [service].”

Presenting research notes on the history of Coastline Volunteer Rescue Squad in Brunswick County. Check back, as we’re still updating. Last updated July 13, 2026.

Contents

• Timeline
• November 2019 – County Commissioners Meeting Minutes
• June 2020 – County Commissioners Meeting Minutes

Timeline

• 1976 – Rescue squad organized “after a resident in Holden Beach pleaded for a quicker rescue service.” Recounted a newspaper article in 2022, ambulances from Shallotte couldn’t get there fast enough in life and death situations. So “John Clarke and Henry Stone held a meeting at Sabbath Home Baptist Church to discuss the issues, ideas, and possibilities.” [Brunswick Beacon, 7/21/22]
• 1976 – Following “fundraising donations from John and Julia Johnson and John A. Walker” as well as a $10,000 grant from the Governors Highway Safety Program for an ambulance, the squad was operational. [BB, 7/21/22]
• 1976 – The first squad vehicle was a 4WD Jeep and its first call was bringing a missing lady out of the woods in Ash, who was transferred to a waiting ambulance from Shallotte. [BB, 7/21/22]
• 1977? – The first ambulance was used in the first call for stand-by at a structure fire, recounted the story, where a “fireman was given oxygen.” Their squad building was built on donated land. [BB, 7/21/22]
• 1976, Sep – CVRS was incorporated by the state in September 1976.
• 1977 – Two ambulances purchased. [BB, 7/21/22]
• 1977, fall – Brunswick Hospital opened, which brought emergency services even closer to the community. [BB, 7/21/22]
• 1979, Dec – Squad was franchised by the county in December 1979, along with Leland RS, Long Beach RS, Shallotte RS, Southport RS, Town Creek RS, and tentatively Waccamaw RS. [Wilmington Star-News/12/4/79]
• 1980, Oct 1 – Reported a newspaper article, the county had assigned them primary responsibility for rescue services in the middle coastal area of Brunswick County.
• 1999, Sep – Snapshot. Squad had about 40 members and 33 who were state-certified. [BB, 7/21/22] 
• 2019, Jul – Snapshot. 
  • Served districts protected by Tri-Beach VFD, Supply VFD, Civietown VFD, Bolivia VFD, and from the city limits of Shallotte to the Columbus County line and surrounding areas. 
  • Volunteer staff including 13 EMTs and 2 Advanced EMTs. 
  • Fleet with four vehicles that included two ALS ambulances and 1 BLS QRV. 
  • Provided both emergency and non-emergency transport services for service types such as vehicle collisions, injured persons, missing persons, water rescue calls, fire calls, personal assistance calls, stand-by at high schools, and transport of patients to “distant healthcare facilities.” [BCBOC, 11/19]
• 2020 – Ended operations after their EMS franchise agreement ended in July 2019. The squad submitted a new application that was denied in September 2019, In a public hearing in June 2020, county officials cited their reasons that BCEMS was already providing paramedic-level coverage throughout the area, CVRS had been responding to less than 20–25% of the calls, which the county considered unacceptable, and Since the county assumed service, there had been no problems, and ambulance needs were being met. See comments for more. [Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, 6/20]
• At the time, CVRS was receiving $36,000 annually from the county. In 2018, they answered over 1,000 calls for service. [CVRS news release, 5/19]  
• Also at that time, CVRS had 13 volunteer EMS providers, two part-time EMS providers, additional support personnel, two ambulances, and a BLS quick-response vehicle. [BCBOC, 6/20]

November 2019 – County Commissioners Meeting Minutes

Excerpt from November 4, 2019, minutes of Brunswick County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes

Franchise Request:

Coastline Volunteer Rescue:

Mr. Joseph McKellar, Attorney at law Batts, Batts & Bell, LLP, Rocky Mount, NC was present to represent on the behalf of Coastline Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. Mr. McKellar stated, Coastline Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., received a letter ending their franchise agreement in July, 2019 from the County without any reason. There is a law suit pending with the County. Nevertheless and out of an abundance of caution, we believe we’re not required to come before this Committee. However, we have decided to complete the franchise agreement, although CVRS never had completed a franchise agreement in years past. Mr. McKellar stated, “Coastline Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. was invited before the Committee to submit and discuss the franchise application. CVRS is requesting the approval from the Brunswick County Emergency Services Peer Committee to return back to normal operations responding to emergency and non-emergency services.” Over the past forty years it has been the goal of Coastline Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. to serve the citizens of Brunswick County and wishes to continue to serve districts in Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Dept., Supply Volunteer Fire Dept., Civietown Volunteer Fire Dept., and Bolivia Fire Dept. district areas. Also, the city limits of Shallotte to the county line of Columbus County and surrounding areas.

Mr. McKellar mentioned this is not an application, but a reapplication for CVRS. We’re requesting to continue service within the County. CVRS has a lot of volunteers to include 13 EMT volunteers, and 2 AEMT’s who are credentialed and certified. Additionally, CVRS’s fleet consists of 4 vehicles; 2 ambulances that are certified at advance level services and 1 BLS QRV – Quick Response Vehicle. CVRS supports 5 fire agencies, local sheriff and state law enforcement. They also provide medical transport support in several situations which includes; MVC, injuries, missing person, water rescue, fire calls, personal assistance calls, stand-bys at the local high schools and transport of patients to distant healthcare facilities. Many of these services were only provided by CVRS.

During Hurricane Florence CVRS provided its front line unit and transported patients for Hospice. During Hurricane Dorian CVRS received several phone calls from the same providers seeking CVRS’s assistance, but they were unable to assist. CVRS enjoys helping the citizens and the phone is ringing off the hook. They have a lot of donors and support throughout the Supply and Holden Beach area. CVRS is seeking to continue services without seeking funding from the County. There is an abundance of charitable support and billing collection is enough to sustain its agency.

Lyle Johnston asked David Robinson what their hours of operation are. 12- or 24-hour shifts? Mr. Robinson stated that he is unable to determine hours of operation at this time. That will depend on their funding, assets available and staffing.

Lyle Johnston asked David Robinson what services CVRS will be providing. Mr. Robinson replied, CVRS’s goal is to get back up and running emergency and non-emergency calls. In the past, prior to Lyle Johnston’s employment, CVRS had requested an adjustment in the district area and would be open to a modification of a zone change.

The Committee discussed and Lyle Johnston motioned to deny the request for Coastline Volunteer Rescue Squad, LLC Franchise Application as presented before the committee. CVRS is unable to adequately fulfill the services presented in the application submitted and Dr. William Sherrod seconded. The motion was adopted by a vote of 7-0 with Lyle Johnston, Dr. William Sherrod, Kat Corrigan, Rich Burr, Tracy Cairnes, Art Donyfeld, and Brian Ross voting in favor to deny the request. David Ward, Leon Bass, Kim Stallman abstained.

Source: https://brunswickconc.portal.civicclerk.com/search?q=%22coastline+volunteer+rescue%22 

June 2020 – County Commissioners Meeting Minutes

Excerpt from June 15, 2020, minutes of Brunswick County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes.

2. Presentation – Emergency Services – Coastline Rescue Franchise Hearing

Request that the Board of Commissioners hold a hearing on the franchise application submitted by Coastline Rescue Squad and receive information from Emergency Management and Coastline Rescue.

Mr. Bryan Batton, Assistant County Attorney, explained that pursuant to the franchise ordinance, the Board is required to give applicants who apply for a franchise an opportunity to be heard by the Board and render a decision within 30 days of the hearing.

Mr. Batton provided the following overview: The County provided Coastline Rescue Squad notice in May 2019 of its intention to terminate the franchise agreement and the franchise agreement was terminated on July 22, 2019. On July 8, 2019 Coastline Rescue filed a complaint seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent termination. The injunction was denied. The open court case has no bearing on this hearing. Coastline Rescue reapplied for the franchise on July 19, 2019 and went before the EMS peer review committee. On September 26, 2019, the peer review committee met and voted to deny the application as submitted. EMS has denied the application.

Mr. Batton informed the Board that, following the hearing, the franchise would be granted if the County finds 1) the public convenience and necessity warrants the cost of expanding the services already available to the proposed ambulance service; 2) each such ambulance of the applicant, the required equipment, and the premises designated in the application have been certified by the county and state; and 3) certified ambulance attendants and emergency medical technicians are employed in such capacities as required by law.

Mr. Batton explained that the Board would hear from Coastline and EMS, and may render a decision immediately following the hearing, or do so within the next 30 days.

Chairman Williams recognized those speaking on behalf of Coastline.

Mr. Joe McKellar, Attorney representing Coastline Volunteer Rescue Squad, requested that the Board recognize a franchise for Coastline to provide emergency and non-emergency ambulance services in Brunswick County. Mr. McKellar provided information related to the case before the Superior Court. He stated there was a lot of experience and skill currently not being used to include 13 volunteer EMS providers, two part-time EMS providers, and an additional support personnel. He further noted that Coastline is capable of providing one medical responder and one EMT for each response and transport, and that it currently has four fleet vehicles including two ambulances and one BLS level quick response vehicle. Mr. McKellar provided information on the types of responses Coastline has provided in the past, and information relating to citizen support. Mr. McKellar asked for recognition of Coastline’s ambulance franchise for emergency and non-emergency services and noted that they are willing to compromise the service area largely to the Holden Beach area, for now.

Mr. David Robinson, representing Coastline and people in the community, asked that the Board consider approving the franchise agreement with the reduced area. Mr. Robinson shared the impact Coastline has had throughout the county and believes the taxpayer dollars spent fighting is unnecessary. He added that Coastline remains open to discussions.

Ms. Dorothy McDonald spoke in support of the franchise application and shared information related to the assistance Coastline provided to her husband during the hurricanes and the service they have provided over the years.

Mr. Don Robinson spoke in support of the franchise application and shared information related to the quick response Coastline provided to his son in transporting him from Novant to New Hanover prior to the helicopter arriving for transport.

Mr. Ed Conrow, Emergency Services Director, explained that the franchise application was submitted after termination and was reviewed in September by the peer review committee. The recommendation for denial was based on 1) the ability of Coastline to meet the obligation based on the submitted level of service they were requesting and 2) duplication of services. Currently, Brunswick County EMS services the area with a paramedic level ambulance stationed at the Tri-Beach Fire Department, as they are stationed throughout the county. Coastline was not meeting the obligation; responding to less than 20% – 25% of the calls, which is not acceptable. Based on these factors, the decision was made to terminate, and the decision still stands. No issues have occurred in the past nine months and ambulance services are still being provided in the area with paramedic level service. The needs are being met and staff continues to evaluate the service level and move resources as the county grows.

Mr. Lyle Johnston, Director of EMS, concurred with the information provided by Mr. Conrow.

Mr. David Robinson returned to the podium to answer questions related to the reduced service area and the level of response Coastline proposes to provide to the citizens.

Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to place this item on the July 6, 2020 Regular Meeting agenda to render a decision.

Source: https://brunswickconc.portal.civicclerk.com/search?q=%22coastline+volunteer+rescue%22